5 Reasons Why The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Is Worth Your Attention

Of all the comic book properties to hit the big screen it seems that a critical eye heads towards Spider-Man more often than not in recent times. Marc Webb's reincarnation of Peter Parker's webbed wonder was criticised for its 'recycled' elements and a villain whose appearance and presence were less than favourable.

Enter The Amazing Spider-Man 2, a chance at redemption and to iron out the creases in that unitard and seal the deal for an ever-expanding universe. Still subject to some critical response, the sequel, set for its DVD and Blu-Ray release, possesses plenty to shout about. 

Don't believe me? Then enjoy five reasons why I think it could catch you in its glorious web.

Out of the darkness into the light

Unlike its predecessor, TASM2 boasts a largely colourful tone, sticking faithful to its comic book origins with a resplendent foray of bright and bold animations that feel all so true to its origins. With Spider-Man himself improved visually, plus Jamie Foxx's Electro sending volts of energy and visual flair to the film, it's hard to deny this is one of the most vibrant and true to its source comic book outing.

Spider-Man humours us

Humour is a big part of Spider-Man's personality and we finally witnessed this as the one-liners and visual comedy came flying at us at a pace that even Our Spidey sense would have struggled with. From an opening chase scene littered with hilarious gags aimed towards Paul Giamatti's Aleksei Sytsevich, to subtle exchanges between Peter and Gwendoline, this saw an exit from the darkness of the previous film into much more illustrated territory.

A love that lights up the screen

If there's one thing that can be said for Marc Webb is that he knows how to nail an on-screen relationship, namely Peter and Gwendoline. Admittedly aided by their real-life partnership, this is a love that blossoms with every frame and fills our hearts with warmth. The awkwardness that oozes charm, the simmering tension and the constant reminder that they simply cannot be without one another, this is a love story that demands your support and certainly grips you with both hands and never let's go. 

Fears of villain overload quelled

Spider-Man 3 saw a barrage of complaints over its over-indulgence in villains and a failure to execute them sufficiently and that fear extended to this sequel. Indeed, how could Electro, Rhino, Green Goblin and an inclusion of Sinister Six rumblings co-exist? Thankfully, Webb was not ready to take that pitfall and balanced his tyrannical figures with great ease, neither rushing their progression nor over-elaborate in their presentation. Electro sizzled, Green Goblin teased greater dangers and the Sinister Six were poised for birth...

Zimmer excels yet again

It's easy for many to forget the impact of personnel on films whose involvement is for no-one to see. Nevertheless, one man who guarantees he will be heard is Hans Zimmer, and once again the man himself produces an exceptional soundtrack worthy of plaudits. From the game-changing use of dubstep to hammer home the appearance of Electro, to the softer tender musical accompaniment to Peter and Gwen's scenes, Zimmer and his ensemble prove the perfect individuals to add that extra spark to an already electrifying movie.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from 1st September.

Cinema Review - The Amazing Spider-Man

It was always going to be a tough year for Spider-Man to re-enter the superhero fray what with Avengers Assemble conquering the global box office and The Dark Knight Rises appearing as the most anticipated film of the year. After all, Spider-Man 3 was a blasphemous outing for the web-slinger and the idea of a reboot re-telling Peter Parker's past almost seemed a redundant idea.


Nevertheless, Sony Pictures proceeded with giving ol' Spidey the reboot treatment under the watchful eye of director Marc Webb (500 Days Of Summer) and placing Andrew Garfield in the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man.A decision that undoubtedly pays off in The Amazing Spider-Man.


Abandoned by his parents at a young age to live with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, Peter Parker remains clueless as to why his parents left him before their demise in a plane crash. As a teenager reaching the end of his school years, Parker is an independent and cool geek-chic figure, a guy who is happy to help out those in need and close to his aunt and uncle.


When Parker finds a briefcase of his father's containing possible leads to his sudden exit in his youth, he heads to Oscorp Industries to find a man that worked with his father very closely, Dr Curtis Connors (Rhys Ifans). Whilst exploring the various laboratories in the building, Parker is bitten by a genetically modified spider, an event that will change his life forever.

Working at Oscorp is Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), a strong and intelligent pupil whom Peter has a crush on. As their relationship blossoms, so too does Peter's with Connors, the pair looking further into research to re-grow the scientist's missing arm. When Connors and Parker come up with a formula that could well be the answer, Connors steps ahead to human testing, but things don't go to plan. The dose transforms the scientist into The Lizard and a path of rage and destruction begins.


Peter, now gracing the powers from the spider bite, becomes Spider-Man and is the only thing that can save the city from the evils of The Lizard.


A revisit to the origins of Spider-Man may have proved to be a huge fail but Marc Webb creates a new entry into the saga that is both strong in character and ultimately excites viewers. In Peter Parker we now have a cool kid who is confident enough to fight his own battles and attracts the hottest girl in school. Andrew Garfield adds a new definition to Peter Parker and in transforming to Spider-Man also breathes a new life into the hero, at times cocky and funny, but also a beacon of hope and respect. 

Coupled with Garfield, Emma Stone is just as strong in her role as Gwent Stacy. Erasing all memory of the constant droning of Mary Jane Watson, Stone's blonde-haired Stacy kicks her predecessor into touch and even jumps in to help our hero on occasion. Such a strong female is a joy to behold and the chemistry between the two sizzles beautifully. With Garfield and Stone outstanding, the inclusion of veterans Martin Sheen and Sally Field is unsurprisingly graceful, the aunt and uncle combination offering wisdom and solidness.


It is Rhys Ifans' The Lizard that slightly lets the side down, more so in the CGI stakes. Admittedly, Ifans offers his best evil act in the slow transformation of Connors but once we catch a look at The Lizard, the excitement somewhat falters. The CGI is shabby and at no point does it look as though Spidey's enemy will ever forge an upper hand against his foe, despite some wonderfully shot action sequences. 


The Lizard aside, The Amazing Spider-Man is a reboot to saviour for the web-slinger. Garfield and Stone are on sizzling hot form, the action (and even the 3D) mightily impressive and even Stan Lee's cameo is the best so far. If Webb keeps up this form with the franchise the Avengers may well come a calling!


Film rating: 4 F's out of 5