THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Review; "It's The BATMAN & ROBIN Of The SPIDER-MAN Franchise"

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Review; "It's The BATMAN & ROBIN Of The SPIDER-MAN Franchise"

"It's my birthday....time to light the candles!" is an actual piece of dialogue from Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, so while it may not be as bad as Batman & Robin, the comparison is deserving...

Review Opinion
By JoshWilding - Apr 16, 2014 10:04 AM EST
Filed Under: Spider-Man
As a lifelong Spider-Man fan, it would be easy to tear into The Amazing Spider-Man 2 for a lack of faithfulness to the comic books. However, when the likes of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Man of Steel take huge liberties and are still so often praised, it would be almost hypocritical to spend this review complaining about issues like Uncle Ben being turned into an irrelevant afterthought or Norman Osborn's single (but somewhat memorable) scene. Perhaps the main difference is that those films still told a coherent and enjoyable story despite such fanboy niggles, whereas The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is simply a bad movie. 

Surprisingly, the biggest problem with the sequel is the humour. Whereas movies like The Avengers and Iron Man 3 were funny throughout, the slapstick sight gags and awful dialogue here consistently fail to hit the mark. They're the sort of jokes you might expect to see in a children's movie, and it might be worth pointing out that the only laughs which could be heard our packed out IMAX 3D screening were from those whose voices had not yet broken. The dialogue in the teaser is just one such example, while both Paul Giamatti (The Rhino) and Martin Csokas (Dr. Kafka) are hard to even watch, with their comedic Russian and German accents bordering on parody. You'll struggle to find a genuinely funny moment, but expect to cringe and wince plenty of times throughout the bloated sequel's running time. 

In terms of performances, what was once so endearing about Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) and Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) is now an annoyance, with the dialogue between the two so dreadful that you'll be left eagerly anticipating the time they don't share together. The fact that "They're meant to be!" is forced down the audience's throats, but that pales in comparison to the misuse of Jamie Foxx. The superb actor who was so impressive in the likes of Django Unchained and Ray is wasted both as the ridiculous Max Dillon, and Electro. There are some moments where he manages to inject some much needed quality into the character - the scenes he shares with Dane Dehaan's Harry Osborn for example - but that's easily forgetton thanks to a Family Guy-like cutaway where he attacks Smythe and rants about not sharing the same star sign as Spidey. 


Talking of DeHaan, he's very good as Harry, although his arc and subsequent transformation into the Green Goblin feels rushed. However, in fairness, it still works to a degree, but when he is the Goblin, it quickly goes downhill. The piped in cackles don't help, and we're never given enough time to buy into his madness. In fact, his inclusion seems to have been a last minute decision to set up the Sinister Six movie, and while the way they're approaching both that and the Norman/Harry dynamic is intriguing, it's also more than a little messy. A lot of supporting characters (Smythe and Felicity Jones' mysterious "Felicity") barely make an impact, so whether they're only included here to have a larger role moving forwards is unclear, but it's a tremendous waste if not. Like with The Amazing Spider-Man, it's clear that BIG chunks of the movie were removed in post as several key scenes from the trailers are missing. However, if you were under the impression that they've shown us all there is to see of Rhino and the Goblin...you would be right!

In terms of story, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a mess, but never dull and never completely incoherent or nonsensical. We get all the answers we'll ever need about Peter's parents, and the story arcs of the characters all feel natural and believable. Some are better than others, and it's mostly the dialogue which lets the whole movie down. With the focus back on Oscorp, the shadow of the Sinister Six looming, and the mystery surrounding a few key characters, (yes, we finally learn the identity of the man in the shadows), there's a lot to look forward to. Will you care by the time the credits roll though? Probably not. On the plus side, there is one key moment which Webb nails, even if it probably won't go down as an iconic comic book movie scene.

The action and web-swinging is spectacular, despite Webb's overuse of slow motion. There's also a complete lack of point of view sequences, so whether a 3D ticket is essential depends. It certainly looks good in the format, but there isn't really any one moment which means you have to see it like that. The special effects are flawless for the most part, though, and Electro looks great in action, if not identical to Watchmen's Dr. Manhattan. His plasticky costume with a silly lighting bolt on the side looks tacky though, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 constantly trips itself up with strange visual choices like this. DeHaan can barely speak properly as he tries to spit his lines out with a mouthful of fake rotten teeth caused by his transformation. The Spider-Man suit is perfection though and it's hard to bash the visuals in any way. Hans Zimmer's score is also unique, and while it's nowhere near the same league as his work on Batman and Superman, Spidey's theme will stick with you for a long time. Alas, the choice of songs though are odd and distracting, and it's not a soundtrack anywhere near as good as Webb's (500) Days of Summer

With appalling dialogue, slapstick humour, some bizarre aesthetics, and cheesy moments aplenty (Peter's Spider-Man theme ringtone or Electro beating Spidey up to the tune of "Incy Wincy Spider"), this is the Batman & Robin of the Spider-Man franchise. 

