The summer movie season kicks off early with the continuing story of The Amazing Spiderman "Andrew Garfield" Edition. Bigger and louder than the first reboot (especially in IMAX 3D), this one featuring once again, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and Sally Field as Aunt May. The villains this time around are portrayed by Paul Giamatti, Dane DeHaan, and Jamie Foxx.
Mr. Garfield has a boyish charm that suits him well as Spiderman and he continues to have great chemistry with Ms. Stone. Jamie Foxx as "Electro" is asked to play him as a tragic figure but once he transforms, is little more than a one note villain. His two pivotal battles with Spiderman account for most of the action. Paul Giamatti plays a Russian gangster transformed into "The Rhino" but has very little screen time. Dane DeHaan takes over the role of Harry Osborn and while he plays evil well, he doesn't have the exaggerated presence to embody "The Green Goblin" and frankly there is too much Osborn and not enough "Goblin".
The sub-plot of Peter Parker's past is explored in too much depth and stretches the film past the two hour mark. Further lapses between action sequences also contribute to the feeling that the film goes on far too long.
The action scenes are impressive (especially in 3D) as Spiderman swings through the concrete canyons of Manhattan and squares off against "Electro" in Times Square. You may want to bring earplugs if you see it in IMAX. Director Marc Webb (no pun there) alternates between lulling you to sleep and waking you up with deafening fight scenes.
Spiderman purists may take issue with deviations on Electro's origin, "The Rhino's upgraded body armor, Gwen Stacy's fate, and a lack of J.Jonah Jameson but the entertainment value is still there. It's just not quite "amazing".
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