Not so amazing, but not terrible Spider-Man movie

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2014)

Let me start by saying that I have enjoyed all the Spider-Man movies released so far, some more than others, and while they are different in various aspects, I think they all provide enough quality entertainment for those less demanding. In this second installment of the rebooted series, we get yet another authentic Peter Parker/Spider-Man performance from Andrew Garfield, who seems to have fitted in well to this iconic role, and a plot that while it does present some inconsistency, manages to at least keep itself going with great action and good character development in some cases.
So the movie follows Peter Parker loving his life as the hero of New York City: Spider-Man. We immediately get to see him going at it, being cocky and jokey, but also knowing when it's time to stop the bad guy. Throughout the film Peter will have to fight with his inner conscience, as he ponders if he should stay with his love, Gwen Stacy, or respect her father's wishes to keep her out of danger. As Spider-Man, he will also have to deal with Electro, formerly known as Max Dillon, an lonely Oscorp worker who becomes obsessed with Spider-Man. Upon having an accident at his work place, he turns into Electro and will begin to hold a grudge over Spidey, after he sees things in a different perspective. Perhaps the best part of the movie is the Harry Osborn subplot, which in the long term, seems to lead into the Sinister Six storyline that Sony is trying to put together.
All parts of the movie have their ups and downs, but mostly combine to make for an enjoyable experience. Peter & Gwen's relationship troubles are at times front and center and the chemistry from Garfield and Stone (real life partners) really helps the movie's flow. I think that some comic book fanatics just need to appreciate the emotional aspect of this connection in the movie. Electro was at times very misused. but the good effort by Jamie Foxx makes him an acceptable villain for the movie. As far as Oscorp and Peter's dad's past, all the components are well put together, even if it does depend on coincidental actions. Dane DeHaan's Osborn is in my opinion well portrayed, and I for one can understand why he comes off as whiny, after all I did appreciate his back story.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 delivered some aspects well, mainly the action. Yet much like Iron Man 3, it felt like the potential was fully stretched, which is a shame, since it could have made the movie live to it's title, and be amazing, which is something the first one wasn't, despite being better than its successor. I really hope they can give us a terrific third movie. Fingers crossed
Rating: 7/10