A sequel that raises the stakes but fails to deliver.

Rating: 6/10 (15 May 2014)

The Amazing Spiderman 2 is a film which explores Peter Parker's struggle to cope with a double life, whether it's being Spiderman and protecting the citizens or living a normal life dealing with Gwen Stacy. Usually the advantage with a Spiderman film is that Spiderman is a hero with a high school alter ego who deals with everyday issues, such as; relationships, growing up etc. However, this film falters with that as the film spends so much time exploring Peter's father, and this fundamentally ruins the film. Firstly this turns Spiderman into a soldier set up by his father to destroy Oscorp. Secondly Aunt May becomes useless as Peter becomes more bothered about his Dad rather than May-this is disappointing as May is a really good character who adds a good complexity and importance to his life but the film is more concerned with Peter and his Dad over Peter and May.
On the flip side, the extremely adorable Emma Stone is back as the equally adorable Gwen Stacy and her scenes are always good to watch. Her chemistry with Garfield is amazing, which is the highlight of the film. Also the introduction of Harry Osbourne is well executed and the relationship between him and Peter is always compelling. The villains side of the story is lacking, underdeveloped and tiring. Jamie Foxx is wasted as Electro and also the need to add an extra two villains are exhausting. So overall the film succeeds in escalating the stakes but falls short of delivering a good sequel due to villains and over pumped action whilst also failing to establish the drama and human side of the film as well. Although the film is saved by Stone's cute performance which will keep us invested, despite the fact that I feel there was not enough of her. Maybe a Gwen Stacy film with Stone would satisfy us... who knows?