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The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hits theatres this Friday, May 2. In this new installment, Spidey (Andrew Garfield) holds firm on his promise not to be close to Gwen (Emma Stone)in order to protect her. However, new villains come to light, and they interfere with his life and reveal clues to his mysterious past.

Spider-Man seems to be somewhat well-adjusted, despite his turbulent lifestyle and his struggles to stay away from Gwen. This all changes when a fan of his becomes the villain Electro (Jamie Foxx). He won’t be the only villain Spidey has to face, as his old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) returns as another enemy, Green Goblin.

The film is directed by Mark Webb, and also stars Chris Cooper (as Norman Osborn), Paul Giamatti (as Aleksei Sytsevich) and Sally Field (as Aunt May).

The film itself does not really offer anything new cinematographically, but still proves to be a very enjoyable superhero movie in the Marvel tradition which will undoubtedly be a hit at the box office.

Webb has stayed close to the comics, giving us a more charismatic Spider-Man who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Since day one, Garfield was an excellent casting choice to reflect this. Also, his chemistry with Stone is electrifying and transcends the screen.

Visually, the film is stunning and boasts magnificent effects. Also, Spidey’s body movements are very realistic, and the ensemble cast delivers a great performance.

With all these accolades aside, the script lacks originality. It’s as if all creative outlets have been exhausted in creating a Spider-Man film. While very entertaining, the film itself is not that great.

The script, written by Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci, is something we’ve all seen before. It focuses on a superhero tormented by events in his past (the death of his parents and his uncle) and constantly in anguish by putting his loved ones in harm’s way. Then it introduces a scientist who accidentally obtains powers and becomes a villain. I wonder how many times we have seen that before.

The script just juggles with too many elements, which results in scenes that are confusing or just plain unnecessary.

It’s the age-old formula of good vs. evil which yields sequels, and this one is no different. Just when you think it’s all coming to an end, you’re left with an open slate for a new film, with new villains.

Despite the script’s shortcomings, the film delivers a very entertaining experience with an excellent cast, and a very human superhero capable of making mistakes.

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The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Columbia Pictures
Opens Friday, May 2

4 Stars

Films are rated on a scale of 5 stars (must-see), 4 stars (exceptional), 3 stars (solid), 2 stars (average) and 1 star (unworthy).

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