The Amazing Spider-Man 2

It has been two years since the release of the Spider-Man reboot. I am ecstatic on how will Spidey spin his web on the second installment. Well, the wait is all worth it.

Picking up where we left off from the previous film, Capt. Stacy is dead and life goes on for Peter and Gwen, yet Pete is haunted by the memories of the dead police officer and his promise to be away from Gwen. Spidey encounters a new nemesis from one of his avid fan, Max (Foxx) and his old friend Harry Osbourne (Dehane). The story is primarily focused on two plots, Peter and his love affair with Gwen and the other is with Oscorp.

Harry is left with a vast estate including Oscorp when his father, Norman Osbourne, died. Oscorp is left in scandals and shambles which needs immediate attention. What comes in between is the corporate play and Harry's search for a cure to the genetic disease he is currently carrying. He needs Spidey's blood but he declined the request. Harry conspired with Electro in defeating Spidey and ultimately gain what they wanted.

Marc Webb helms the second installment and I dread that this would turn into the mess that Spiderman 3 was. With 3 villains, it is hard to have a coherent plot. With this being said, TASM2 is a mess. In comparison to Spiderman 3, this Marc Webb film is a bit better. There is the ambition to satisfy the fans, and yes, it did not fail us, but the film looses its way when it comes to coherence and strategic pacing.

TASM 2, on the other hand,  has really great action sequences particularly with those involving Spidey and Electro. The scene at NY Times Square can't be beaten and actually levels with the train scene with Doc Ock from Spiderman 2.

"There are crimes in England, right?" Is he moving out?

One of the problems of the film is redundancy particularly in some of the scenes and feels like we are still watching the first installment of the reboot. The notable absence of J.J.J. (he is just an email on the film) could be disappointing. Hoping that he will be around for the 3rd and 4th installment. Though some characters are not seen on this installment, a few familiar characters are there. Some of the characters can be only identified by the fans. My inner geek was screaming when I saw the wings of Vulture and when Harry's assistant was called Felicia (ding! ding! ding!).

Geeking out!!! We have a glimpse of Vulture (left) and Doc Ock's tentacles! Is this a set-up for a spin-off?

Spiderman movies will never be as dark as Batman and I prefer the lightness of the character. After all, that is the defense mechanism of Peter Parker when he suits up as Spiderman. The transition of a witty superhero to a problematic teen is what makes Peter an interesting character.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is good addition to the movie franchise. The film opened a lot of possibilities for the sequels. The film is just pure fun but it needs more heart.

GRADE: B+

P.S. I expected a Spiderman-related post credits scene but I am fan of X-Men, so that was ok. :D

trailer