The Amazing Spider-Man 2 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - User Review Thread! - SPOILERS! - Part 4

[Alt-Josh]

I can understand people not liking this movie. But for me, there was so much that just clicked. All the humor, all the Peter Gwen stuff, all the Spidey stuff, the large majority of the soundtrack, all the acting, all the action. I was entertained, and I felt the emotional moments deep in my gut. And the pivotal moment: man, thought my heart would beat out of my chest. So well done.

 

[CaptainCanada]

The movie is extremely cluttered, rather like Iron Man 2 in its attempts to serve various different corporate purposes, though it's better than Iron Man 2 because the central emotional arc of Peter and Gwen is well-done, and the film has a strong finale.

The plot and the villains, on the other hand, are extremely scattershot. Electro is basically Jim Carrey's Riddler (as noted by Drew McWeeny at Hitfix), by way of Doctor Manhattan. Harry's whole story feels rather rushed (particularly as he acts like he's going to drop dead at any moment when his father lived to be like three times his current age), and the structure of the climax, with him arriving after Electro, feels tacked on. That said, Gwen's death and its aftermath is well-done.

The single-biggest problem is the Richard Parker backstory. Why did anybody think this was a mystery worth dragging out over two films? The "revelation", such as it was, is totally meaningless to the story apart from a I guess a bit of trivia about why the spider-venom only works on Peter, but that really didn't need a whole subplot to explain it. The whole thing could be excised without impacting anything else in the movie. Though I'm glad they at least avoided the idea that Peter was "destined to be Spider-Man" or whatever.

Also, the ending hints at how future Spider-Man villains will be handled: as mooks for OsCorp. It's far from unheard of for OsCorp (or a similar company) to be used as a linking point -- it was in the Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon, for instance -- and for some villains (like Rhino, in this film, or Shocker) that sort of origin works. But the end of this film suggests that Doctor Octopus and the Vulture are also going to be created this way, which is a terrible idea, as those characters actually have somewhat meaningful origins of their own (especially Otto).

 

[Tony Clifton]

Also just returned from my screening,

I went in really hoping to enjoy it. Went in with all of the criticism that has been thrown around past couple of weeks. Went in with spoilers that have been pretty much been known by everyone by now. Walking out I have had the most mixed response to a comic book movie maybe ever. I dont want to go into every single thing I liked or didnt like, when really there arent many moments I infinitely disliked. Maybe just TOO many characters, peters parents thrown in and out, and not enough Spider-man himself, wish there was if not more fight scenes, longer scenes.

But....I have to say, the last 30ish minutes might have been the most emotional and powerful scenes of any comic book movie, right there with DK, if not better in my opinion. There are flaws, yes, there are some script problems, sure, but if one were to just wistand all of it to get to the conclusion it more than makes up for many of its flaws. I applaud Mark Webb and specifically Andrew and Emma for truly capturing the complexites and sacrifice that come with being a superhero. Peter and Gwen's relationship was the best on screen relationship ive seen for any superhero movie, this is what the series has excelled in, displaying the honest and innocent Gwen Stacy and how significant she is in the Spiderman mythos. Gwen's death, and peters reaction was so heart-wrenching, so intimate. This leading to Gwen flashbacks, and her amazing speech, concluding with Spider-man overcoming it, truly was amazing, no pun attended. I am not saying critics are wrong, or audiences or wrong when it comes to this movie, but what I will personally take from this movie is the powerful representation of a hero that I grew up with, and even now still inspires me.

 

[Alt-Josh]

@Tony Clifton

I feel very similar man.

From the scene on the bridge to the end, this movie captured Spider-Man, (heck, any superhero) like never before. Beautiful.

 

[Tony Clifton]

@Tony Clifton

I feel very similar man.

From the scene on the bridge to the end, this movie captured Spider-Man, (heck, any superhero) like never before. Beautiful.

Completely agree. Beautiful is exactly the word I would use for the conclusion. Inspiring stuff

 

[Frodo]

When he said "I'm Rhino!!!" I cringed. I was embarrassed to be in the cinema during that part. I know I say Crane Dad in TASM I found totally stupid, but that looks like amazing writing compared to the Rhino/Electro material.

The way I feel is this: If these writers are just go toss these villains onto the stage with one note lazy backstories and motivations like Electro, then don't bother wasting the audiences time with the backstories. Just go full formed Nolan ala Bane and Joker, and get to the plot so we can deal with the characters who are worthy of our time.

