A Structured, Impressive Attempt to Bring the Comics to Life

Rating: 8/10 (3 May 2014)

Spider-man has had many a movie now. As a kid, I wanted a Spider-man movie so badly, and when Sam Raimi fulfilled that desire, I immediately loved his movies. Except now, I look back and realize how crappy those movies really were. While I still love Spider-man 2, the original and especially #3 were campy, far removed from the comics, and lackluster in story. In short, I loved them because they gave me Spider-man, and that's about it.
Fast forward to now, and we've been given two Amazing Spider-man movies. The first knocked my socks off, as I didn't think a studio would ever come so close to giving me the character as he should be. There were flaws, but not many. This second Amazing Spider-man movie is more than just a fun ride. It's more than just a bunch of fight scenes. There are four things that I love about this new movie.
First, it focuses on Peter Parker. We get to see his tears, his relationship flaws, his fears, and his problems. This film features some intensely emotional scenes between Peter and Gwen and also Peter and his Aunt May. These scenes are on point, with amazing acting on display.
Secondly, it focuses on Spider-man. This might seem like a strange point, but the first three movies focus on Spider-man by showing fights, by showing him swinging endlessly, and the like. However, Amazing Spider-man 2 gives us Spider-man as the comics portray him. A. He's really smart and uses his intelligence fluidly in battle. B. He's a smart ass. As much as I've heard that this movie's script is junk, I myself found it hilarious. C. We get to see the pain and the joy he experiences in being Spider-man.
Thirdly, the actions scenes are phenomenal. Not only is the CGI incredible, but the cinematography and choreography are graceful, impacting, and even a little scary. This film finds balance in providing some truly shocking and massive moments and in giving us Spider-man's cockiness and humor. It contrasts the darkness and the humor so well, and hits really hard with the ballsy action. The 3D added so much to all of this, too, as we are taken on a roller coaster as we follow Spider-man's acrobatic moves. The villains are pretty good, neither the best nor worst that we've seen. Jamie Foxx does an admirable job of being crazy, basically. Now that I think of it, both Electro and the Green Goblin are pretty mad. The Rhino is a bit of a disappointment, though, as I hoped for more screen time and perhaps a more personal look at him, instead of this hired muscle ploy. Either way, the battle scenes with these villains are fantastic.
Lastly, this film is structured like a work of art. It starts and ends with a battle versus a specific villain, and we get to see his attitude as it changes. He matures during this film; spiritually, personally, even physically, I think. He learns about true hope, true bravery, and even dealing with the past and future. The pinnacle event of the film will effect him forever, and the film masterfully tells the part, as they pull it almost exactly from the comics. It really impacted me as a viewer, even though I knew it was coming.
So, is Amazing Spider-man 2 the best superhero movie I've seen? No. Captain America 2 was significantly better. There are some pacing problems, some letdowns (especially the end), and some things I would have done differently. However, despite these small (and nitpicking) flaws, this is the best Spider-man movie yet. With a hilarious script, imposing and hard-hitting action, a wonderful tribute to one of the comics' best stories, and a fascinating look at Peter's past and his shaky present; Amazing Spider-man 2 exceeded my expectations.