Brilliant expansion of the franchise

Rating: 9/10 (24 October 2014)

Amazing Spiderman 2 is a brilliant superhero film. Whilst I was sceptical about the first re-boot of this franchise – so soon after Toby Macguire played Peter Parker – Garfield stamps his own interpretation on the role and delivers an incredibly mature performance in his second-outing.
The action sequences are breath-taking – free falling to the ground from on top of a skyscraper, electric energy pulsating round Time Square, the Green Goblin being born. There are so many plot twists, which send shivers down the spine and leave me desperate to see more. I particularly like how, compared to the Toby Macguire films, they seem to be introducing a host of villains, all kitted out with special technology from Oscorp's "Top Secret" R&D vault.
Another excellent feature is the numerous touching moments in the film, which work well alongside the action. Best of all, we see a little boy – dressed in a Spidey outfit – runs out in front of the latest gun-toting baddie, who has pinned down the city's police force, showing the same qualities of inspirational bravery that make this superhero so exciting to watch. This is typical of the brilliant artistic touches this film demonstrates. Another highlight is Stacey Gwen's graduation speech encouraging her peers: "don't waste it living someone else's life, make yours count for something. Fight for what matters to you, no matter what. Because even if you fall short, what better way is there to live?"