 

[grieven]

Also just returned from my screening,

I went in really hoping to enjoy it. Went in with all of the criticism that has been thrown around past couple of weeks. Went in with spoilers that have been pretty much been known by everyone by now. Walking out I have had the most mixed response to a comic book movie maybe ever. I dont want to go into every single thing I liked or didnt like, when really there arent many moments I infinitely disliked. Maybe just TOO many characters, peters parents thrown in and out, and not enough Spider-man himself, wish there was if not more fight scenes, longer scenes.

But....I have to say, the last 30ish minutes might have been the most emotional and powerful scenes of any comic book movie, right there with DK, if not better in my opinion. There are flaws, yes, there are some script problems, sure, but if one were to just wistand all of it to get to the conclusion it more than makes up for many of its flaws. I applaud Mark Webb and specifically Andrew and Emma for truly capturing the complexites and sacrifice that come with being a superhero. Peter and Gwen's relationship was the best on screen relationship ive seen for any superhero movie, this is what the series has excelled in, displaying the honest and innocent Gwen Stacy and how significant she is in the Spiderman mythos. Gwen's death, and peters reaction was so heart-wrenching, so intimate. This leading to Gwen flashbacks, and her amazing speech, concluding with Spider-man overcoming it, truly was amazing, no pun attended. I am not saying critics are wrong, or audiences or wrong when it comes to this movie, but what I will personally take from this movie is the powerful representation of a hero that I grew up with, and even now still inspires me.

Very true. The movie isn't perfect, but credit should go where credit is due. And I think Webb, Garfield and Stone definitely deserve credit for what they do so right in this series, which is capture love between a superhero and love interest better than in any cbm ever.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

@Tony Clifton

I feel very similar man.

From the scene on the bridge to the end, this movie captured Spider-Man, (heck, any superhero) like never before. Beautiful.

Agreed!! Gwen's speech and the ending with the kid and Rhino was inspiring and reminded me why I love Spider Man.

 

[DorneyDave]

Just saw this in IMAX 3D.

Wow, I absolutely loved it. I'm way too tired to post a lengthy review but I will give bullet points. Those are easier to digest anyway.


- The sheer spectacle of this film is awesome. It truly is like a comic book come to life. The visuals were astounding. Spiderman and Electro's battle were so fun to watch. It was eye porn, glorious comic book eye porn.

- Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are just fantastic. Garfield IS Spiderman and their chemistry, as with the first film, is really fun to watch. I HATE romance in movies and in this film, I couldn't wait for the next "love" scene. Their romance these past two films made 'the scene' one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever seen in a movie. The rest of the cast was great as well. I can't wait to see more of Dane's Goblin. Chris Cooper made so much impact in the one scene he was in, and he's definitely coming back as well. I can't wait to see what they do next with the "Goblins." My only negative is whoever is cast as MJ has a serious uphill battle to ever match what Gwen/Peter had in these movies.

- Han's Zimmer score was awesome! I LOVED what he did with Electro's theme and Spiderman's. It was so great, pulse pounding and really added to the film.

- I have no idea what movie critics watched but I thought the tone between comic book fun and serious was balanced perfectly. The shifts were never jarring to me.

- That ending!

- Overall an absolute 10/10 from me. I gave the first ASM a 9 as well. I don't care if there are haters, I'm loving what Webb and company have done so far in these two movies. Bring on more!

 

[psylockolussus]

Spoiler

Visually, this looks better than the first Amazing Spider-Man movie but the main problem with this movie is the main villains which are Green Goblin and Electro are not well developed and their story was not told very well. Like who is Electro? why is he so obsess with Spider-Man? why does he gives his trust to people when they say they need him? The scene where he called himself Electro was extremely cheesey. His team-up with Green Goblin was not really good. That scene where Harry asked for Electro was just not good and it was a bit cartoonish. Green Goblin aka Harry Osborn was Peter's childhood friend but we never see how deep and important their friendship was. Harry was also suddenly revealed that he was dying and I don't think that revelation was executed well, it kinda came off as random. Then his hatred for Spider-Man like in the climax was not really neeeded, okay Spidey rejected him to give his blood, but he already found a cure for himself so why still find Spidey? Did he really need to fight with Spider-Man and kill Gwen Stacy when he found out that Peter was Spider-Man? Also, how the hell did he know that he has to wear the suit he found in the lab that could make him heal? I was just like what the hell. The third villain, Rhino was not needed at all, he could have replaced him with some unnamed criminal to show that Spidey was saving the city at the beginning and to show that Spidey was back to save the city at the end of the movie. I also don't like Rhino was gonna be part of the Sinister Six, he was just some guy that Spidey stopped, we didn't know anything about him and now he's one of the hyped Sinister Six to take revenge on Peter? Then Peter's parents, the movie started with them but they were kinda set aside, for such a mystery, that was not good. I also guess this mystery with Spidey's parents is over because we already knew why they left and their story-arc didn't end well. I also didn't like the relationship with Peter and Gwen. I wish they didn't put much focus on and I don't think Gwen's dad showing up to Peter's imagination was really needed like as if he left Gwen alone right? Also Gwen's part of "I'm going to London" was unnecessary. But I have to say Gwen's death saved the movie, if that didn't happen the movie would have been worse. I felt bad for Spidey and Gwen and Gwen's speech was nice.

