(film review) - The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Rise of Electro

I chose this title because it made more sense after watching the film. However, before I get into it, I want to point out a few things first. I have been following these comic book movies for a while now. I try to get enough information about these films, their potential storylines, the heroes and the antagonists. Spider-Man's marketing was relentless and barely stopped for a breather. From shooting, set pics, clues, mythos, potential enemies and the future of Spider-Man. With that said, Marc Webb IS directing a trilogy. Spider-Man's universe is going to be dynamic. So dynamic, they have planned future films after the original trilogy when that is complete with two spin off films and Spider-Man 4. Yes, as I said, dynamic.

To the average movie-goer, Spider-Man is just going to be another Spider-Man film and people will not understand the contractual agreements these studios who have the rights to Spider-Man and people won't understand why Toby Maguire is not Spider-Man any more, unfortunately. As I stated in my last Amazing Spider-Man review, that film was 10 years too late and this Spider-Man universe is much better and had this been executed way back when, we would be on Spider-Man 8 or so by now.
In regards to the film and it's relentless promotion and if you are reading this before you go out to see the film, I want to make you aware of something before you watch. Not a spoiler per say, but something in which the marketing has advertised which could be misinterpreted.

Firstly, this is indeed Spider-Man's biggest battle. However, with the images displayed with that message, it may not be the battle you were thinking.
Secondly, in this universe, Spider-Man follows very closely to the Spider-Man comics, down to plot twists and storylines which are burrowed from the ultimate universe as well as the comics to provide a "realistic" and "grounded" story. When watching this film, you will need to bare in mind that this is only the start of Spider-Man's troubles.

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is the young intelligent student who had been bitten by a genetically altered Spider which then turns him into a superhuman kid with heightened senses, strength, agility and stamina. Now as New York's friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, he has defeated criminals and Supervillains as well as juggling his life as a student and trying his best to keep a promise he has given to the love of his life's father after the events of the first film. Realising that breaking his promise is more haunting than he initially expected, Spider-Man battles with this along with the loss of his parents as he still has unanswered questions about his parents disappearance and his father's work/connection to Oscorp. As Peter's childhood friend comes back into town, Peter tries to rekindle his friendship with Harry Osborn (Dane Dehaan) until he is caught in a sticky situation where has has to make some hard choices. With all this going on and his on again off again relationship with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), Max Dillion (Jamie Foxx) falls tragic to an accident which leaves him unrecognisable and able to control electricity who is now hellbent on destroying Spider-Man.

From loving the first The Amazing Spider-Man (Although it was 10 years too late), this film basically continues where the last Spider-Man left off. Much more colourful, more comic book-like in visuals but still somewhat dark in tone and even the threats come across somewhat real. The on screen relationship between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are great. In my opinion, their story is soo touching that there were a few times in the film I could have been brought to tears. Peter Parker's trouble/stress with his parents leaving, his old friend coming back to town and his aunt doing all that she can to look after her nephew without her beloved husband Uncle Ben is a lot. Although the film wasn't purely made for 3D like Avatar, the 3D element not once took me away from the movie like other 3D films have, like 300: Rise of an Empire and Man of Steel.
The comedy in this film was decent as there seemed to be a consistent tone in the film without coming across too cheesy/corny. The camera angles were also great and the last battle was epic enough. Dialogue was fitting, apart from a time where Peter Parker says, "Don't get it twisted" which took me out of the moment. It didn't feel like it was fitting. Jamie Foxx as Max Dillion was also great. His acting chops, something I have seen before in a previous film but as Electro, Mr. Foxx was quite sinister as well as very smart like his alter ego, not to mention Dane DeHaan's depiction of Harry Osborn.

I would say, DO NOT EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM THIS FILM as most of you would have seen Captain America: Winter Soldier and love it and then compare this Marvel film with that Marvel film. These films are NOT ALIKE.

Sometimes I feel that I have to defend Spider-Man too much etc etc, but in all honesty, although not as good as CA:TWS, this film is a great opening for the future films to come. Yes Spider-Man has his greatest challenge yet and this film did exactly what it needed to do to set up the Spidey Universe nicely. Watch out for the Easter Eggs.

(film review) - The Amazing Spider-Man

All people do is, compare. I guess that is how we monitor progression and/or evolve. You start with something then you try to do better. Kinda like making improvements or beating your personal best. If you never knew the story of Spider-Man from the comics, then 10 years ago, there was a film which told you that story. (For a brief description on all the Spider-Man films seek: Pre-Amazing Spider-Man [Tobey Maguire]) In this film, the story is told but in a slightly different way.
The Amazing Spider-Man will be compared to other comic book films as well as the previous Spider-Man films. From what I have read and heard so far, the film is generally getting mixed reviews but mostly positive. However, you will need to bare in mind before watching this film, YOU CANNOT COMPARE THIS TO THE LAST COMIC BOOK/MARVEL FILM (The Avengers), as that is just not fair. Compare this to another remake such as The Dark Knight, The Incredible Hulk or Ironman 1.

From before this film came out, I understood that this film is meant to be darker than the previous Spider-Man's, but with the film being done via Disney, I kinda questioned, 'How Dark is Dark'? Kick-Ass is Dark! When I first saw it, I was in more shock than anything. The Christopher Nolan Batman's are Dark. However, this Spidey film isn't as dark.

Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker (The Amazing Spider-Man) who is bitten by a genetically engineered Spider and becomes Spider-Man. However, as well as falling in love with a female from his school, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), Peter has great troubles dealing with the "loss" of his mother and father, then his uncle, not to mention trying to seek revenge, stay up-to-date with school work and have a "normal" teenage life. What makes it worse, on the streets is a man turned Lizard, Dr Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) who is hellbent on his own personal goals.

I wouldn't say it is impossibly to spoil this film as the storyline and plot is very simple. Hero has to save the world against the threat. However, where the film thrives for me is 1, the action, 2, the acting between Peter and Stacey, 3, The way Spidey moves and most of all, the direction.
In this film, you see that Spider-Man is just a boy. I think it's more to do with the backdrop and how dark the background is, plus the directing, but this is emphasized more than ever. A boy in a suit who is almost just like everyone else. You can actually feel his struggles and pain. You feel his weight and the pressure he is buckling under. A little bit like Spider-Man 2, but Peter Parker is under a lot of pressure; tear jerking moments. The only difference I would say about this film and the previous three with Tobey is that, this should have been the Spider-Man film from day dot (day one). Chop and change a few things from the Tobey Spidey and do a little mix and swapping and you'd have a perfect Spidey film. You've kinda seen it all before, so there isn't much of a "WOW" factor but still is a good watch. For me it was simply how Spidey moves as he does much more and much more spider-like. Even elements of steath.

Visually, the film is Amazing and you do witness the great heighs Spider-Man climbs, but other than the special effects, the film is just like watching all 3 previous Spidey films with a darker setting. For me, I left the cinema thinking, "I liked that". But as there wasn't anything too amazing about it the film will only apply to Spidey Fans who will enjoy. Otherwise you could wait for the DVD and the directors cut. Don't get me wrong, i'm not sayign this film is shoddy, but I think if Nolan was on the job...

The ending is better though and most definately, there should be more spidey films like this. Providing they get more authorisation for sequels, then they will be albe to expand on Spideys huge catalog of enemies for someone so young, 20ish Spider-Man films could be done and I guess it would be much better to see more and more villains and of course, seeing him in Avengers 2 or 3 would be great! - Go Marc Webb!!!