The Amazing Spider-Man 2 The Amazing Spiderman 2 - User Review Thread! - SPOILERS! - Part 3

[Drz]

Ok Harry finds out he's dying right? But that's not for another 20 or 30 years. he starts freaking out (reasonable). He wants Spider-Man's blood to live. He's desperate. Takes the venom and the suit and it heals him. After that why does he go after Spider-man is he no longer needs his blood? At this point, he doesn't know Peter's Spider-Man yet. I think at this point Harry's motives become a matter of interpretation. To me, it seemed like he wanted to complete his father's legacy more than anything else even though wanting revenge against Peter for betraying him. I dunno man, what do you think?

He's a rich brat who has always gotten whatever he desired as fast as possible because of his money, he is an lonely kid who's been living as an outcast from his family and the movie opens with him being told he's a disappointment.

He is freaking out, but it is reasonable, the dude has just been drinking and wasting money since he was 16.

 

[Ms. Marvel]

So I just got back from watching it and overall I really enjoyed it. I'd rate it 8.5/10.

I didn't mind Dr Kafka at all and he wasn't on screen for that long. I actually found Max/Electro quite hilarious (I don't know if that's good or bad). I enjoyed Dane Dehaan's performance as Harry and actually sympathised with him. The action was really cool and the visuals/3D was impressive. Andrew Garfield was absolutely great as Spider-Man/Peter Parker and Emma Stone was even cooler in this than in TASM (I think I would have teared up during THAT scene if I wasn't expecting it). The humour was really good as well.

My main problem with the movie was the pacing and the structure. I also didn't like Aleksei/Rhino in this at all.

But yeah it was a really good movie and I'd put it slightly above TASM (which I also really liked).

 

[SpideyK]

^Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!

 

[kedrell]

I think I'm leaning toward liking the film less than the previous one, and I wasn't in love with that film by any means but it was good and the best Spider-man movie I had seen up to that point(I was never much of a Raimi fan, his sense of humor was like nails on a chalkboard to me what with how dorky it was).

Now I've not seen it in a theater properly yet so that could change how I feel big time next weekend. But from what I saw this has great 'moments' but the whole thing seems kinda like a mess tonally. It's all over the map and it just felt odd to me. I'd still give it maybe a 6 or 7 out of 10 at this point which IS positive but still comes in less than the first film which I maintain is probably the best non-Marvel Studios film of a Marvel character to date, just edging out stuff like X2 and XM:FC(though still down at the bottom of the barrel of the MCU flicks with IM3 and TIH).

 

[grieven]

I think I'm leaning toward liking the film less than the previous one, and I wasn't in love with that film by any means but it was good and the best Spider-man movie I had seen up to that point(I was never much of a Raimi fan, his sense of humor was like nails on a chalkboard to me what with how dorky it was).

Now I've not seen it in a theater properly yet so that could change how I feel big time next weekend. But from what I saw this has great 'moments' but the whole thing seems kinda like a mess tonally. It's all over the map and it just felt odd to me. I'd still give it maybe a 6 or 7 out of 10 at this point which IS positive but still comes in less than the first film which I maintain is probably the best non-Marvel Studios film of a Marvel character to date, just edging out stuff like X2 and XM:FC(though still down at the bottom of the barrel of the MCU flicks with IM3 and TIH).

I feel this as well... my personal favorite cbm actually - Garfield's Peter/Spidey and Emma's Gwen is just something special to me. Hopefully you'll enjoy TASM2 more upon a second viewing, this time in all its glory on a big screen, as the filmmakers intended.

 

[Hammer!]

I didn't really like it. Actually liked the first better, surprisingly. 5.5 or 6 with a review later.

Doesn't improve on any of the first's flaws, but does carry over the strengths. It really did have the spinning of the wheels approach that thor 2 and iron man 2 had. All three aren't bad films per say, but are bottom of the barrel "good movies". The problem with this franchise is that ASM1 was nowhere near the quality of the first Thor or iron Man, so I'm a little skeptical that they can turn the quality up like they did in Iron man 3.

The producers and writers feel like their still n the pre-2008 phase of producing these movies. This was by far my least anticipated CBM of the year, and ASM3 will almost assuredly be the same in 2016. The talent behind Venom and Sinister Six has me intrigued though, and can't come soon enough. These Spidey flicks are dying for fresh thematics and narratives.

 

[grieven]

I didn't really like it. Actually liked the first better, surprisingly. 5.5 or 6 with a review later.

