Let’s just get the obvious thing out of the way. The Suit! I mean this design is pretty much directly out of any comic book page you can think of and it looks fantastic. I love the way you can see it rippling as he free falls, or swings through the city. It’s the little details like that make the difference. You can almost feel the wind going through your own hair.. or head. Speaking of which, the web slinging is definitely a win in my book. Hands down the best and most creative use of webs I’ve yet to see. Say what you will about how much better the Raimi version of Spider-man is, there has never been a better looking Spider-man film.
I really enjoyed how this movie made a departure from the usual trend of “Dark and Gritty” in favor of being exactly what it should be. A comic book movie. Not just only in name but in execution as well. It immediately becomes apparent as you watch the film, from the quirky notes of Max Dillon (Played by Jamie Foxx) to creepy style of Dane DeHaan’s Harry Osborne. This is definitely a comic book come to life on the big screen (IMAX to be exact) and these guys are all having a great time. Seems ever since Batman Begins came out, everyone and their mother needs to make their superhero dark and brooding, real and gritty. If this is the type of thing you enjoy then I’m sorry to say you may not enjoy this movie as much as I did. I love cartoons, animation, comic books, and all kinds of dorky nerdy things. This simply fuels my inner child, and was an absolute blast to watch.
Andrew Garfield really takes Spidey to a new level here, as he really has fun in the role and it shows. This dude is having the time of his life here and it is simply infectious. One of the big advantages I see to having Garfield over McGuire is that this guy knows how to really bring home the water works in a believable way. You feel what he feels when he’s talking, and that is huge. It really brings it home full circle in all his interactions from Aunt May, to flash backs, to Gwen, and Harry.
Some might call the relationship aspect of the movie a little sappy, but it worked very well. Garfield and Stone brighten up the screen in every scene they have together. If everything else in the movie was for nothing, this chemistry alone saves the movie. Which obviously isn’t the case if you’ve been paying attention to anything I’ve been saying :-).
I loved the focus on his web shooters. It’s is straight out of any of Spidey’s stories. The fact that he works on them to improve, trying to figure out how to beat that particular person to be prepared, brought me right back to my living room with a bowl of cereal watching Spider-man on a Saturday morning. I mean Spidey having web shooter issues is just classic Spidey. Happy Camper here!
Now does the movie have anything political to say? Any commentary on social issues etc? no not really.. but does every movie have to do that in order to be a fun and generally good time? Not at all.
Now here you run into some pacing issues. The story get’s a little disjointed here and there, especially with the whole Harry story. He starts out just fine, but when it comes time for his story to come to a head.. it just feels rushed. You’ll know it when you see it. You’ll be thinking.. huh.. just like that ?
No after credit scene. But to the films credit, you kinda don’t need it. They pretty much tease you on to what that scene is before the end of the movie.
Some might have an issue with Electro, especially during the fight scenes (which actually look fantastic). With his powers you’ll wonder how exactly it is that Spidey lands any kind of substantial blows on the guy. I mean he’s basically Dr Manhattan-esque.. well.. minus all the crazy God like powers he has lol. But I digress…
Rhino.. He works in the beginning of the movie to help push the narrative of how spidey is coming along with life etc.. When The Rhino actually shows up.. I understand what they are doing.. but I didn’t care much for it. However I did care very much for what he means to the future story.. Again this you’ll know when you see it.
There are quite a few plot holes, but seriously, any movie you go see has plot holes (Cinema Sins has a whole list). You can tell they needed just about a month or so more with the screen play to really bring it home. They had all the elements they needed but just couldn’t pull it together for the big score. If you go in looking for problems/issues, because you hate Webb, or the new reboot, or whatever your motivation may be, you will definitely find what you are looking for, and you’ll miss out on an enjoyable experience.
THE VERDICT
Hands down the most beautiful Spider-man movie you’ve seen yet. The pacing issues and my small goblin problem weren’t deal breakers. In the end, this played out like a comic book in movie form and I loved it. For this The Amazing Spider-man 2 Review, This is a win for me. Love your comics, and love your comic book movies. Stay Dorky!
4 / 5