‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014)

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Like always, this is just another blockbuster that I come to the party late for. Let’s do this.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) Marvel Film Review

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) finally accepts his role as Spider Man. Only now that graduation day is here, news of his existence rises, he feels himself slowly pulling away from the love of his life, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). With memories of her father’s last words haunting him, he ends the relationship, hoping that by watching Gwen from afar he can keep her safe and out of his enemies’ path.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014). Reviewing the sequel with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. All review text © Rissi JC

Distractions soon arise when New York is under new threats. New villains bring Peter battles in the form of Electro (Jamie Foxx) and the return of Peter’s troubled friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan).

From what I remember about this film at its release, it lost a lot of the enthusiasm after killing off a key character in dramatic fashion. It’s easy to understand how this made fans feel a keen sense of loss. In many ways, I do understand this bold move when you consider the comic book legend. Still when there’s so much good in this relationship, this will be a loss the viewer feels in a third film. In hindsight, the Tobey McGuire years give us a better “version” in this regard.  

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014). Reviewing the sequel with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. #Movies #Marvel #MovieArchives Click To Tweet

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Now we have the ambiguous bad out of the way, let’s move on to the good. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, this is another action-packed movie that doesn’t slow down! The battle of superpowers, the number of villains and the destruction all kicks off in the first five minutes (which cause Peter to be late to his graduation). This certainly keeps the plot hopping, and yet this movie does take time to slow and keep in perspective the history Peter wants to know. Specifically about his father’s (played by Campbell Scott) work. It’s a hard thing to balance the human aspect of a flick like this because while our heroes are at their core, “only human” much of the movie does rely on the supernatural.

To be honest, this film does become too villain heavy. That being said, as a counter balance, I think this sequel takes greater care to not lose sight of Peter Parker. The end is what really sets the whole piece of cinema apart. Sure it rips open our hearts prior to that and shows us a darker side of Peter in the interim, yet how the writer’s bring him around is a kind of gentle, more innocent moment that’s lovely. Though quietly, what the ultimate conclusion boils down to is that Peter Parker is going to be okay. And at the end of the day, that’s good enough.

Content: There is lots of destruction as usual. Various baddies attempt to take out the good guys including the cops. Profanity is light, there’s maybe a use of h*ll or sh*t. The film is PG-13.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

6 comments

  1. "Why are you so dirty?"
    "I was cleaning the chimney."
    "We don't have a chimney."
    "Whaaaaaa?"

    This movie though >>>

    Spider-man is one of my favoritest superheroes. And Andrew Garfield was BORN to be Peter Parker. Love, love, love these two movies. Oh and Emma Stone is just the best. Love that girl.

    1. YES! That scene was fantastic, Raquel. Thanks for the reminder. :)

      This movie indeed; I really liked it and Spider-Man is pretty spectacular, I agree. Andrew and Emma are both great in these roles… only thing *sniff* that dynamic won't be back. :/

  2. This is a really great review!! I was pretty disappointed with this sequel, but Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone really were spectacular so I couldn't be too upset. I'm hoping the next movie gets better! *fingers crossed* I'm excited for Mary Jane's intro.

    1. I really enjoyed it – I'm a bit muddled on it since it's been a while that I watched this and I've been writing the review off and on ever since (ooops!), but what I remember was liking it. As for MJ, I'm with you! Really excited to meet her in this reboot (but, guys! 2018… how will we make it that long… *sigh*). You know Shailene Woodley filmed scenes in this as MJ, but they were cut and now she says she wouldn't return so hmmm… wonder who'll play the famous love interest!?

  3. I do love Andrew Garfield as Peter! The "key character"dying "in dramatic fashion and circumstances" was maddening to me, though! It was a very stupid and annoying way to kill off a character! I am interested to see how I like MJ, hopefully I'll still be able to enjoy the new spidey series. I would be much more excited if MJ was going to be Shailene Woodley! I wonder who made the unfortunate decision to cut her scenes?!?!? *sigh*

    1. So do I, Lizzie! My mom likes the oldies better, but I don't know… I'm liking Andrew a lot with each film. As for that plot "twist" (or whatever the writer's may have coined it), I agree. Ugh. It was annoying to experience that.

      Yes, me too – honestly when I learned she was playing MJ in this sequel, I was thrilled! Shailene is one talented young actress and I think she'd have done the role justice. Now she claims she won't be a part of movie 3. Oh, dear… wonder who'll be cast!? :)

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