Over-all, its an enjoyable movie but story-wise, its not very good.

6/10

 

[daddydivine]

This is how I felt walking into the theater to see The Amazing Spiderman 2.

The movie is an event like Transformers or GI Joe. It was made to be a very fun summer movie. I got my moneys worth. I felt this movie was a little more cartoony than other comic book movies. The bright colors, skimpy plot, and Electro's character added to that. It could have been compared to the Batman and Robin movie but this movie had a lot more soul. Definitely getting the blu-ray.

 

[Alt-Josh]

The thing is, I don't mind if certain things are a little cartoonish, as long as it's balanced with a whole lot of sincerity and more serious moments. This movie definitely was.

 

[HamBone]

I thought this movie was OK. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. The plot was all over the place. I felt like it just kept moving from one scene to the next without really telling a story. None of the villains amounted to much. I still don't love that Oscorp is behind everything in this Spider-Man universe including the Sinister Six. What kind of company are they?

And as for the Sinister Six....I think it's a shame that they give a talented actor like Paul Giamatti such a cartoonish role. His talent could benefit that movie but I doubt his role will improve. People say Guardians of the Galaxy is a big risk for Marvel Studios but I think Sinister Six is a bigger risk for Sony. If that movie doesn't do well...you bet they will re think doing Venom, assuming whether that movie is actually shooting by the time S6 comes out.

 

[spider-neil]

For me, the main reason why this is my number 1 CBM of all time (yes, of all time) is the range of emotion this movie put he through. Laughter, elation, joy, sadness, tears. I was an emotional WREAK after the movie. I just haven't felt that range of emotion even with a movie like The Dark Knight. I went for a second viewing to see if what I felt was 'real' and it happended AGAIN, even though this time I braced for it. Spidey and 'the kid', May's 'My boy', 'I'll follow you for the rest of my life', THE scene. At the end of the movie I was in bits.

I actually understand the hate, I get it, because this movie is flawed as heck but from a personal point of view I thought this was an incredible movie. The action, the heart, the visuals, the music. It was like the movie was specifically made for me, such was the way it resonated with me.
However, I'm not looking forward to ASM3 because for me the soul is now gone and the thought of 6 (SIX!) villains on screen terrifies me.

 

[spiderman2]

while I don't understand the flawed thing and I don't think we will see the sinister six in the 3erd one I think it would be to soon and they need to introuduce more villians first.

 

[TWayneP]

For me, the main reason why this is my number 1 CBM of all time (yes, of all time) is the range of emotion this movie put he through. Laughter, elation, joy, sadness, tears. I was an emotional WREAK after the movie. I just haven't felt that range of emotion even with a movie like The Dark Knight. I went for a second viewing to see if what I felt was 'real' and it happended AGAIN, even though this time I braced for it. Spidey and 'the kid', May's 'My boy', 'I'll follow you for the rest of my life', THE scene. At the end of the movie I was in bits.

I actually understand the hate, I get it, because this movie is flawed as heck but from a personal point of view I thought this was an incredible movie. The action, the heart, the visuals, the music. It was like the movie was specifically made for me, such was the way it resonated with me.
However, I'm not looking forward to ASM3 because for me the soul is now gone and the thought of 6 (SIX!) villains on screen terrifies me.

I feel the same. Watching it I felt like it was made for me. The visuals, the action, the heart, as you said. I FINALLY got the spider-man I've always wanted. Something didn't click with me and the raimi movies, and ASM didn't hit the mark for me.