Doesn't improve on any of the first's flaws, but does carry over the strengths. It really did have the spinning of the wheels approach that thor 2 and iron man 2 had. All three aren't bad films per say, but are bottom of the barrel "good movies". The problem with this franchise is that ASM1 was nowhere near the quality of the first Thor or iron Man, so I'm a little skeptical that they can turn the quality up like they did in Iron man 3.

The producers and writers feel like their still n the pre-2008 phase of producing these movies. This was by far my least anticipated CBM of the year, and ASM3 will almost assuredly be the same in 2016. The talent behind Venom and Sinister Six has me intrigued though, and can't come soon enough. These Spidey flicks are dying for fresh thematics and narratives.

Kurtzman writing/directing Venom has me concerned. The Orci/Kurtzman formula has yielded a mixed bag of films imo, and his pedigree as a director is even more in question.

 

[Hammer!]

Kurtzman writing/directing Venom has me concerned. The Orci/Kurtzman formula has yielded a mixed bag of films imo, and his pedigree as a director is even more in question.

Drew Goddard has me interested though. I think kurtzman could be a good fit for Venom just like Remender, whose run I liked despite not caring for him much otherwise. Kurtzman's sensibilities could align well for venom... Either way I just want something new with this franchise. I hope we get more Peter screen time in a College, a supporting cast that doesn't turn into antagonists, etc.

I'm not giving up on this series yet. But it's behind the Avengers, Iron Man, Thor, Cap, and X-men franchises for me at this point.

I will say, if you liked the first one more than I did, you'll like the second better as well.

 

[kedrell]

I am so sick of Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof getting their hands on almost every geeky property that isn't nailed down.

 

[Hammer!]

At least they've barely dabbled in the CBM ring. I'm sick of Goyer adapting every character and tone in the DC universe.

 

[kedrell]

^Ditto, but my concern for that side of the street has never been much to begin with.

 

[Morbius]

Pfeifferfan, you need to write more in the Spidey threads; love your writing style

 

[UltimateWebhead]

So I just got back from watching it and overall I really enjoyed it. I'd rate it 8.5/10.

I didn't mind Dr Kafka at all and he wasn't on screen for that long. I actually found Max/Electro quite hilarious (I don't know if that's good or bad). I enjoyed Dane Dehaan's performance as Harry and actually sympathised with him. The action was really cool and the visuals/3D was impressive. Andrew Garfield was absolutely great as Spider-Man/Peter Parker and Emma Stone was even cooler in this than in TASM (I think I would have teared up during THAT scene if I wasn't expecting it). The humour was really good as well.

My main problem with the movie was the pacing and the structure. I also didn't like Aleksei/Rhino in this at all.

But yeah it was a really good movie and I'd put it slightly above TASM (which I also really liked).

Out of curiosity what did you rate ASM?

Any standout scenes or moments from ASM2 for you? Any issues with the tonal shifts? How did you like Sally Field's Aunt May in this one?

 

[Joe_Kickass]

Out of curiosity what did you rate ASM?

Any standout scenes or moments from ASM2 for you? Any issues with the tonal shifts? How did you like Sally Field's Aunt May in this one?

You keeping a tally or something? Lol

 

[UltimateWebhead]

You keeping a tally or something? Lol

To gain some perspective, I like to see how people rated the first movie in comparison with the second.

 

[AF3619]

i think this movie could benefit from a second viewing to some people, because i remember when i came back from the premiere, i felt kinda dissapointed , mainly for Max Dillon and [BLACKOUT]the Goblin [/BLACKOUT]beeing rushed into the movie,but after my second viewing i still was mad about Max Dillon but it didn´t bother me as much as the first time and,it helped me understand Harry´s motives more, i apreciated the little moments more and the final scene of the movie, [BLACKOUT]still doesn´t explain how Jorge´s wind turbine has still the webbing from Spidey after 5 months, lol (plot hole)[/BLACKOUT] but i enjoyed it more the second time than the first where i felt like i was cheated from the adds expecting electro to be more than he was,the main villain pushed aside for a scene (a very good scene) but still he was left underdeveloped and with a motive really vague...

 

[Pfeiffer-Pfan]

Pfeifferfan, you need to write more in the Spidey threads; love your writing style

Aw thanks... I guess that English Literature degree has some benefit after all.

