Friday, May 30, 2014

My Review on the Amazing Spiderman 2



While many fans had been eagerly anticipating the sequel to the Marc Webb’s Amazing Spider-Man, “Amazing Spider-Man 2,” although thrilling, was lacking in many departments. The movie, which was an action packed and romantic film, had high expectations, but left supporters disappointed, and in no way lived up to the “amazing” standards set by the original motion picture.

            While Spidy or Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield),  had enjoyed swinging around New York Cities’ skyscrapers, putting a stop to any crime or danger present, as well as spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone), quickly discovers that being a hero is not all it’s cracked up to be. When his old friend, Harry Osborn, returns to New York in order to be reunited with his dying father, things being to head south. After Harry inherits his father’s fortune and company, OSCORP, he soon discovers the corporation’s secret. While at boarding school, Harry’s father had been funding research in which one could create super natural beings, much like Spider-Man or more recently a villain by the name of Electro. Shortly after, Harry is diagnosed with the same illness his father had. Harry realizing Spider-Man is his only hope begs for his help, and when Peter refuses, strikes a deal with Electro. When both villains unite, Peter has to make a choice between either helping a friend or taking on the full responsibility of Spider-Man and putting an end to the danger.

            As the movie progresses one is quick to discover that the conflict Peter is confronted with, although physical is also mental, as he must, in some cases, overlook his own beliefs. But just how far can one go before they loose all sense of morality. If Peter gives into Spider-Man’s duty to protect New York at any cost, will he still be himself, or will harming people, even those who deserve it, get the better of him?  This causes the audience to question their own morals and to what length they might go to when when pressured. Not only does Peter’s internal conflict engage viewer but thickens the plot, as he must deal with a timeless theme.

            Personally I find rating this movie very difficult, as while it is exciting and action packed, the movie’s plot was unoriginal and almost too much. Although, Peter’s conflict with himself is interesting, it is a cross road every superhero must overcome with the outcome being, no surprise, saving the villain. Despite this action being heroic and proving they are pure; it is predictable and old, words no one would ever use to described the original “Amazing Spider-Man.” What many viewers enjoyed about the first film was it was fresh as it added a new spin on the original plot line, something the “Amazing Spider-Man 2” did not uphold. Perhaps, if Marc Webb had stuck to the comic book’s story, although predictable and covers no new material would have left fan satisfied, but once again, the film did not deliver. Electro, within the original comic book series, was green and very much human. He was not blue or sparkled, and defiantly was not able to turn into electrical currents. Within the movie, Electro was given far too many powers, many of which have never existed. While Marc Webb might have included such powers to hype up the movie, it was too much and distracted the audience from the Electro’s character.  Furthermore, there were far way too many villains.

One or two bad guys is understandable, but three. That’s insane! Granted Webb wished to include as much of the original comic book story line within his promised trilogy, it was still far too much, and far too fast. Not only did he down grade the villains in order to incorporate all of them, many were never so post to meet and unite, such as the Green Goblin and Electro. Peter Parker, within the comic books, defeated them one at a time over the course of his career.


Furthermore, while everyone knew Peter would eventually get engaged to Mary Jane, Gwen’s final scene was a huge disappointment. This was perhaps one of the biggest scenes within the movie and the one anxious fans were anticipating. Would Gwen die as written in the comic books, or would she continue to live an ordinary life, much like in the first Spider Man trilogy, directed by San Raimi? While her death might have pleased comic book fans, it was poorly done and again predictable, as fans stated it was a scene where it was heard not to role your eyes or shake your head. Overall, although the movie was entertaining and full of dramatic scenes or boss battles, it was far too much and felt rushed. Personally, I do not gravitate towards this movie and only hope that Webb is able to save the story before it becomes out of hand, dialing the action scenes down and sticking more to the comic book’s original plot line.

                                        


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