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

[Nemeres]

Man, this slapsticky stuff I'm hearing about TASM2, I'm mega-curious to see what that actually means. Before reviews started coming, it was about the last complaint I expected to hear from this film. I knew it had bold humor, but hearing comparisons to Mr Freeze and whatnot? Jayzus.

But I've said it before, I'm ok with cheese. Like, stuff like Spidey wearing the beanie and scarf? I'm really ok with that, it looks like tons of fun. But let's see.

 

[Uncle Radiation]

The contrast between the humor and serious moments sounds very much like a Spidey comic book to me. I'm just trying to gain a better understanding of how this is being interpreted cause I haven't seen the film. Some are calling the shifts a fantastic thing while others are on the complete other end of the spectrum saying it doesn't work at all.

Okay, I'll try my best to clear this up.

Of course Spidey comics - and just about all superhero comics and action/adventure movies - have both comedy and drama.

The best ones - let's say Avengers and Raimi's Spider-Man 2, to go with popular opinion - move between the two effortlessly, and it all feels of a piece. It's the same characters, the same world whether you are laughing or on the edge of your seat.

Amazing 2, in part because of the heavily Nolan-esque Amazing 1, tries for realism in a lot of scenes - Peter and Aunt May, Peter and Gwen, Dane DeHaan genuinely trying to create a troubled young man - but then throws in bizarre Schumacher-esque stuff like Dr Kafka, Max Dillon with his comedy theme and classic loser appearence/behaviour, and Alexei Sytsevich (Giamatti) who is at no point supposed to be taken as anything but a joke, an angry Russian low life crook.

This contrast is jarring. The Amazing Spider-Man wanted to be a more Nolan-like, serious movie, whereas Amazing 2 has remnants of that, but also goes back to a Raimi-esque style. And Raimi and Nolan sure don't mix.

It's all fun, but it doesn't all fit together.

 

[JayTee]

I didn't get a Nolan vibe from ASM 1 whatsoever. I just got a "not Sam Raimi's camp" vibe.

 

[UltimateWebhead]

Okay, I'll try my best to clear this up.

Of course Spidey comics - and just about all superhero comics and action/adventure movies - have both comedy and drama.

The best ones - let's say Avengers and Raimi's Spider-Man 2, to go with popular opinion - move between the two effortlessly, and it all feels of a piece. It's the same characters, the same world whether you are laughing or on the edge of your seat.

Amazing 2, in part because of the heavily Nolan-esque Amazing 1, tries for realism in a lot of scenes - Peter and Aunt May, Peter and Gwen, Dane DeHaan genuinely trying to create a troubled young man - but then throws in bizarre Schumacher-esque stuff like Dr Kafka, Max Dillon with his comedy theme and classic loser appearence/behaviour, and Alexei Sytsevich (Giamatti) who is at no point supposed to be taken as anything but a joke, an angry Russian low life crook.

This contrast is jarring. The Amazing Spider-Man wanted to be a more Nolan-like, serious movie, whereas Amazing 2 has remnants of that, but also goes back to a Raimi-esque style. And Raimi and Nolan sure don't mix.

Thank you for taking the time to write out that explanation. That makes more sense. Sounds again like they went a bit 'too far' with some elements and makes me wonder how I'll interpret all these things once I see the film.

 

[TayDee]

Okay, I'll try my best to clear this up.

Of course Spidey comics - and just about all superhero comics and action/adventure movies - have both comedy and drama.

The best ones - let's say Avengers and Raimi's Spider-Man 2, to go with popular opinion - move between the two effortlessly, and it all feels of a piece. It's the same characters, the same world whether you are laughing or on the edge of your seat.

Amazing 2, in part because of the heavily Nolan-esque Amazing 1, tries for realism in a lot of scenes - Peter and Aunt May, Peter and Gwen, Dane DeHaan genuinely trying to create a troubled young man - but then throws in bizarre Schumacher-esque stuff like Dr Kafka, Max Dillon with his comedy theme and classic loser appearence/behaviour, and Alexei Sytsevich (Giamatti) who is at no point supposed to be taken as anything but a joke, an angry Russian low life crook.

