Amazing!

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2014)

This movie ties up loose ends from the first film while also expanding on the already dedicated love of the character.
Spider-Man's characterisation is a perfect representation of what he should be and Andrew Garfield plays the part with absolute perfection. He eliminates the idea that Spider-Man and Peter Parker are the same person by giving the two characters their own layers and depths worthy of respect and admiration. As Spider-Man, he's the classic trash-talking, sarcastic mischievous hero while as Peter Parker, he's the relatable teenager struggling with everything life throws at us all: his relationship with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) plays a fundamental part in this as he struggles to keep the promise he made to a dying Captain Stacy, Gwen's father. The chemistry between the two (with aid from Andrew and Emma's real life partnership) add a layer of reality to their relationship; with every scene shared between the two feeling grounded and real. Dare I say, the dynamic between the two is also incredibly cute.
Other characters involve Harry Osborn (Dane Dehaan), Peter's childhood best friend recently returned from attending school away, and Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx): the pitiful, lonesome electrician who falls victim to a tragic accident transforming him into the powerful villain, Electro. Even as the electrified baddie, Max's character remains to grasp the audience's pity. However, this is changed when Max feels betrayed by Spider-Man and uses his powers to destroy and kill instead. Harry, on the other hand, continues to have a similar relationship with Peter as Gwen had: the two share great chemistry and the dynamic feels natural and fluid. Harry's been told by his dying father that the 'Osborn Curse' has befallen Harry, forcing him to do anything he can to salvage his derailing health. However, Harry's time is short-spent before he transforms into the already-confirmed Green Goblin. This makes his development feel like it's reached it's limit before his first appearance in the franchise is even finished. Had his character been drawn out more, there may have been more time to add to his character, although what was delivered from him (and Dehaan's stunning performance) was enough to make you both like and fear Harry equally.
The story balances the main narrative and the sub-plot involving the mystery behind Peter's parents wonderfully and the two never feel forced or out of place from one another. Each character has their own part within the film and have the right to be there (as apposed to the overwhelming amount of clashes between Sandman, Venom and New-Goblin in Spider-Man 3). The action-packed sequences alike have their reason to be there too and never feel forced in order to create some excitement as they each play their own significant part in both character/story development.
Lastly, the film expresses all kinds of emotions from the audiences that really make the viewer invest into the story and characters alike; making you love and relate to them. The film is a wonderful addition to an already fantastic franchise in which Marc Webb truly expresses his love and devotion of the character making this portrayal of the web-slinging hero one to be remembered and loved!