 

[Red]

Glad to see it wasn't just me who hated the mad German doctor treating Electro

 

[Red]

The extended Goblin fight had Harry's beat down after Gwen died. Extended Times Square fight had Peter throwing more stuff at Electro before finishing him with the fire hose. It was re-edited in a clever way I must admit. The scene with Aunt May in the hospital was added, as well as the scene with peter listening to Gwen's voicemail. Gwen's letter to Peter is gone. I'll write a comparison review soon guys.

Did you write the comparison? Would be interesting to read

 

[AF3619]

Glad to see it wasn't just me who hated the mad German doctor treating Electro

what did you think of the movie overall?

 

[The Clairvoyant]

I re-watched both The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 the other day. As someone who did not care for the first movie when it was released, I have to admit that it's growing on me. The second film I liked right away and seeing it a second time only made it better. In my opinion, Gwen's death and the aftermath is the strongest part that any comic book movie have had to this date. The lovely chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone made it all that much better (and sadder) and Garfield's performance after she died was top notch. Outstanding, really.

 

[henzINNIT]

Pro's

- Garfield and Stone still have great chemistry.
- Dehaan is very good as Harry and settles right in with the established cast.
- The effects are mostly great, much better than I expected. The first swing through the city was incredible.
- Taken on their own, there are a few scenes I really enjoyed. That scene in particular was very effective. I liked Spidey's interaction with the little bullied kid too.
- The new suit looks good, and Spidey's quips come off as less mean-spirited this time around.

Con's

- Awful, awful script. The film meanders aimlessly about from scene to scene, with no palpable intent behind it. There's no sense of progression, no building tension. Nothing. No arcs to speak of. Peter is struggling with the responsibility he sherked in the last film. I anticipated this as chance to redeem the character, but just feeling some guilt is not enough.
- Wandering tone. This film goes for every extreme it can reach. Some humour here is lifted straight from the Joel Schumacher school of comic book film-making, and it doesn't sit at all well with the emotional beats it tries to hit later. It's so odd that while Raimi's films were drenched in cheesy tone, the "Amazing" series so far has included bigger cringe-moments.
- Electro is p*ss-poor. Jamie Foxx appears to be having fun, but that can't save this paper-thin, silly looking fan-turned-enemy. Pre-incident, Max Dillon is the most trite kind of nerdy stereotype, seemingly imported from a bad comedy film. After that, his turn to full-fledged villain happens far too fast to be compelling.
- Green Goblin. Most pathetic villain origin I've seen in some time, made worse by a genuinely good performance from Dehaan. There's a slightly illogical conflict between Harry and Peter, and then Harry takes a drug, puts on a suit and bam: mortal enemies. Thank **** Oscorp is so entrenched in random evil projects, because it looks like this entire franchise is gonna pluck all manners of villainy out of the Oscorp basement from now on.
- Inconsistancies. You remember Dr. Connors? Peter's father's old friend? Well, screw you for remembering. It's Norman Osborne now. Outside of one passing mention, Connors is gone, along with any connection to Peter's past, which is a shame because it went under-developed the first time around. Flash is gone too. Visually, this feels like a different series again. Clearly TASM was an experiment, and while it's good to learn from your mistakes, it's jarring to see a film so colourful after a pretty dark first chapter.

This was a really bizarre cinema experience. There are some legitimately good moments in here, but they are only moments. The film is a total mess, so badly strung together I find myself looking back fondly on the first, which I was luke-warm on to start with. TASM2 is bad. Really bad.

 

[Red]

what did you think of the movie overall?

Personally I thought it was a bit of a mixed bag. I thought the first Amazing Spider-Man was an average movie and my least favourite of the franchise. I liked the Peter & Gwen relationship, Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben, the early Curt Conner scenes and Captain Stacey's character and actor. I would probably give that movie 3 out of 5.

As for TSM2 I liked Garfield more here, he was less emo/hipster and closer to how I envision Peter Parker. The Peter/Gwen scenes are the highlight and their chemistry was electric (no pun intended) and will be solely missed. Harry as a villain was great IMO, he shifted between being sympathetic and creepy effortlessly. I liked the design and DeHanne's performance. I don't mind Harry being the first Goblin at all as I think we've seen the Father to Son story played out already, so why not see something different. Plus I think having an archenemy the same age as Peter/Garfield creates a different dynamic we haven't seen before. What I liked most and what has stayed with me after the credits rolled was Gwen's death. From the moment Peter agreed to go to London I knew they were actually going to go through with it. The moment itself was played beautifully. The acting, music and direction were perfected. The icing on the cake was Peter listening to Gwen's speech and it inspiring him to not give up. I'm paraphrasing but Gwen's message to "be better than what we suffer" is a great message and one I hope is carried over as the central theme of the 3rd entry.

