THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2

The sequel to the reboot predictably features many of the same mistakes that were in Spider-Man 3 (2007); too many plot-lines, middling plot-twists and an overkill of villains. Indeed Spider-Man 3 contained one unforgettably cringe-worthy ‘Emo Sequence.’ But that’s still better than an entire film brimming with ‘Hipster’ angst and annoyance. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the “Twilight” of comic-book movies. The ‘movie’ Peter Parker has never been this pretentious. “Boo hoo, my parents abandoned me” cried Hipster Petey. But this narcissist has no issues about basically killing Uncle Ben, making Aunt May constantly worry, not to mention toying with Gwen Stacy’s emotions. Even the villains are more self-absorbed than usual. Electro is a social misfit of epic proportions and Harry Osborn is akin to a spoiled brat throwing a hissy fit because Spider-Man won’t share a bit of his Spidey blood. On a positive note, this film does showcase the wondrous spectacle of Spider-Man swinging between skyscrapers in a realistic style. The cinematography is fine and so are the special effects. But the action scenes look like they were recycled from the first Spider-Man trilogy. Sony Pictures is notorious for steering the Spider-Man franchise into more avenues of money making. The addition of Rhino in this film is similar to the inclusion of Venom in Spider-Man 3; absolutely pointless to the story. Director Marc Webb has made a noticeable improvement in the sequel but that still doesn’t alleviate the lack-of-heart in this movie. The attempt to add more depth and sentiment to a Spider-Man film has backfired into a pompous web of cinematic emptiness.  

Rating: 3/10

S. V. Fernando