The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Critic bias towards this franchise?

[spiderral]

^^ I've seen the film and it expands on the 'untold story' about Peter's parents from TASM1. I'm hoping they show us more of that in TASM3 too.

I seem to be hearing more "hate"/"dislike" towards this film than praise and I don't know why because I was really satisfied with the film. I must admit that I was scared that they'd mess this up when I saw promo images and a few parts in trailers but TASM2 is now my favourite Spidey film.
While TASM1 didn't cover much new ground looking back at the Raimi trilogy, due to being an origin story, TASM2 stands out as its own film amongst the 4 previous films and, to me, did a good job of doing something a little more with these characters than we've seen on screen before and Garfield does a great job with Peter/Spidey, being less cocky than he was in TASM1 and more responsible and funnier as Spider-Man in TASM2.

Looking at RT, I'm glad it's gotten a high rating from the audience as I'd personally say that it's a solid 8/10 and can't wait for TASM3 and to watch this again on Blu-Ray.

 

[jmc]

I feel like they wanted to do more with the mystery surrounding his parents in the first ASM. But nothing interesting really happened. The idea was in place, execution was lacking.

They may have expanded on that aspect in this sequel, i dunno, haven't seen it yet. But if the first film of a proposed trilogy isn't that good and it leaves threads dangling... why should i go to see the sequel?

A big problem in what Sony are doing is that leaving plot arcs incomplete or unfinished is making the film at hand as a whole very bland. As far as I'm concerned a bland film is far worse than a bad film, because it's a far more frustrating experience. At least with a bad film you can laugh at it.

 

[Leenie]

I'm hoping Garfield doesn't go overboard with the "New Yawker Spidey" accent that he had in the first film. *shudder*

Spoiler

I think the accent is much much worse in TASM2; on a very distracting level. He was much louder in this movie as well. I found Peter Parker to be a caricature of an loud New Yorker in this movie.

As for any "critic bias" towards this franchise, I mentioned this in the RT score thread: The critics and the general audience have a lot of baggage at this point. Lots of people think this reboot is way too soon, and that the movies simply don't live up to its predecessors. I think that's more Sony's problem to overcome; they're the ones who keep making the movies.

Also, I felt that the critics were actually pretty kind to the first TASM movie (as it has a certified fresh rating on RT). The current RT score for TASM2, in my opinion, is not at all about bias (especially since even the negative reviews have complimented the actors involved). After seeing TASM2, I'm going to agree with the critics about it being a downright inferior film.

 

[Tony Stark]

I agree, there's no bias here per-say but when you make a Spider-man film when the first two received very high praise (89% and 94% respectively), you've got a tall hill to climb.

I also agree that TASM got the benefit of the doubt. Some people like Movie Bob ripped that film apart. My feelings were, it was unnecessary and didn't really accomplish anything. The character arc for Peter was no different than it was in Raimi's Spider-man.

The big problem I had, was the way they played up the "secret origin of Peter Parker" and his parents death. Other things were just plain dumb, like how he gets his glasses because they were his dad's.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

This is less about Spidey, and more about having a higher expectation for summer blockbusters. We have entered another age where Jaws, Star Wars and Indiana Jones level films are being released again.

 

[Joe_Kickass]

This is less about Spidey, and more about having a higher expectation for summer blockbusters. We have entered another age where Jaws, Star Wars and Indiana Jones level films are being released again.

At this point can we even say Spidey is the biggest superhero currently? I mean, is he at the top of anything as of now?

 

[DarthSkywalker]

As a bit of fun leading up to the new film, I have been watching all the Spider-Man films. Last night I watched Spidey 2. Honestly, I had forgot how good it was. A bit too cheesy in spots, and Doc Ock still doesn't quite work for me as he does for most, but I honestly don't remember it being so well made. It is like night and day with the first.

Now I don't think many critics are sitting down and watching the other Spider-Man films before they go and watch TASM2, but if you are carrying that with you, it would probably be hard not to compare. And well, why shouldn't you?

 

[Leenie]

At this point can we even say Spidey is the biggest superhero currently? I mean, is he at the top of anything as of now?

The king of CBMs right now is undoubtedly Iron Man. He's pretty much become Marvel's poster child in recent years, and I don't see that trend going away anytime soon.

