Better than the first.

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2014)

This sequel to Marc Webb's Spidey reboot shares something in common with Raimi's second movie. It is better than its predecessor. Now while I didn't think The first "Amazing Spider- Man" was entirely bad, it took some getting used to these newer versions of established characters. But my biggest problem with Webb's reboot was that it dragged a bit too much, but this sequel did not waste anytime. It jumped right into the action, and was a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Asides from returning actors such as Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Sally Field, there are a few new faces to introduce. Filling James Franco's shoes as Harry Osborne is Dane DeHaan, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Emo Peter from Raimi's third film. Appearance aside, his performance starts out a little weak, but gets much better as the movie progresses. When he actually becomes the Green Goblin, his acting really shines, despite a somewhat goofy look that put's Willem Dafoe's Power Ranger-esque suit to shame.
The main villain, however, is Electro, played greatly by Jamie Foxx. Now I, like many, laughed when the first image of Foxx's electro was revealed, but he turned in a performance that more than made up his appearance. He starts out as Oscorp employee Max Dillon, the stereotypical obsessed fan who looks up to Spidey after he saves his life. The way in which he is transformed into Electro is quite creative. Paul Giamatti briefly appears as Rhino, and I must be honest. He was not at his best here. Giamatti is a good actor, but he was beyond over the top in this one. It seems clear, though, that he will be in the next film, so he will have time to work on his performance.
Bottom line, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" exceeded my expectations. I honestly did not know if I would like it or hate it, but in the end, I found it to be quite an adrenaline rush, which is exactly how I like my superhero movies. Not since "Iron Man 3" have I felt myself sliding out of the seat so much. I am now really excited for the next one, where it is hinted that the Sinister Six will appear.