As I said rather pointedly in my last Spidey review, this two-movie series fails to live up to the legend of the comic-book character. This movie is more entertaining that the first one, as we get more plot details about Peter's past, an increasingly complex relationship between Peter and Gwen, and twice the amount of villains we had the first time round. Still, the characterization of said villains is disappointing, if you expected for anything more than good action sequences. The film-makers always seem to go to lengths to ensure the humanity of their characters remain intact, yet the payoffs never quite add up. Ah, what could have been... This movie is more emotional than the previous one, and the themes more extreme. Again, a few kisses and a spattering of language: 14:10 - Lor's sakes 35: 30 - P*ssed off 1:12:12 - D*mn 1:20:05 - Oh G*d 1:21:00 - "G*d save the Queen"... 1:24:50 - "What the h*ll" 1:30:35 - G*d 1:42:25 - H*ll 1:51:35 - Thank G*d 2:02:05 - G*d
loki45 Parent of 9, 14, 15 and 18+-year-old
What's the Story?
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 starts off with the real back story of how Peter Parker's parents died. Then we fast forward to the day of Peter [Andrew Garfield] and Gwen Stacy's [Emma Stone] graduation from high school. As Spider-Man, Peter is off saving New Yorkers and nearly misses receiving his diploma. He can't stop imagining Gwen's dead dad, pleading with him not to involve Gwen in his dangerous superhero endeavors. So Peter uncharacteristically [for this Spidey] finds himself brooding about his relationship with Gwen and wondering about the circumstances surrounding his father's death, while living with his stressed and widowed Aunt May [Sally Field]. On top of his emotional turmoil, Peter also has to deal with old friend Harry Osborn [Dane DeHaan], who's returned to Manhattan to inherit Oscorp, as well as super villain Electro [Jamie Foxx], who's powered by electricity and wants to destroy Spider-Man. Peter just wants to learn the truth about his parents and be with Gwen, but there are too many complications, threats, and people to protect.
Is It Any Good?
With the exception of Garfield's humor and his chemistry with Stone, this sequel doesn't hold a web string to Spider-Man 2. Many off-screen couples can't translate their personal relationship into on-screen chemistry, but real-life sweethearts Garfield and Stone are sizzling on camera, making the romantic subplot of this Spider-Man sequel the best reason to see the movie. That may sound heretical to some loyal superhero-movie fans, particularly tween boys, who like Fred Savage in The Princess Bride would rather skip all the kissing parts. But the truth is that this wise-cracking, canonical Spider-Man is at his most lovable when he's with the women he loves: clever girlfriend Gwen and devoted Aunt May. There are a few scenes between Peter and these supportive, loving women that are so evocative and touching that viewers may even get teary eyed.
But audiences watching The Amazing Spider-Man 2 for action, adventure, and intrigue may be less impressed. The multiple villain issue isn't new, but the plot is a clunky mess between the Oscorp conspiracy the senior Parkers were part of, the shallow hatred of Electro [who's more of a needy introvert with new powers than a maniacal evil genius], and the whole sick Harry subplots. Garfield is a decidedly funnier and more confident Spider-Man than his predecessor Tobey Maguire, though.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
- Families can talk about the amount of violence in superhero movies like The Amazing Spider-Man 2. How does the fact that much of it is larger than life affect its impact? How is it different watching super villains get hurt than regular people?
- How does this film compare to other superhero stories? Do you prefer hero movies with just one star, or do you like bigger groups [a la The Avengers]?
- Compare the movie to the comic books. Is it faithful to the story as depicted in the comics? Were you surprised about certain developments?
Movie Details
- In theaters: May 2, 2014
- On DVD or streaming: August 19, 2014
- Cast: Andrew Garfield , Emma Stone , Jamie Foxx
- Director: Marc Webb
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors
- Studios: Columbia Pictures , Sony Pictures Releasing
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Superheroes
- Run time: 142 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sequences of sci-fi action/violence
- Last updated: October 21, 2023
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.