When it comes to cartoons and such, though, I see that Spider-Man is still insanely popular among kids. Where I live, I constantly see kids with Spider-Man bookbags, t-shirts, hats, etc.

 

[redfirebird2008]

The king of CBMs right now is undoubtedly Iron Man.

I have some doubt about that.

 

[The Endless]

How? Iron Man 3 blew any other solo superhero out of the water in terms of box office. Only Batman can compare at this moment in time.

The likes of Batman and Superman and Spidey have been icons for years though. They always will be. But the likes of Iron Man are the new kids on the block and at this moment in time is probably the most popular. Whether that lasts and IM remains an icon years from now is the question though.

 

[Leenie]

I have some doubt about that.

Check out the box office numbers for The Avengers and Iron Man 3. The numbers don't lie.

Tony Stark is on fire with the general audience.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

How? Iron Man 3 blew any other solo superhero out of the water in terms of box office. Only Batman can compare at this moment in time.

The likes of Batman and Superman and Spidey have been icons for years though. They always will be. But the likes of Iron Man are the new kids on the block and at this moment in time is probably the most popular.

Because as you pointed out, Batman. TDKR and IM3 sold similar tickets. TDKR simply wasn't in 3D.

 

[redfirebird2008]

How? Iron Man 3 blew any other solo superhero out of the water. Only Batman can compare at this moment in time.

The last Batman film didn't have 3D and it got completely screwed by the Chinese government when they forced it to open on the same day as a Spider-Man film. Those two movies killed each other's potential. Both WB and Sony protested it but the Chinese government wouldn't listen. All about propping up their local films.

Marvel was smart enough to get a Chinese company involved with the production of IM3, which ensured a more fair release date from the government. Adjust for 3D, the Chinese situation, and the Aurora shooting...the worldwide grosses would be very similar between TDKR and IM3. Then factor in audience and critical reception. I'm not convinced Iron Man is "undoubtedly" the king. What I am convinced of is that the Avengers as a whole is the most popular superhero brand right now.

 

[TeeKay]

Spidey is still popular no doubt but it just feels like Iron Man has become Marvel's poster boy.

EDIT: To be fair, the Nolan films had IMAX, correct me if I'm wrong but that IMAX ticket is just as pricey as the 3D one if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Leenie]

How? Iron Man 3 blew any other solo superhero out of the water in terms of box office. Only Batman can compare at this moment in time.

If this were two years ago or if Nolan was planning to make more TDK films, I'd totally agree with you. The Dark Knight Trilogy is very much loved by most people.

With the TDK Trilogy complete, and with Iron Man/The Avengers still going, I'm more inclined to say that Iron Man is on top at the moment.

 

[redfirebird2008]

With the TDK Trilogy complete, and with Iron Man/The Avengers still going, I'm more inclined to say that Iron Man is on top at the moment.

This is a fair enough point, although Batman is still killing it with the "Arkham" video game series. But the same point about Nolan could also be used with RDJ and Iron Man. People loved the Nolan and Arkham versions of Batman, but they might hate the Snyder version or other future versions. Same can easily be said about RDJ as Iron Man. People love HIM in that role. If the next guy to play the part is not up to snuff, it will be reflected in audience reception.

 

[redfirebird2008]

Spidey is still popular no doubt but it just feels like Iron Man has become Marvel's poster boy.

EDIT: To be fair, the Nolan films had IMAX, correct me if I'm wrong but that IMAX ticket is just as pricey as the 3D one if I'm not mistaken.

IM3 had IMAX too and IMAX is nowhere near as prevalent across the world as 3D. In some countries, audiences are forced to see movies in 3D instead of 2D.

 

[TeeKay]

IM3 had IMAX too and IMAX is nowhere near as prevalent across the world as 3D. In some countries, audiences are forced to see movies in 3D instead of 2D.

I see. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[redfirebird2008]

Speaking of the 3D scam, I can't wait for Avengers 2 to come out. When the first one came out, the only 2D show at my theater was on a TINY screen. They recently introduced a LieMAX screen and RPX screen. The RPX screen is nice sized (around 60 feet wide) and will show stuff in 2D. The LieMAX screen tends to show everything in 3D since the IMAX Corporation has sold its soul to the 3D money devil, so every IMAX release these days is in 3D.

ASM2 will be shown in 2D RPX at this theater. I got to see Captain America 2 in 2D RPX earlier this month and it was a great experience. Definitely can't wait to see an Avengers movie on a proper big screen and not get screwed because I refuse to watch in 3D.

