So today I finally saw The Amazing Spider-Man 2 directed by Marc Webb. Prior to this viewing I had read many critiques/reviews of the film that were for the most part negative. I must say that the film isn't as bad as many of the critiques/reviews insisted it was. With that being written, this review will have many SPOILERS, so proceed with caution.
FAIR WARNING!
The main issue in my opinion was the addition of Rhino/Russian Gangster. He didn't belong in the film and could've been left out entirely. This character portrayed by Paul Giamatti lent itself to being over saturated and not very important, in this film at least. If you're wondering what I meant, there are reports (I forget whether confirmed by Sony or not) that Sony is planning a Sinister Six stand alone film, a Venom stand alone film, and more Amazing Spider-Man sequels. Rhino's purpose in the film was to tease the audience and get them looking forward to the next few planned projects. The inclusion of Rhino in my opinion lent itself to the awkward tonal shifts, which led to pacing issues, which in turn turned off a lot of critics.
Max/Electro, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, was a very cliche character which benefited and progressed the story.
Harry/"Green Goblin", portrayed by Dane DeHann was a new take from the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy which had James Franco as Harry. However he fell flat because the character development seemed way to rushed.
Gwen, portrayed by Emma Stone, and Peter/Spiderman, portrayed by Andrew Garfield, were the bright spots. Emma and Andrew have such a good onscreen chemistry that I looked forward to the scenes with both characters in them. Not only do the actors have onscreen chemistry, but the characters were far more interesting than the villains, save for Harry. Peter is haunted by Gwen's father's memory from the first film, which has such a strong sense of foreboding that even if I didn't know Gwen would die by the end that I could guess, and Gwen is a strong and empowered lady versus the Mary Jane of Sam Raimi's Spiderman Trilogy.
Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, and James Vanderbilt tried to cram too much into one film in trying to set up future films of this franchise. In effect they destroyed what would have been a very emotional and dramatic entry with the inclusion of Rhino and cliched characters.
I still don't consider this film to be down par with Spider-Man 3, directed by Sam Raimi, however this film does lack focus at times, again due mainly in my opinion to the inclusion of Paul Giamatti as Rhino because it created a ripple effect, and therefore I give The Amazing Spider-Man 2, directed by Marc Webb, a C+.
This film is for you if you want a fun action spectacle of a blockbuster that lacks a tonal and pacing focus.