I wouldn't put it as my greatest comic movie ever, but possibly top 5. I'll have to rewatch it several times, and I cannot wait!

I am looking forward to ASM 3 and S6 because I'm completely satisfied with what I've got. This movie went full circle for me really, and it ended on an incredibly high note.

Anything after this is just cherries on top for me.

 

[TWayneP]

This is how I felt walking into the theater to see The Amazing Spiderman 2.

Also, this is how I felt walking OUT. Cheeks still red with emotion, eyes swollen from tears and pure joy.

 

[spider-neil]

I feel the same. Watching it I felt like it was made for me. The visuals, the action, the heart, as you said. I FINALLY got the spider-man I've always wanted. Something didn't click with me and the raimi movies, and ASM didn't hit the mark for me.

I wouldn't put it as my greatest comic movie ever, but possibly top 5. I'll have to rewatch it several times, and I cannot wait!

I am looking forward to ASM 3 and S6 because I'm completely satisfied with what I've got. This movie went full circle for me really, and it ended on an incredibly high note.

Anything after this is just cherries on top for me.

Only time will tell if it remains my number 1. The order of my top 5 changes all the time. ASM2 is the bastard child of my top 5 though, with the other 4 entries scoring high 80s/low 90s on the RT. But that doesn't matter to me, I know what I felt whilst watching ASM2.

 

[kedrell]

Ok, went and saw it in a theater this time and just got back. Simply put...it sucks. Not 'worst movie I've ever seen' kind of suckage but just the 'this didn't work' variety. Like The Wolverine and MoS before it last year. It's like a car stuck in the mud. Sure it's wheels may be spinning at 100 mph but it's going nowhere fast and al the disparate elements(rom-com, the action, the attempted intrigue) simply don't mesh together well. And the villains are the biggest problem. It's been a while since I've seen villains this screwed up. They're caricatures. They are one step away from B&R/Mr. Freeze&PoisonIvy land. This movie is a return to 1990's superhero film making, just with added 20 years of advanced SFX and action expertise. I thought the previous film was the best Spidey film so far(though still very flawed). This movie more than anything smacks of having no real story to tell other than setting things up to go off like they did in a certain comic issue and keeping things moving down the assembly line for Sony's Spidey-verse(we gotta copy the MCU like everyone else) mind set. No real story to be had here. I'll give it a 5/10 for a whole lot of individual good scenes that taken separately on their own are well done but that's as far as I can go. Orci and Kurtzman wrote this crap and those s***heads sunk this film. God! Am I sick of their crap-ass writing.

 

[jmc]

Man, the reviews in this thread are really split. This isn't unlike MoS last year.

 

[TheVileOne]

Two years ago you guys said they were going to do Green Goblin "right" this time .

The thing is, Raimi already got it right in 2002 .

Maybe these movies will make us appreciate the Raimi films more.

 

[daddydivine]

The thing is, I don't mind if certain things are a little cartoonish, as long as it's balanced with a whole lot of sincerity and more serious moments. This movie definitely was.

I'm with you. Like I said the movie had tons of soul something other overly cartoonic Superhero Movies lack. I think its the idea of changing my expectations. Recent Superhero movies try to remain grounded in reality. Spiderman felt more like reading a great Ultimate comic.

 

[jmc]

Two years ago you guys said they were going to do Green Goblin "right" this time .

The thing is, Raimi already got it right in 2002 .

Maybe these movies will make us appreciate the Raimi films more.

I think it was more about seeing potential. ASM1 might not of hit any great heights but you'd be hard pressed to say it wasn't a decent effort as a first up film in a reboot. Unfortunately they took this one too far in the wrong direction.

 

[kedrell]

Two years ago you guys said they were going to do Green Goblin "right" this time .

The thing is, Raimi already got it right in 2002 .

Maybe these movies will make us appreciate the Raimi films more.

Hell no! Those crapfests of his are still like nails on a chalkboard to me. The only thing Raimi got right IMO was walking away from SM4.

 

[daddydivine]

Two years ago you guys said they were going to do Green Goblin "right" this time .

The thing is, Raimi already got it right in 2002 .

Maybe these movies will make us appreciate the Raimi films more.

Raimi's Doc Ock was the best spiderman villain in a movie so far. But Raimi's Spiderman was "le suck"

If we can get a charismatic villain that produces that type of emotion from the viewers with Webb's Spiderman. Greatest movie of all time.