45-A1aa2123
SPIDER-MAN 4: Willem Dafoe Reveals Whether He Could Return As Green Goblin In Spidey's Next MCU Movie
Related:

SPIDER-MAN 4: Willem Dafoe Reveals Whether He Could Return As Green Goblin In Spidey's Next MCU Movie

SPIDER-MAN 4 Producer Amy Pascal Says Next Movie Is About Spider-Man [Giving] Up Being Peter Parker
Recommended For You:

SPIDER-MAN 4 Producer Amy Pascal Says Next Movie Is About Spider-Man "[Giving] Up Being Peter Parker"

DISCLAIMER: As a user generated site and platform, ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and "Safe Harbor" provisions.

This post was submitted by a user who has agreed to our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines. ComicBookMovie.com will disable users who knowingly commit plagiarism, piracy, trademark or copyright infringement. Please CONTACT US for expeditious removal of copyrighted/trademarked content. CLICK HERE to learn more about our copyright and trademark policies.

Note that ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ...
ProfessorX
ProfessorX - 4/16/2014, 11:00 AM
You liked it then?
TheWolverine08
TheWolverine08 - 4/16/2014, 11:00 AM
I don't believe you.
McNyagano
McNyagano - 4/16/2014, 11:01 AM
"With appalling dialogue, slapstick humour, terrible design decisions and cheesy moments aplenty (Peter's Spider-Man theme ringtone or Electro beating Spidey up to the tune of "Incy Wincy Spider"), this IS the Batman & Robin of the Spider-Man franchise."

Highflyer
Highflyer - 4/16/2014, 11:01 AM
I don't buy this review at all.
theowl
theowl - 4/16/2014, 11:01 AM
naaa.. don't believe that.

Can't wait!
pepe
pepe - 4/16/2014, 11:01 AM
You lie!!!
MrGlass
MrGlass - 4/16/2014, 11:03 AM



hail hydra
GL
GL - 4/16/2014, 11:03 AM
This is his opinion, and I respect it. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love the film
BlackHulk
BlackHulk - 4/16/2014, 11:03 AM
I think the Transformers franchise has proven that people who go to see comicbook movies are not expecting a movie that could win an Academy Award for best picture. They are looking for action, action and more action.
pepe
pepe - 4/16/2014, 11:03 AM
..... Can somebody hold me,...
JustThwipIt
JustThwipIt - 4/16/2014, 11:04 AM
That was harsh...
Either way you are entitled to your opinion, I still can't wait to see it.
I've got my hopes up.
Spideyshawn
Spideyshawn - 4/16/2014, 11:04 AM
pftt yeah good luck with that pacific rim all over again.
ALegendaryPanda
ALegendaryPanda - 4/16/2014, 11:06 AM
It's hard to even take your opinion seriously most of the time.
Shaanyboi
Shaanyboi - 4/16/2014, 11:06 AM
A statement like that makes me question if people even know why Batman and Robin is bad in the first place...
McNyagano
McNyagano - 4/16/2014, 11:07 AM
Yeah Josh come on, Batman and Robin? This movie was EPIC imo. I haven't seen the final cut yet but the rough cut I saw way back in March was great. I have to see this for myself, no way this is on Batman and Robin level but at least you laid out your opinion. But Damn!
Philvis
Philvis - 4/16/2014, 11:08 AM
Batman and Robin was by no means an Oscar worthy movie, but I still don't understand all the hate. To me, Batman Forever already set the precedent for the more campy/fun tone, so Batman and Robin was no different to me. I enjoyed it for what it was. Oh wait, this article is about The Amazing Spiderman 2.
merrillmind
merrillmind - 4/16/2014, 11:08 AM
Josh you and everyone else is certainly entitled to your opinion, but the majority of reviews have been very positive so until the number of reviews actually outweighs the positive ones out there I can't take the negative ones serious.
SuperCat
SuperCat - 4/16/2014, 11:08 AM
Lmao! I'm still gonna see it.
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 4/16/2014, 11:08 AM
I forgot about Incy Wincy Spider. Or maybe I just blocked it out..
patrat18
patrat18 - 4/16/2014, 11:08 AM
Ouch.
cipher
cipher - 4/16/2014, 11:08 AM
Highflyer
Highflyer - 4/16/2014, 11:09 AM
Batman and Robin??? Really?? I am not sold on this review. Not buying it one bit. Call me stubborn but this is how I feel towards the review...

amazingspideygal
amazingspideygal - 4/16/2014, 11:10 AM
Josh, I think you're smoking crack. It's one thing if you didn't like it, but to compare it to B&R makes me not trust your reviews on anything.

Zuriel
Zuriel - 4/16/2014, 11:10 AM
If you say you liked BATMAN and ROBIN you are a TROOOOOOLLLLLLL
Mrcool210
Mrcool210 - 4/16/2014, 11:10 AM
you said yourself you pretty much wrote off the movie before seeing it, so no, im not listening to your review Josh, i doubt you even gave it a chance
Highflyer
Highflyer - 4/16/2014, 11:10 AM
I still remember that 'Pacific Rim' review.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ...
View Recorder