The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Director: Marc Webb

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx

When New York is put under siege by Oscorp, it is up to Spider-Man to save the city he swore to protect as well as his loved ones.

Director Marc Webb was trying so hard to accomplish with the Spider-Man franchise what Christopher Nolan achieved with the Batman franchise, but he simply isn’t as polished as Nolan.

If you were to skip the first 80 minutes of this overlong movie, you really won’t miss much (ok, maybe just watch how Max Dillon becomes Electro). As for the rest, there were so many scenes that could and probably should have ended on the cutting room floor. There’s simply too much uninteresting drama and unnecessary humor. And whenever Peter Parker and Gwen are together, their scenes drag the film down. Their relationship is boring and rather annoying, actually.

The many character introductions are too comical, and mostly a waste of time. I felt like hitting the ‘forward’ button more often than not. I enjoyed the fact the film finally showed us what happened to Peter’s parents, though.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ only really gains momentum at around the 80-minute mark, when it becomes mysterious and a lot more interesting, with a lot going on all at once. Harry – Peter’s best friend – is back (why he was left out in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ is still completely beyond comprehension). Only, Harry is not the same character Harry used to be in ‘Spider-Man’ (portrayed by James Franco). Harry is a devious character in this film – as if there are not enough villains already… (Dane DeHaan’s performance as Harry is nevertheless very good).

The film features some amazing visuals and photography, but ultimately way too much CGI – and I mean way too much! The villains also destroy things without purpose, simply for the sake of destruction. It didn’t feel realistic and was merely an excuse for more CGI.

As mentioned, the second half of the film was far more interesting than the first, and if I were to watch it again, I’d probably start watching around the half-way mark. Oh, and just send Gwen to England already so she’s out of Peter’s life, for goodness sake! They are the most frustrating onscreen couple in recent years.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ earned nearly $709 million on a $200 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.