We've always known that Spider-Man's most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead. It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city.
With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp.
I had always been (somehow) against the remake, and even with the first Amazing Spider-Man being a success, Tobey Maguire has always been the better Spiderman in my heart. I chanced upon the opportunity to watch the first Amazing movie just two months before The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (Ok, I was actually forced to watch it), I can't help but compare how different the character of the two Peter Parkers (Tobey Maguire's and Andrew Garfield's) as well as the relationship between Peter Parker and his uncle (Well, I prefer the latter). Relationship-wise, it's a Peter Parker-Mary Jane versus Peter Parker-Gwen Stacey, so comparing it will be like comparing apples and oranges. Although I've got to admit the effects of the Amazing Spider-Man trilogy is much better (10 years does a lot for the CGI).
Moreover, I always wonder why Spider-Man isn't in the Avengers alliance with my favourite Captain America, so all I can say is that I wasn't exactly super keen to catch the Amazing Spider-Man 2. But well, Sony Pictures Singapore's invitation to catch the sneak preview changed my mind. In fact, I start to worry if it will supersede my favourite Marvel Hero's Winter Soldier's movie shown less than a month ago.
A more confident Spider-Man, with an almost Tony-Stark arrogance (he's not as wealthy though), Andrew Garfield plays a character which is completely different from Tobey Maguire's. The best and worst thing about the movie was his relationship with Gwen Stacey. While girls love the sweet albeit complicated relationship, some online Spidey fans find it too draggy. I love the genuine chemistry between Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield (Duh, I'm a girl too), the lines, the little actions, the romance is so real that it gave me the same feeling Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron did back in High School Musical.
Many people were skeptical of Jamie Foxx being casted as the Electro because he's a Black (How racist!) but after watching his performance in Django Unchained and White House Down, he is one actor who can take up any role and be that character. Of course, i have to credit the Amazing soundtracks and songs by Hans Zimmer that brought out and enhanced the anger in Max Dillon (the Electro). It is in fact one of the rare times that I actually noticed the songs/soundtracks in a movie. Through the music, I could feel so much of the Electro's anger that I can't help but feel for him. He is indeed the reason why Spider-Man 2 is so amazing.
The Green Goblin in the Amazing Spider-Man 2 is no longer just suit and armour, but also about a disease that killed Norman Osborne and passed on to his son, Harry. Whilst James Franco portrayed the character better than Dane Dehaan (Well, I prefer the original's friendship with Peter Parker than that of the new one), the villainous appearance of the Goblin is truly fantastic. If only the development of his story is not that rushed and under-developed, it will be much more interesting.
Don't be fooled if you've watched the appearance of Paul Giamatti as the Rhino on the trailer. The over-the-top and seemingly brainless villain is just a teaser to prepare you for the third Amazing Spider-Man movie.
While Raimi's original trilogy (The Spiderman by Tobey Maguire) dwelled more into the relationship of Peter Parker with his uncle, Harry Osborne and Mary Jane, the Amazing Spider-Man 2 focused more on Peter Parker's parents, and Gwen Stacey. The movie had me convinced with their villains, the spectacular action and effects, as well as the imperfect finale. The film is definitely worth every penny (Dollars in my case) and go watch it when it's out!
P.S. For better experience, watch or re watch the Amazing Spider-Man before catching the sequel!
Warning: Some of the trivia contain spoilers.
Shailene Woodley was cast as Mary-Jane Watson, and even filmed scenes. But her role was cut from the film because the filmmakers felt there were too many characters and wanted to streamline the series, and have Gwen Stacy be the only love interest for the rest of the series.
The dog that Gwen walks while Peter spies in her from a rooftop, actually belongs to Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. They adopted him in 2013.
Two display cases in Oscorp feature a set of metal wings, and an exoskeleton holding four arms. These are homages to Spider-Man's antagonists the Vulture (Adrian Toomes) and Doctor Octopus (Otto Octavius).
It took 3 1/2 hours for Dane DeHaan's makeup to be complete when he was in his Goblin costumer. The suit, which weighed 50 pounds, took about an hour to put on.
Towards the end of the film, Gwen Stacy wears a mint colored coat and a purple skirt, this is a reference to the controversial "Night That Gwen Stacy Died" story arc in the comics where she wore a very similar outfit.
During the scene where Gwen Stacy died, the clock tower's hand spin rapidly, landing on 01:21, Gwen Stacy is killed in Amazing Spider-Man #121.
According to the actors, the original Goblin vs Spiderman fight was longer and more violent, but had to be cut in order to keep the PG-13 rating. Things that were cut included a scene where the Goblin (Dane DeHaan) is conscious when Gwen dies and laughs at Peter as he cries over Gwen's body and a scene where Peter almost beats the Goblin to death after Gwen is killed.
There were several different endings filmed, including one where the Goblin (Dane DeHaan) snaps Gwen's neck with his bare hands. But this was deemed too violent for a PG-13 rating. A version where the Goblin fatally stabs Gwen was also filmed. Ultimately, both were cut and replaced with the version that is seen in the film, which closely resembles the comic book version of the events.
Check out The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Official Website and Facebook Page!
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be in cinemas on 1 May 2014.
*Disclosure: Special thanks to Sony Pictures Singapore for the premiere invitation. No monetary compensation was received for the movie review.
The movie was great but i didn't really like the story line, its like they wanted to squeeze two villains in a 2 hour movie, on the other hand the special effects were amazing and i liked the cast.
I guess we will never tire of the Spider man franchise. The basic story is the same but the characters and special effects change… plus the love story part is always a tear jerker. Ha!
Not really a fan of spiderman but he looks so handsome!!!
This reminds me the first movie review I have written in my blog!
I still like the Tobey Maguire Spiderman over Andrew Garfield version. The story is more intense though with the current one though.
Agree! Tobey was able to bring our the emotional parts better!
My son is a huge Spiderman fan. Has been since he was little. And he's really looking forward to this movie!
A great comparison between the Spiderman triology and The amazing Spiderman 2 movie. I like the cast and the plot, the villains look spectacular, and the action is at its peak. Definitely a movie worth watching!
Although i am not a movie fanatic i somehow like the movie. It depends on how people interpret it.
I think Jamie Foxx's character is to look forward to..The makeup transformation of DeHaan I amazing. I enjoyed reading the trivia you hated on the movie.
We are huge fans of Spider Man and friends! I can not wait to see this movie!
This movie would have been great under sam raimi's direction and tobey maguire. i didnt like this cast.