The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment

Choosing between what you want and what you have to do is difficult. Whether it is as mundane as choosing videogames over studying to going out with friends over studying (yes, studying is always there, Lasallian), it’s pretty hard, right? Well, how about choosing between the love of your life and everyone else? Sony’s second installment to The Amazing Spider-Man trilogy explores this choice as Peter Parker once again dons the heroic costume to face attacks on all fronts: as him and as his alter-ego, Spider-Man.

After getting saved from getting crushed by a car, Oscorp employee Max Dillon turns into Spidey’s number one fan. But after an accident at Oscorp causes him to gain electrical powers, he proceeds to cause havoc when he thinks Spider-Man betrays him. This, coupled with problems with his old friend Harry Osborn, prompts the web-slinger to save the day. As if he didn’t already have enough on his mind, Mr. Parker also has to deal with his personal relationships, most especially with Gwen Stacy, whom he promised to leave out of his new life as Spider-Man, but didn’t.

As Peters seeks to learn more about his parents leaving him, and as he continues to struggle against his problems with Gwen’s late father (watch the first film, people!), we see more of Spidey’s human side, showing that Peter Parker is pretty much relevant to the story. This, together with a whole lot of web-slinging, butt-kicking action, and comedy are what make the film so entertaining to watch.

The special effects are simply outstanding. It seems, as Jurassic Park owner John Hammond would say, that the company “spared no expense” on them. From the chase scenes, to Electro playing New York’s Power Plant like a stereo, it was food for the eyes.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (ASM2) includes cast members from the previous film including Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, reprising their roles as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy, respectively. New stars have also joined the cast as the likes of Dane DeHaan (Harry Osborn/Green Goblin), Jamie Foxx (Max Dillon/Electro) and Paul Giamatti (Rhino) play this film’s villains.

DeHaan is exceptional in his role as the troubled Harry Osborn, the eventual Green Goblin, while Garfield’s Spider-Man still portrays that down-to-earth and witty hero everyone loves and relates to. The director of the first film, Marc Webb, also returns to direct the sequel.

ASM2 is a modern retelling of one of Marvel’s most beloved comic book franchises. With the entire film set in the year 2014, it certainly gives hardcore superhero fans a fresh look into Spider-Man, while new fans and the younger generation will enjoy the film just as much. Though it would’ve been nice to see a more classic spider-Man, it just wouldn’t be practical as it is difficult to see younger crowds enjoying that kind of setting and cheesy dialogue.

From all the action scenes, to the not-so-surprising-yet-very-surprising, well, surprises, the film was well worth the wait. After months of hype on social media sites and television, one would think that the movie would be overrated. Well, it is a good thing it isn’t.

Indeed, no one could’ve asked for a better portrayal of the web head and his adventures, unless Toby Maguire’s Spider-Man does it better for you. The success of the film is obvious and even if it doesn’t top My Little Bossing on the first day in the Philippine box office, it will once again spark a number of merchandising opportunities (hey there, McDonald’s and Jollibee!). I guess that’s Spider-Man’s way of helping the people here.

Some advice when watching the film: Though it isn’t a film by Marvel, there is an after credits scene, though it isn’t necessarily worth the wait. Also, counting the number of times the Sony brand comes up during the entire move adds for extra fun.

Rating: 4.0