This contrast is jarring. The Amazing Spider-Man wanted to be a more Nolan-like, serious movie, whereas Amazing 2 has remnants of that, but also goes back to a Raimi-esque style. And Raimi and Nolan sure don't mix.

It's all fun, but it doesn't all fit together.

I didnt get a resemblance of anything Nolan or Raimi at all in this film.

 

[The Infernal]

Man, this slapsticky stuff I'm hearing about TASM2, I'm mega-curious to see what that actually means. Before reviews started coming, it was about the last complaint I expected to hear from this film. I knew it had bold humor, but hearing comparisons to Mr Freeze and whatnot? Jayzus.

But I've said it before, I'm ok with cheese. Like, stuff like Spidey wearing the beanie and scarf? I'm really ok with that, it looks like tons of fun. But let's see.

Good thing you brought that up. I was meaning to say something about the Batman & Robin comparisons which I think just take it too far (well, maybe Dr. Kafka, but let's just ignore him. lol).

Personally I think even with my complaints about the action it is still a world away from B&R, but aside from that this movie has something B&R never had. A heart. What it does with characters like Peter and Gwen, Aunt May and to a lesser extent Harry Osborn does give the movie a steady leg to stand on.

Though as I've said before even though I still enjoyed the movie for the most part, I think there was potential for a much stronger movie.

 

[TayDee]

A few things you listed as bad are more nitpicky than anything.

 

[GuestStar2004]

alot of people have mentioned the plane stuff in the film being pointless but it was to show the danger in what electro did to the city and also probably to give gwen a major heroic act before what happens to her, stopping many from being killed is better then yay gwen helped turn the lights back on!

 

[Uncle Radiation]

alot of people have mentioned the plane stuff in the film being pointless but it was to show the danger in what electro did to the city and also probably to give gwen a major heroic act before what happens to her, stopping many from being killed is better then yay gwen helped turn the lights back on!

The plane stuff was important to show how the loss of power presented an immediate and exciting danger, rather than just a blackout.

I thought the bit where the planes just avoided each other was great.

 

[BobJM]

Found myself pleasantly surprised by this movie.

Leagues ahead of the first one. And though it felt clunky at times, overall, I was really happy with the final result.

Webb's got my attention now for ASM3.

7.5/10

 

[Sterling Archer]

I don't understand the complaint about Smythe being under-developed. I swear people act like if someone is a character that has previously existed in the comics beforehand then they need to be the main character of the film.

The film called for someone to tell Max he had to stay behind at Oscorp and to be a jack ass about it, so why not make it Smythe? If you thought they didn't use Smythe enough then that's a problem with your own expectations based on your own previous knowledge of who that character is, it has nothing to do with his role in the film. You know that Smythe is a famous Spider-man villain so that is what you expected, but the script didn't require that of that character. That wasn't his role.

I have said for years that superhero films should do this kind of thing more often, like just have Spidey beat up Shocker in one scene and that be the only time he is in the movie. It makes the movie's universe seem bigger and feel more alive, and it's a nice little easter egg for fans with the potential for more later on. It's like in Man of Steel, the scientist role could have been anyone but they made him Emil Hamilton because why not?

We don't need to know every little detail about backstory and motivation just because someone is from the comics.

I work in production as an editor and I also draw comics. I'm well aware of the differences! I simply don't see Nolan in ASM. I just see not-Raimi. I thought ASM would have a Nolan vibe walking in, even during the beginning with his parents, then once that basketball hit Peter's head, that girl asked him to frame a picture of her boyfriend's car and a teacher yelled at him for skateboarding and he sarcastically said "like this?" holding it up, I was like, cool! A Spider-Man movie!

Couldn't agree more. Nothing about the way ASM is written, shot or edited is reminiscent of a Nolan movie at all. Nolan's movies are usually written and edited in a non-linear timeline, but ASM was completely linear. Nolan's dialogue focuses on discussing key themes like destiny, identity and the impact of the characters on their society, whilst ASM's dialogue focuses on showcasing genuine human interaction and emotions between characters. Nolan's films feature grounded plots based in reality, whilst ASM features a giant lizard. I could go on and on but most people seem to think 'takes itself seriously = Nolan rip-off'.

