Spider-Man is flying high with his
regular crime-fighting schedule. Misunderstood by both the media and the
public, the genetically enhanced hero seems to shrug it off and battle against
anyone who wants to terrorize the city of New York. But with the memory of what
it cost him last time lingering in the shadows, is Peter Parker (Andrew
Garfield) ready to put everything and everyone he loves in danger again and
again?
The Story
I have to say I enjoyed this second
film much more, story wise, then that of the first film. There’s much more back
story in this film then the previous films and I feel like you received a lot
of closure in regards to Peter’s past. This closure then brings on a real sense
of something new ready to start with this reboot of the Spider-Man character.
We see both new and old enemies in
this film – i.e. Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) – which
really has you in that in-between stage of the franchise. There are aspects of
the film that are familiar and at the same time, there are aspects that are
novel. By the time the two worlds collide, it’s one big party that Spider-Man
is only too eager to crash.
But don’t get me wrong, although
this film is a big combination of action, scientific experiments and political
schemes, it’s also got that romantic and melancholic touch to balance all the
testosterone-fueled energy it exudes – so prepare yourself for an emotional
rollercoaster!
The Cast
Andrew
Garfield, I have to say, has
stepped up his game and really had fun with Spider-Man. His both comedic and
serious, thus leaving you drawn to every aspect that is both Spider-Man and
Peter Parker. He did an incredible job with both the serious and lighthearted
sides of the film – kudos Mr. Garfield!
Similarly, Emma Stone reprised her role with ease. Feisty, confident and
determined, she showed another side to Gwen Stacy that she wasn’t able to in
the first film. She’s not your typical damsel in distress; in fact, in many
ways she is her own hero. Stone understood and portrayed the importance of Gwen’s
actions – no matter their consequence – was out of her own decision. Allowing Gwen to be brilliantly fierce.
My hat goes off to Jamie Foxx who plays the antagonist,
Electro – a.k.a. Max Dillon, an insignificant electrician working at OSCORP, who finds himself receiving everything
– and more – he wanted for his birthday. I loved Foxx’s transition from a
socially awkward nobody to a destructive menace for the negligence of those
around him. It was incredible to see such a dramatic transformation from
someone whose appetite for attention is wet through the feeding of (electrical)
power – there’s a great metaphor for dictatorship if you ever needed one!
Similarly, Dane DeHaan’s take on the Green Goblin and Harry Osborn was equally
admirable and (in the best way possible) nauseating. What I mean is, in this
reboot, Harry isn’t a spoilt brat, in fact here he’s just as power-hungry as
Electro who understands the nature of being “tossed aside”. DeHaan’s performance
left me with goosebumbs and in deep psychological analysis as I was driving
home from the drive-ins – kudos to you too Mr. DeHaan!
Overall, it was a great film about the human hunger for
attention and appreciation. There are points where you want to root for Electro
just as much as Spider-Man, and there are times where you just wish that he
would blowup. The dynamics between all the characters are brilliantly amazing –
allowing it to really live up to the title of the franchise.
sL Star Rating: ★★★★
Next on sL: The Other Woman
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