Spectacular Sequel!

Rating: 10/10 (29 June 2015)

It's not uncommon for successful films to spawn sequels, some are just thrown together simply because a certain film drew large amounts of money at the box office. However, there are exceptions. This film is a perfect example of that. When I watch the first two Spider-Man films, it becomes clear to me that Sam Raimi had a deep understanding and love for the character. There are certain things that I want and expect to see in a sequel: I want to see the story arc(s) continue, and I want to see the characters grow. A good sequel will, and should always have these! To make a long story short, this is what I got with Spider-Man 2. The story borrows elements from the film "Superman II" and "The Amazing Spider-Man #50" (Spider-Man no more) In which the hero struggles with what he wants, and what is right for the people that he protects. Without a doubt, it's a great story for a comic book/superhero film to have. The returning cast are still excellent in their roles, as well as the new actors. This also goes for Alfred Molina as Otto Octavius/Dr. Octopus. It's just an excellent film all-around. So you may be wondering why I love these first two films, (I won't be reviewing Spider-Man 3.) and why I detest the reboot films? well here's why:
Reason #1: There was no heart put into the reboot films. To me, the reboot films just felt like a quick cash-grab. A slapped-together attempt to keep Spider-Man from transferring back to Marvel.
Reason #2: The supporting characters had no depth. In Amazing Spider-Man 1&2, we never get a sense of who Captain Stacy, Gwen Stacy, Aunt May, Uncle Ben, and Harry Osborn are. The films just move way too fast to let these characters develop!
Reason #3: The Villains have no charisma. The only things that The Lizard, Electro, and "Green Goblin", do in the reboot films is this: Fight Spider-Man, get defeated, get incarcerated. The villains in the first two Sam Raimi films on the other hand, have memorable lines of dialogue, intense fight scenes, and iconic looks. The original villains leave an impact on you, the only thing that the new villains leave you with, is a desire to fall asleep.
Reason #4: Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker/Spider-Man is a horrible person! Whether he's in the costume or not, Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker comes off as a complete douche! He acts like he's above everyone else, never keeps his word, and only cares about himself. A FAR cry from the good-hearted hero from the comics. Tobey Maguire on the other hand, personifies the character of Peter Parker. As Peter, He's an awkward, shy, nerd, but also, he genuinely loves and cares about the people in his life. As Spider-Man, he's the underdog. Even if the odds may not be stacked in his favor, he'll still do whatever it takes to defeat the villain, and protect those that can't protect themselves. These are my reasons as to why I don't like the reboot films. In my opinion, the original two Spider-Man films were perfect. It took me a while to see it that way, but sometimes it takes something really bad to make you appreciate something really good.