 

[TeeKay]

Speaking of the 3D scam, I can't wait for Avengers 2 to come out. When the first one came out, the only 2D show at my theater was on a TINY screen. They recently introduced a LieMAX screen and RPX screen. The RPX screen is nice sized (around 60 feet wide) and will show stuff in 2D. The LieMAX screen tends to show everything in 3D since the IMAX Corporation has sold its soul to the 3D money devil, so every IMAX release these days is in 3D.

ASM2 will be shown in 2D RPX at this theater. I got to see Captain America 2 in 2D RPX earlier this month and it was a great experience. Definitely can't wait to see an Avengers movie on a proper big screen and not get screwed because I refuse to watch in 3D.

That sucks:/ I always watch these CBMs in IMAX 3D whenever possible. It's a much more thrilling and satisfying experience imo.t: It's a expensive though ugh

 

[Shikamaru]

Check out the box office numbers for The Avengers and Iron Man 3. The numbers don't lie.

Tony Stark is on fire with the general audience.

Avengers was an ensemble film. It took 6 heroes together plus Nick Fury to make that $1.5 billion. It wasn't just Iron Man by himself. Iron Man fans went, Cap fans went, Thor fans went, Hulk fans went. Batman made $1.0 billion twice by himself.

As for Iron Man 3, $1.2 billion was the result of he "Avengers bump", basically being the direct continuation to Avengers.

I'm not downplaying Iron Man or anything. He is definitely up there with Batman, but he isn't destroying Batman or anything like that. Plus Batman still has an advantage in the other mediums, ala Arkham games and the animated features.

Meanwhile, poor Spidey has fallen in terms of everything. From the movies to television to the games, comics, etc.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

That sucks:/ I always watch these CBMs in IMAX 3D whenever possible. It's a much more thrilling and satisfying experience imo.t: It's a expensive though ugh

Now I know why I can't trust you TeeKay. Bad 3D with fake IMAX. Can you even see the movie?

 

[redfirebird2008]

That sucks:/ I always watch these CBMs in IMAX 3D whenever possible. It's a much more thrilling and satisfying experience imo.t: It's a expensive though ugh

I would gladly pay extra to see an action movie on the biggest screen at the theater if it meant that the show was in 2D instead of 3D. For a number of years right after Avatar, it seemed like the theater was trying to ram 3D down our throats. Kind of funny how the trend is changing, at least in the United States. Overseas, it seems the audiences don't have as much choice. Feel bad for them, especially people who are medically bothered by 3D (seizures, headaches, etc.).

 

[Angryfantasyfan]

Spidey is still popular no doubt but it just feels like Iron Man has become Marvel's poster boy..

Spidey's the prodigal son. I'd be more worried if so many people didn't want Spider-man in the MCU.

I think asking critics to compartmentalize their previous movie experiences is asking way too much.

 

[Leenie]

Avengers was an ensemble film. It took 6 heroes together plus Nick Fury to make that $1.5 billion. It wasn't just Iron Man by himself. Iron Man fans went, Cap fans went, Thor fans went, Hulk fans went. Batman made $1.0 billion twice by himself.

As for Iron Man 3, $1.2 billion was the result of he "Avengers bump", basically being the direct continuation to Avengers.

I'm not downplaying Iron Man or anything. He is definitely up there with Batman, but he isn't destroying Batman or anything like that. Plus Batman still has an advantage in the other mediums, ala Arkham games and the animated features.

Meanwhile, poor Spidey has fallen in terms of everything. From the movies to television to the games, comics, etc.

I said in my original post that Iron Man is currently the king of CBMs (comic book movies). The Arkham games don't fit into that category. Batman is the king of CBVGs right now.

With Nolan no longer making Batman movies, I definitely think that Iron Man is on top of the game in Hollywood right now. There's a reason why he was the biggest part of the climax in The Avengers (with the wormhole and everything), and there's a reason why he was in the center of most of the merchandising. There's also a reason why RDJ is by far the highest paid actor for Marvel Studios. In Phase One of the MCU, the first Iron Man movie was undoubtedly the most popular before The Avengers came out. He is the most popular Avenger right now, and the most popular superhero in terms of the box office right now.

And yes, I think most of us can agree that Spidey is far from being at the top at this point.