 

[Picard Sisko]

I don't understand the complaint about Smythe being under-developed. I swear people act like if someone is a character that has previously existed in the comics beforehand then they need to be the main character of the film. The film called for someone to tell Max he had to stay behind at Oscorp and to be a jack ass about it, so why not make it Smythe? I have said for years these superhero films should do this kind of thing more often, like just have Spidey beat up Shocker in one scene. It makes the Spidey universe seem bigger, otherwise you end up with something like the Nolan Batman trilogy where stuff only happens about once every 8 years. It makes the world feel more alive, and it's a nice little easter egg for fans with the potential for more later on. We don't need to know every little detail about backstory and motivation just because someone is from the comics.

I noticed this too. If a different character other than MJ was cut from the film then no one would have freaked out about it.

 

[JayTee]

Couldn't agree more. Nothing about the way ASM is written, shot or edited is reminiscent of a Nolan movie at all. Nolan's movies are written and edited in a non-linear timeline, but ASM was completely linear. Nolan's dialogue focuses on discussing key themes like destiny, identity and the impact of the characters on their society, whilst ASM's dialogue focuses on showcasing genuine human interaction and emotions between characters. Nolan's films feature grounded plots based in reality, whilst ASM features a giant lizard. I mean, if it's not trying to be The Avengers, It has to be trying to be a Nolan movie, right? Because those are the only two things a superhero movie can be?

Exactly! I'm looking forward to the tone in ASM2 as well. Sometimes I like when sequels are slightly different. If ASM1 was "Amazing Fantasy 15", I'm stoked to have ASM2 be "Amazing Spider-Man #1".

It's like how Captain America TFA is drastically different than Captain America TWS, but they're both undeniably Captain America.

 

[starkresilient]

So I finally saw it(2d) and I'll see it again on friday(imax 3d).

-Andrew,Emma,Sally Field and Dehaan were amazing. Andrew is really Spider-man no doubt about it. He seems to enjoy doing snarky Spidey lines and as an audience I can feel that .He and Gwen had a great chemistry.

-I didn't care for peter's parent in the first movie and I didn't care for them in this one either. That storyline never worked for me

-Overally the movie seemed a little bit messy.

I am giving it 7/10 at the moment but I hope seeing it again in IMAX 3D this time would help me to change my score

 

[JayTee]

**off topic discussion deleted...warning sent**

 

[Figs]

It specifically sounds like a Spider-Man comic. Drastic changes in tone from the soap opera to the superheroics, jokes one second and death the next, constantly running sub-plots, some villains get "development" (such a BS buzzword overused by nerds) while others don't or don't need them, building things for the next story, etc.

I couldn't agree more. After awhile you start to notice these buzz words being used all the time when not too long ago not that many fans would use one of them in their reviews.

Rhino is such a silly villain I really couldn't care less about his backstory/development.

Also, remember how many fans were always saying that a Spider-Man film should start off with him fighting a villain that isn't on a Green Goblin or Doc Ock level. They get that and some still complain.

 

[Picard Sisko]

I couldn't agree more. After awhile you start to notice these buzz words being used all the time when not too long ago not that many fans would use one of them in their reviews.

Rhino is such a silly villain I really couldn't care less about his backstory/development.

Also, remember how many fans were always saying that a Spider-Man film should start off with him fighting a villain that isn't on a Green Goblin or Doc Ock level. They get that and some still complain.

I've been asking for this ever since Spider-Man 2 came out. Either Rhino or Shocker. So glad I'll get that in this movie.

 

[A Necessary Evil]

Also, remember how many fans were always saying that a Spider-Man film should start off with him fighting a villain that isn't on a Green Goblin or Doc Ock level. They get that and some still complain.

Yea but nobody was asking for a dinobot featuring a terribly 90s' comedic relief-james-bond-type-hammy performance by Giamatti when they asked that...

