The Amazing Spider-Man 2

The series with Andrew Garfield is certainly more likeable than the decade older one, even though they have almost the same visuals and love story. Emma Stone is more natural, Spider Man is more human-like (more realistic), and the action is more robust. However, it is still the most childlike comic book hero among the main ones, and it still isn't grasped as it could be – or rather, it is still a sterile Hollywood action movie with a lot of clichés, corny scenes, and expected twists that don't necessarily need to be there. It's the same thing for the twentieth time. It's charming, but it's already getting repetitive. (01/05/2014)

So this looks like the surprise of the year so far. I was quite worried, especially after seeing the dub-step trailers, but it’s good. In terms of story, maybe a bit too long, doing it harm, but still better than season one. Full of snappy lines and perfect, really elaborate action crowned by an iconic moment that once shook the foundations of the whole comic world. The repulsive Fox as Electro is watchable thanks to his skills, but anybody else would have been better in that role, anybody. Giamatti doesn’t make much of an appearance, but DeHaan makes the very most of Harry, Goblin is surplus to requirements and could have easily waited for the next episode. But anyway. After watching the trailers I was expecting a catastrophe, but in the end it was very strong number 4. I’m still happier with the overall mood than with Raimi directing. I’m looking forward the number three, it’s all started off very well. “What are you doing? No, I do the laundry." “Last time you did it, you turned everything blue and red." “Because I washing the American flag." (30/04/2014)

This is exactly what you expect from a similar movie nowadays. There's a lot of action, it's heavily focused on special effects, the 3D looks excellent, it's occasionally funny, epic, and introspective, and yet I can't help but feel somewhat unimpressed. Modern CGI-filled movies unfortunately leave me cold, so I'm really glad that the screenwriters at least stuck to the canon and did exactly what every fan of the comic series anticipated. Moreover, it looks promising for the next installment, especially with the villains involved. (27/04/2014)

The first film was about hormones, the second accepts the fact that it has to expose the character to something more fundamental (death, responsibility, loneliness) and somehow develop and problematize the character. Unfortunately, there is a syndrome of beating empty straw with the expression of a farmer whose cattle have died. The clichés and love twists are so stupid that even the nonchalant Webb loses grace and the whole thing is reminiscent of the weak moralistic moments of Raimi's trilogy. A certain inconsistency also continues between the detached adolescent escapades in the clouds and quite harsh moments (the introductory scene is something like Nolan would do) / an effort to motivate the villains more comprehensively. It's nothing that Spidey would excel at, so exactly, as was said here - the action is excellent and imaginative, whilst the link between it is a bit barren. Still nothing that offends me, but also nothing I would watch with increased attention and affection. (24/04/2014)

Emotions overcome reason, anger overshadows some more humane feelings, and somewhere deep within, there's that persistent desire for a deeper understanding of oneself and one's own origin. I wrote that in the previous installment, and I'll write it again now – and perhaps for the last time. Sam Raimi's version was great, but it is Marc Webb's personal approach and scriptwriting greatness that makes The Amazing Spider-Man an unforgettable series. Even after this Electric Rhapsody becomes just another interchangeable summer action film for everyone else, I will remember much more. I will remember Emma Stone, who dialed down her sassy approach and ultimately became the true and genuine Gwen Stacy. I will remember the nervously escalating storyline of Harry, which, even in a smaller space, causes a chilling sensation. And above all, I will remember a more mature Andrew Garfield, who effortlessly handles both the jumping red and blue quipster and the torn-up mess seeking help from his loved ones. In combination with the first film, it is a perfectly intoxicating experience, thwarted only by the greed of Sony bosses on the path to a unique trilogy. It's a tremendous shame, making all the preparation for further adventures utterly futile. Considering the power of the story about the rise of a young loner to becoming a hero, it is so frustrating that my frustrated arguments became irrelevant only a month later when Spider-Man returned to Marvel instead of another reboot. How he fared among the established Avengers, however, is a different story altogether. (05/07/2014)