NeoBaggins reviews the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN2
Marc Webb approaches Spider-man with Melodrama in this electrifying sequel.
After reading several less than flattering assessments of the latest addition to Marc Webb's premature Spider-man series, my curiosity grew. Tho the film was being decimated critically, one can't simply rely on the opinions of critics, co-workers and friends. So, It was time to see SONY PICTURE'S 'the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2' for myself.
Finding it difficult to sit through 2012's shamelessly boring and unnecessary 'the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN' (On DVD), I decided to give its sequel a chance at the cinema for the inclusion of the talented Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained). Also, there was the logical notion that this film would easily surpass its predecessor in quality- tho that theory was being heavily challenged by the ridiculous casting of Paul Giamatti as the Rhino and the frail and unimposing Dane DeHaan as Green Goblin. Still, we'd just have to wait and see.
The Amazing Spider-man is back, but he's having some difficulty in balancing his great responsibility with his love-life and faces some serious decisions- choices that threaten the Wall-Crawler's relationship with his Girlfriend. No, this is not Sam Raimi's Spider-man, but it appears that Marc Webb enjoyed the romantic aspect of those films so much that he decided to make an entire movie out of it. And if I remember correctly, he threw a couple villains in there for him to fight. I think.
Hans Zimmer?
One of the things I noticed about the film was its horrendously generic main theme. Every time it poured itself into the theater, I was in total shock and disbelief that Hans Zimmer had anything to do with it. It was reminidcent of the cheesy, faux patriotic scores heard in the MARVEL studio films. I really felt like the theme hindered the scenes in which it violated. If STAR WARS has tought us anything, its that music can be a crucial element in how a film is recieved. A good, solid, score will command respect and provide a certain feel of quality.
But given the nature of the film the composer was tasked with soundscaping, he probably felt the weak score fit the film.
The film opens up with an action sequence involving Giamatti's miscast Aleksei Sytsevich; B.K.A. "The Rhino". The villain is driving recklessly through the city streets with Spider-man on his truck in what I remember to be some sort of chemical heist. You may notice right off that the grade of film looks dull, which is odd for a SONY production. It wasn't sharp and as a result, Spidey's "new" costume didn't really pop in the daytime scene.
When Giamatti's truck goes out-of-control, Spider-man decides to leave the truck and save a lone individual down the road. I have to assume this individual was the only person in danger despite the truck plowing into everything while Spider-man takes the time to save and chat with this individual- one we'd come to know as Max Dillon, B.K.A Electro, played by Jamie Foxx.
Much like Aldrich Killian in the unwatchable Iron Man 3, Max Dillon is introduced as an over-the-top, cartoonish and cliche character that doesn't remotely represent anyone in real life. The problem with this type of character is that the film sets its "realistic" tones amidst the fictional properties then the ridiculous character doesn't fit in. Max Dillon wears his pants high, has an outrageous comb-over and buck teeth. A standard and overused image consistent with the 1980's nerd archetype. Dillon is also unrealistically awkward. When this character was named Edward Nigma in BATMAN FOREVER, there were other elements to support this type of unrealistic wackiness to where he didn't seem out of place. Max Dillon is also some what of a retarded genius. He's intelligent enough to design complex power systems for a high-tech company, yet his abilities to reason are that of a three year old when meeting Spider-man face to face. This meeting, without any significant turning point other than Dillon being saved, some how sets Dillon's motivations into motion.
Upon being saved, Dillon says "I'm a nobody", a statement that doesn't really lend itself to anything and sounds like poor writing for a childrens show. Spider-man then tells the child-like Dillon that Dillon is his eyes and ears in which Dillon must have taken literally because later on he says "YOU LIED TO ME". This is of course after Dillon makes the transformation from super nerd to the menacing and cold ELECTRO- a name he gives himself out of nowhwere.
The incident that transforms Dillon into the Electricity-wielding mutant is one of the most absurd origins on-screen, giving the audience the impression that not a single clever thought went into it. Dillon, the electrical wiz, puts two damaged power tubes back together which electricutes him, then sends him plummeting into a tank of eels. But there's good news; this is where the character starts to get a little more interesting, before reminding us that he is mad at Spider-man for absolutely no reason.
Covered in ash, Dillon is reborn in a visually horrific scene where he sheds his ashy, rock-like layer, to reveal his blue glowing skin. Almost transparent, with fierce, beady white eyes, Dillon stumbles into the city- draining vehicles of their energey along the way. Soon he attracts the attention of the city crowd, the Police and of course, Spider-man.
Not taking into account that Spider-man encounters many people on a day to day basis, Dillon is further enraged that Spider-man does not rememeber him. Completely ignoring that fact that not only has his wardrobe changed, but he is now neon blue. Yes, character development and motivation here are nonexistent to a reckless degree. But once Foxx gets going as Electro, he holds up his end of the bargain despite the obviously poor writing.
