JOIN USThe Amazing Spider-Man 2
English (U)
Director: Marc Webb
Cast: Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Jamie Foxx, Campbell Scott
Open with a majestic-sounding Hans Zimmer soundtrack, commendable 3D effects, and a flashback with the dubious character that is Richard Parker (Campbell Scott), Spiderman’s late father, and a movie will have the full attention of most Peter Parker fans.
In this movie, we meet a version of the character that has never known why his parents abandoned him.
The Spider-Man trilogy from 2002, directed by Sam Raimi, makes no concrete mention of Richard Parker, with the focus being on Peter’s Uncle Ben, and the emotional trauma of his sudden death.
Richard Parker was a scientist at Oscorp industries, where he is understood to have invented something revolutionary, making it liable to be misused in the wrong hands.
In trying to stop pursuing his creation, Richard puts himself and his wife in a perpetual state of danger.
While Peter (Andrew Garfield) attempts to unravel the mystery behind his parents’ leaving him, trouble is brewing for Spider-Man at the hands of Electro (Jamie Foxx), a villain with a high-voltage punch and the ability to harness massive amounts of power.
Unlike earlier Spider-Man movies, this Peter Parker does not revel as much in fame and publicity, and is more in touch with his human side.
He has motivational conversations with those he saves, and protects nerds from big bad bullies.
Even with girlfriend Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) by his side, this depiction of Spider-Man is not as punch-drunk in love as the one we had seen with Mary Jane Watson, which is a refreshing change for a viewer.
Also different from the other Spider-Man movies is a notable focus on Peter’s physical abilities, including his “spidey” senses.
Director Mark Webb nearly succeeds in putting the Sam Raimi-made Spiderman trilogy to shame. He fails the same way Raimi did with Spider-Man 3.
The storyline is superfluous, leaving several loose ends and little room for quality.
However, with slow motion and an added Spider-Man perspective, the cinematography is much better than what you would see in your average superhero movie, making it an easy watch.
This movie has not outdone its prequel in terms of the plot, but has in cinematography.
Spider-Man fans, of course, should watch this movie, but may be disappointed by the lack of focus on the villains after looking at the deceptive promotional posters. For the others, a one-time viewing won’t hurt if you have 142 minutes to spare.