 

[Max Newlander]

The comparisons with B&R are funny, this IS NOT Batman and Robin. It has some comedy, some 'wit!!!' Moments, however is a highly entertaining movie, from start till end.

What I liked

Garfield nails Spidey and Peter
The overall tone of the movie
The dark menacing tone of certain scenes (TS scene)
The interactions between Gwen and Peter
The effects (all of them)
Aunt May and Harry Osborn both were superb.
The comic relief on the whole was good.
Overall soundtrack and score was great


What I didn't like

Under developed character arcs (villains)
Essentially cameo villains
Dr Kafka (bit too silly and out there 2bh)
Some 'WTF' moments. Some with Max, some with Harry
The main Spider-man theme wasn't as good (I missed Horner, and also missed 'Promises' in the film)

The things I didn't like DID NOT make this film annoying. There wasn't an overall 'bad taste' in the mouth feeling like MOS (imo) or those totally WTF moments most Michael bay/Transformer movies have (throughout)

I have to admit though (just so you can get a feel for my opinions) I really enjoyed TASM, thought it was a great wee movie

 

[TeeKay]

And what are your responses to the differences compared to the early screening version you saw???

TeeKay what'd you think?!?

Better or worse than your advanced screening? I've been dying to know since it was confirmed your version was at least slightly different

Despite the differences, I still like the film nonetheless. Dissapointed that the Goblin fight and Times square fight were shortened. Last 10 minutes hit me right in the feels. Some of the editing was choppy and too quick. Some scenes were reshot and put in different parts than when I saw them. Score was great except the Electro score, that was meh. This film felt a lot like the Spectacular Spiderman tv series.t: Did anyone feel the same? I still have my ticket booked for wednesday.

 

[SM71]

Despite the differences, I still like the film nonetheless. Dissapointed that the Goblin fight and Times square fight were shortened. Last 10 minutes hit me right in the feels. Some of the editing was choppy and too quick. Some scenes were reshot and put in different parts than when I saw them. Score was great except the Electro score, that was meh. This film felt a lot like the Spectacular Spiderman tv series.t: Did anyone feel the same? I still have my ticket booked for wednesday.

Thanks for the response and feedback man. So overall, would you say it was better or worse? Or maybe more or less the same

edit: Also, was the overall tone of the film affected by the changes? Or was it just different/edited shots that constituted the change, and no drastic difference in overall feel

 

[TeeKay]

Thanks for the response and feedback man. So overall, would you say it was better or worse? Or maybe more or less the same

edit: Also, was the overall tone of the film affected by the changes? Or was it just different/edited shots that constituted the change, and no drastic difference in overall feel

It's inbetween really. I would say a but less because of them two fights they shortened. I don't get the tonal differences that everybody is talking about. The tone is the more or less consistent to what I saw.

 

[TayDee]

Yea but nobody was asking for a dinobot featuring a terribly 90s' comedic relief-james-bond-type-hammy performance by Giamatti when they asked that...

You don't know what I asked for bro!!!

 

[SM71]

It's inbetween really. I would say a but less because of them two fights they shortened. I don't get the tonal differences that everybody is talking about. The tone is the more or less consistent to what I saw.

Cool, thanks man

Still bummed to heard about the Goblin fight being shortened. I get maybe they didn't want to take any chances with the rating, but still. I'm sure they could've kept it and been fine

 

[grieven]

Despite the differences, I still like the film nonetheless. Dissapointed that the Goblin fight and Times square fight were shortened. Last 10 minutes hit me right in the feels. Some of the editing was choppy and too quick. Some scenes were reshot and put in different parts than when I saw them. Score was great except the Electro score, that was meh. This film felt a lot like the Spectacular Spiderman tv series.t: Did anyone feel the same? I still have my ticket booked for wednesday.

Thanks for the impressions TeeKay... I'd definitely be interested to hear more fleshed out thoughts after you see the theatrical version on the bigscreen.

I really wish the version you saw would be available on bluray, but I know there's no chance of that happening.