What didn't work for me; I feel there were two story's fighting for attention throughout the movie. That being the Peter & Gwen relationship and the history of Peter's parents. This was my criticism of the first movie in that we need a through line. Say what you like about the Rami movies I feel they have a clear story arcs and themes for Peter.

Villain wise as stated above only Goblin really clicked for me but I agree he did seem rushed. Electro looked great on screen but lacked any true menace and lost the sympathetic angle as soon as he's locked up in Rravencroft. As for Rhino Paul Giamatti certainly looked like he was having funny but is barely worth a mention. I liked his opening battle with spidery but thought his appearance at the end was out place and didn't fit with the tone. For me the ending should have been more somber and bitter-sweet. Something like Peter watches Gwen's speech, hears police sirens and looks at a picture of Gwen and then his costume and the movie ends there. It seemed like they sacrificed that emotional punch to setup TASM3 and Sinster Six.

What are your thoughts? Post a link if you have already put them in the thread. I've keen to read other people thoughts

 

[Nemeres]

I'm actually considering going to watch the movie again today, although I'd have to go by myself this time (lame). I'm feeling very Spidey-feverish right now, reading both my comics and also the illustrated version of the James Cameron scriptment (awesome take on Electro, by the way). I listed my negatives on another thread, gonna list some positives, just for the hell of it.

- Everything up until the end of the Times Square sequence is very watchable, very fun and entertaining. It's like drinking a Spidey-themed slurpee, but for the brain.

- The thing with the bullies, and even the cheesy bit at the end with the same kid defying Rhino. It's gonna make little Spidey fans all over feel validated and inspired and addressed to. That's very cool.

- The humor and how it worked on the audience. I love, love, LOVE feeling that audiences are enjoying themselves, seeing them respond positively to something. I definitely felt that with TASM2 in several spots.

- The little musical montages that Webb puts in. I like his song choices, I like seeing that modern, hip vibe in a Spider-Man film.

- Mostly everything about the romance, from the web writing on the bridge to Hans Zimmer theme for Pete and Gwen. I think that's the thing that's gonna earn the film repeated viewings when I get it on DVD.

- The awesome acting by Sally Field in a particular scene between May and Peter. It was awesome seeing them make up for the misuse of her talents in the first film.

- The visual style. This is pretty far removed from MOS's drabness. It's vibrant, it's eye candy. It's a very fun movie to look at.

- The last, what, fifteen, ten minutes? The movie gets back on track just like that, snap, and it becomes special again. And if you let it, it will leave you with a good taste in the mouth.

 

[Latos]

Hello!
Seen the movie 3 days ago here in Croatia.
I needed 3 days to figure out if this is a good movie or not.
What I think, there is a really GOOD movie somewhere in that "mess". That mess came right from the editing/pacing/structure, you call it.
If you don't know anything about spiderman world, and you are watching this movie, you would have hard time justification A LOT of scenes. That's where the movie fails for me. It's hard to look at it as a one, unique film for it self. So many character and plots that have no resolution, no where to go but in the next installments, and they are using time from things that really matter. More and more characterization, form Max, Harry, Oscorp...more Peter-Harry, more Peter and Gwen, because that's your main story, your main emotional connection so that way you get even bigger emotional payoff when the kill a character.
The scenes with them are great, amazing, and every time movie cuts from them to some subplot, it becomes boring for me.
A particular scene that was unnecessary and destroyed the investment in the movie was last Ravencroft scene. They have Peter at Gwen's grave, coming back, coming back time after time, music is brilliant and then they cut to Ravencroft. No, you don't do this, there's nothing more important than Peter's "emotional" development, it's the biggest thing that happened to him and it's gonna scar him forever. You wanna show that, you want to get into his mind set, so you can end the movie the way they do.
I think that you can edit this movie, cut some scenes and you would find a really great movie. One that would be much more focused and streamlined.

Some positive points:
-Visuals and cinematography is so much better than the last one. It shows they used film camera, not REDcam.
-Score is 50% of the movie, it really gives a texture to most of the scenes.
-Imageworks animators really gave a lot of attention to swinging scenes and spidey movement overall.

Some negatives:
-A lot of scenes where people die and you see it. It's not that kid friendly.
-Harry's transformation, armor. No logic, just no movie logic.
-That sound of head hitting the ....you know...uh

Yeah, that it for me, really movie needs a tone, a texture overall, and a bit of editing.
Sorry for the long post and bad grammar.