"The Amazing Spider-Man 2"

As the big movie blockbuster season really starts to kick off, we see the return of Peter Parker and his alter ego, in this sequel to the webslinging reboot.

I have enjoyed both of the 'Spider-Man' franchises, but there is something about this one that really makes it stand tall. Given the talent involved with the Raimi series, you would think that it would be a tough act to follow, but these two films are exceptionally good.
It is pleasing to note how good these films are, especially in a time now where we see so many Comic Book based movies. They used to be occasional, and now for me the Cinema has become flooded with them, in  my humble opinion, too many. But I digress.
The film opens, as has become an almost trademark, with us finding out a little more about the disappearance of Peter's parents, and this leads nicely into Peter discovering what his Father was working on, and the role he played in that, and how he was betrayed.
Our hero, however, has his own demons, as he is haunted by the promise that he made to a dying man at the end of the first film, wherever he looks, he sees the ghost of 'Captain Stacy', and remembers the vow he made. Can his relationship with 'Gwen' carry on?
Over at OsCorp, things are recovering after what Dr. Connors did. The events have been swept under the carpet, and with the passing of their Leader, Norman Osborn, the Company has his son Harry as their new CEO. But the powers that be seek to alter, and when an accident occurs at the firm, involving eletrical genius Max Dillon, Osborn is blamed and stripped of his powers. Power becomes a key for Dillon who survives his accident, and is reborn as 'Electro'. Osborn has sadly inherited his father's genetic condition, which means he will not survive for long, but he sees a solution with the help of 'Spider-Man'. But will the webslinger help? Ultimately both Electro and Osborn combine forces to regain what is theirs, and deal with anyone who gets in their way.

Sometimes with a film, there will be a few key factors that will make it the stand out film that it is. However with this new movie, there are so many. One of the biggest has to be the story, which is brilliantly written, and not knowing much about the original scource material, constantly getting me on the edge of my seat. There is a strong mesaage at the heart of the film, and that is why it works so wonderfully well. It is a highly entertaining journey that we take, with all the characters, there are so many great on screen relationships. Story and character are key for any film and this has both in abundance. The main on screen story is between Peter and Gwen, played by off screen partners Garfield and Stone, and of course that is going to add a dynamic that money can't buy. But even with Parker and Osborn, it is great seeing these two young and very talented actors share screen time together. Every cast member delivers a great performance, and its another huge plus for this fantastic movie. I a huge fan of lead actor Andrew Garfield, having seen his meteoric rise, especially with such amazing work on films like "Boy A", which rightly won him a BAFTA. Again he shines in this film like the bright star that he is.

Unlike some of the more recent Comic Book films we have seen, this one does not leave a City in total ruin, unlike "The Avengers" and "Man of Steel". It is a far more realistic fight taking place. Yes there is some damage to New York, and there were will be some scars, but Insurance Companies will not be going bankrupt. Some may argue that having these huge battles, which leave a City devastated adds to the enjoyment, and takes us into fantasy and away from reality, but for me they can go too far.
Also the villains are wonderfully created, and certainly for two of them, for the most part, they are only villains as normal men with toys that enable them to have powers beyond their everyday life. Again this adds to creating a film in a realistic world, and one we can relate to.
As usual, the film is visually stunning, and there are some nice and unusal perspective shots of Spider-Man flying round New York city.
The appropriately named Marc Webb continues his great work in the Director's chair, and hope that he will be back for a third film, of which I am sure there will be one.

Great fun, a rousing character driven story, and a fantatsic cast bringing it all to life. For me it is up there with "The Dark Knight Rises" as one of the very best Comic Book based movies......9 out of 10.

"The Amazing Spider-Man"

The famous web slinger is back in this new franchise from Sony.

But there are some big shoes to film. Director Sam Raimi had created a great legacy, bringing to life the world of Peter Parker.
So how would this new series of films fare?

Relative unknown Marc Webb is given the Director's chair, and does a first class job, both in telling the story, and also providing plenty to be entertained by.
The story sees Peter Parker trying to uncover the truth as to what happened to his parents, when they mysteriously left, leaving him with his Aunt and Uncle. During his investigation, it leads Peter to 'Oscorp' the Company his father was working for, and directly to the offices of Dr. Curt Connors. A scientist who is keen to reap the rewards of his research. A deformity leaves him with one fully working arm, and he aims to see both his arms restored to full glory. But his obsession comes at a price. Using the restorative genetics of a lizard, he injects himself, and sure enough his arm is back, but other aspects of the genes work themselves into his system, and before long he is transformed into a raging lizard, rampaging through the city.

With such a vital lead character at the heart of the film, you have to find the right lead actor to play that role. There were several questions asked when it was announced that Andrew Garfield was taking over from Tobey Maguire, as to his suitably. I for one would never question his acting skills. His talent is obvious, and I felt he would bring a new dimension to Peter Parker, and this he truly does. Maguire was good, but for me this is totally Andrew Garfield's gig. He can do the nerd, the humour, the action, the romance, and he is a bloody good actor.
Emma Stone, who is becoming quite the young lady of Hollywood is equally suited to her love interest role as 'Gwen'. Whether she will make way for Mary Jane remains to be seen.

In the original film, Cliff Robertson did such a wonderful job, as 'Uncle Ben'. And it would be difficult to imagine anyone else in the role, but thankfully the Creative Team behind the film have an ace up their sleeve, in that they get Award winning actor Martin Sheen to take over the role. Such a consumate professional, Sheen brings the same kind of humanity to the role that he did when working his magic playing 'President Bartlet' in "The West Wing". And also equally nice to see Sally Field back on the big screen after an absence of several years.

The action scenes are wonderfully directed, both visually stunning and plenty to keep one amused. The reintroduction of the Peter Parker character is handled very well in both writing and the performance from Andrew Garfield. Great to see the film on the IMAX but alas the 3D, as usual, does not add a great deal to the film.

On the whole, I would say that the future of Parker and Co. is very bright........8 out of 10.