The Amazing Spider-man 2 has repetitive action scenes that are sprinkled over a slow and boring film. Ironically, you get the sense that Webb is actually trying to create a big film, but his approach feels inspired by what we've seen before in the first Spider-man series. The entire atmosphear has changed from the first Amazing Spider-man which did separate itself in feel from the Raimi films. Now there's emphasis on Peter's dating situation and being a hero, Uncle Ben's ghost is replaced by a creepy ass Dennis Leary, there's quirky music selections and there's a scene where Aunt May talks about missing Ben, being broke, and how people need the now missing Spider-man. If they moved part of this particular scene from the kitchen to the backyard, it would simply be a scene from Spider-man 2 with different actors.
In all fairness, some of these elements are unavoidable to explore as they are part of Spider-man history. Its his story. But that's where execution comes into play. That's where new ideas and fresh methods come into play to keep things new. The first Spider-man had the Green Goblin. The third Spider-man had Goblin Jr. We are only at the second Amazing Spider-man film and with a host of villains to choose from... who we got? The Green Goblin.
This may appear to be a bad review at this point, but understand, you can see a better film underneath the confusing mess Webb has prepared for you. The film is weighed down by Gwen and Peter's relationship. If you removed the occasional web-swinging and Electro light show, it would be an okay love story, I'm guessing. I wouldnt want to watch it, but I'm sure it would be good for that sort of audience. While watching, you start to ask yourself, what is Webb trying to accomplish. He spends an unessessary amount of time reminding us of where the love story is, where the emotional pain is and how Andrew Garfield can cry way more than Tobey ever did. I love Karma by the way. The end result is the rushed development of the villains which should be further to the front than watching Peter and Gwen have the exact same exchanged about the exact same thing, repeatedly over the course of a film that feels way too long to not have the villians fleshed out.
At first glance, I was convinced that DeHaan was the wrong choice for Goblin. And, he is. But at some point in the film, his creepy demeanor started to grow on me- like that thing on his neck that was growing because of his condition. He is a feeble and weak Green Goblin but he is often effectively engaging. In a particular scene where he asks a captured Electro for his help, both actors shine. Its just a pity that there is no weight or foundation to validate an otherwise awesome paring. The lack of motivation for the characters undermine the actors talents. Even before DeHaan becomes the Goblin, there's a nice exchange between him and Peter when they reunite for the first time in a while. Its starts off awkward but you get the sense that they could really be old friends. But these scenes begin and end without any background or exploration. They just are, like a film assembled with stand alone pieces.
I didn't think Garfield was a good choice for Peter Parker when he was first announced. But I did understand how Garfield fit into a certain version of the character. And after watching the new film, it makes his Peter Parker in the first film appear far more superior. Looking at Garfield now, he looks old with his five o'clock shadow and harry arms and legs. There is no more boyish charm in his face. He looks like a cross between a thinner Seth Rogan and Sandra Bernhard. Peter Parker and Spider-man are now two completely separate entities in that it is hard to picture Garfield as the suited character. He will be even uglier by the third film.
On a whole, there are flashes of good content. But when those flickers of light shine every now and then through a long, boring, sea of turds, it pretty much renders the whole thing unwatchable. If Sony wanted the realistic side, the emotional side of the Raimi films which balances action and heart equally (even in its worst film), well, they should have expanded on the series. Marc Webb does not know how to make Spider-man an event blockbuster outside of drawing a crowd for the name alone. The Amazing Spider-man 2 becomes so boring at many points to where people were staring at the cieling in agony as children squirmed in their seats begging for sweet death. It was an awkward experience and I wish the theater wasnt packed. There was a great collective disappointment that filled the air, like a gas made of depression and anger.
We shared in this embarrassment and most likely will be cautious to return for a third film.
Ah, the Rhino. After it is established without a doubt that the Sinister Six will be the result of uncreative thinking and stuff laying around at Oscorp, Giamatti is the first to strike in his mechanical Rhino exo-skeleton. This by far was the worst looking thing in the film when it was first forming. However, seeing the suit function wasn't that bad. And transforming into an actual Rhino would have gotten more points had it not been so far from the source material. The film is poorly made and poorly written, but I have morbid curiosity as to the continued formation of the Sinister Six. If Webb is eliminated, or dials back on a style that is out of his league, he may make a watchable film.
TASM2 makes TASM look like a greater film by comparison. If they are going to keep Webb, he should return to his TASM style and improve on it. As of now, he is in the process of putting the nail in the coffin to one of the biggest and most beloved superheroes of our time. Spider-man deserves more.
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