REVIEW: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2
In the movie buzz universe, nothing has been making a bigger splash than superhero news. Constant updates on the Batman vs. Superman vs. Wonder Woman vs. Lex Luthor vs. the World project are going up, a Justice League movie in development, Ant Man! Never before has the genre been more powerful or successful, especially with Age of Ultron heading to theaters next summer. It's a good thing Marvel's most beloved superhero will be in it...oh wait a second...
The movie's no Spider-Man 3. Even though I defended it on my top five movies people hate but I like, it's still in no way a really good movie. But it's not trash, and this film is the superior. The big complaint for me here is the caricature qualities of the three villains (if you can count Rhino as a villain in this movie, Giamatti's onscreen for three minutes). But Electro is essentially rehashing Marvel's Aldrich Killian storyline, in which a nerdy man-geek becomes obsessed with the superhero. Jamie Foxx is one of the coolest actors in Hollywood: he's Ray Charles, he's a black cowboy, he's...wearing a toupee and making himself a birthday cake? While the second half of his transformation into Electro is redemptive, I hated seeing Foxx's talents squandered on a stock, nerdy character stereotype. Giamatti admitted in recent interviews his Rhino is really hammy, so that brings us to Harry Osborn. Dane DeHaan flexed serious James Dean acting muscle in The Place Beyond the Pines, and he brings that misunderstood kid acting chic to his role here. He could let those piercing eyes of his do half the work, but DeHaan more clearly establishes his character here than the others. I'm anticipating his appearance in the threequel!
Along with the villain problem, despite the length of the film, things still feel rushed. Harry and Peter's relationship feels rushed, Rhino's inclusion feels like a shoehorn getting ready for the Sinister Six. But I do suppose there's a lot of ground to cover! Other than those cons, the pros are, as would be expected, Garfield and Stone (GarStone? Stonefield?) are adorable, and the movie captures the real life couple's chemistry remarkably well. No upside-down kisses in the rain, but you still have a believable romance. Plus, as I said, the Green Goblin and Electro look terrifyingly awesome, the latter especially with his Mr. Freeze-like blue head and static superpowers. Sally Field is predictably great as Peter's anchor Aunt May.
So while the series has room for improvement, after the ending, which don't let anyone spoil it for you because I had spoiled for me and was expecting it, there is a LOT to be excited about for The Amazing Spider-Man 3. I'd love to just focus on one villain in the next installment, and develop that character instead of the juggling act that went on in the '07 threequel. TASM2 isn't Marvel's strongest offering this year, but it suffices until 2016!
Rating: 2/4 stars
While Spider-Man may still be awaiting on a friend request he sent to the Avengers (I think it's actually just because of stupid studio politics he can't crossover) he gets his sequel to the reboot of a trilogy that had two really great films and one bloated villain sandwich of a third. As a kid, it was always Dr. Octopus, the Joker and the Rhino for my favorite bad guys, and seeing the latter two portrayed so well onscreen gave me hope for both the Rhino and Electro in this film, and to a lesser extent Harry Osborne, only because Franco's version for me was pretty solidified.
Why the Rhino? you may ask. Even I'm not 100% why he was one of my favorites...I certainly never read the comics and appreciated his story line or anything (unless the Sunday comic section counts). The character the Rhino is a dimwitted thug in a giant rhino costume, something out of a kid's birthday party, or a zoo mascot. I guess it's the simplicity of his physique...I mean look at him?! Is this not a comic book super-villain? I had no idea of his origin as a Russian thug...or no idea if Paul Giamatti would successful portray him on the big screen! The verdict...
The movie's no Spider-Man 3. Even though I defended it on my top five movies people hate but I like, it's still in no way a really good movie. But it's not trash, and this film is the superior. The big complaint for me here is the caricature qualities of the three villains (if you can count Rhino as a villain in this movie, Giamatti's onscreen for three minutes). But Electro is essentially rehashing Marvel's Aldrich Killian storyline, in which a nerdy man-geek becomes obsessed with the superhero. Jamie Foxx is one of the coolest actors in Hollywood: he's Ray Charles, he's a black cowboy, he's...wearing a toupee and making himself a birthday cake? While the second half of his transformation into Electro is redemptive, I hated seeing Foxx's talents squandered on a stock, nerdy character stereotype. Giamatti admitted in recent interviews his Rhino is really hammy, so that brings us to Harry Osborn. Dane DeHaan flexed serious James Dean acting muscle in The Place Beyond the Pines, and he brings that misunderstood kid acting chic to his role here. He could let those piercing eyes of his do half the work, but DeHaan more clearly establishes his character here than the others. I'm anticipating his appearance in the threequel!Along with the villain problem, despite the length of the film, things still feel rushed. Harry and Peter's relationship feels rushed, Rhino's inclusion feels like a shoehorn getting ready for the Sinister Six. But I do suppose there's a lot of ground to cover! Other than those cons, the pros are, as would be expected, Garfield and Stone (GarStone? Stonefield?) are adorable, and the movie captures the real life couple's chemistry remarkably well. No upside-down kisses in the rain, but you still have a believable romance. Plus, as I said, the Green Goblin and Electro look terrifyingly awesome, the latter especially with his Mr. Freeze-like blue head and static superpowers. Sally Field is predictably great as Peter's anchor Aunt May.So while the series has room for improvement, after the ending, which don't let anyone spoil it for you because I had spoiled for me and was expecting it, there is a LOT to be excited about for The Amazing Spider-Man 3. I'd love to just focus on one villain in the next installment, and develop that character instead of the juggling act that went on in the '07 threequel. TASM2 isn't Marvel's strongest offering this year, but it suffices until 2016!
Rating: 2/4 stars
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