Amazing Spider-Man 2, The (8/19/2014)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence.

Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx and Paul Giamatti

Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man)

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is almost Amazing.

We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead.

It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: OsCorp.

Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man grossed over $260 million in 2012, so no one batted an eye when the squeal boasted a $200+ million budget and a two hour and twenty-two minute running time. In fact I was excited, because the first film truly was amazing.

Following suit with the Marvel Studio films, this film had Easter eggs, strong comic book tie-ins and of course a Stan Lee cameo. And while all those things are great, this film felt more like a set up film to the upcoming Sinister Six movie.

As a result, the characters are not as developed as they could have been (that’s what happens when you introduce three new villains). We know that both Jamie Foxx’s nerdy, bullied and attention-starved character and DeHaan’s spoiled brat will eventually transform into the film’s villains the second they acquire their super power. So the filmmakers skip over their internal struggles and we’re left wondering if a simple conversation could have avoided the whole disaster.

Foxx, who is always hit-or-miss with me, delivers a less that electric perfoamce (pun indented…and if you think that’s bad, just wait to you see the film). DeHaan is believable as the rich yet rejected kid, but as the Green Goblin…I don’t know about that.

Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are both great and even better together. They flirt and fight and break-up and get back together. All the while drawing us in and making us care about them. Without giving too much away, this film will definitely pull on your heartstrings.

Let’s move from the heart to the eyes. I don’t care what anyone says, the special effect of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 are AMAZING. I feel like I could watch Spidey swing around New York and fight bad guys for two hours. It just looks so real and the action is clear. Unlike other films that use the shaky-cam technique to make it feel more intense, this film’s action is clean and smooth…and very exciting.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 wasn’t AMAZING, but it is still “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This one is fine for most teenagers.

There are two uses each of “damn,” and “hell.” Most of the PG-13 rating is for sequences of sci-fi action/violence. The fight scenes are pretty intense and Electro’s transformation is pretty scary.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. The Amazing Spider-Man is all about choices. What were some of the major choices Peter/Spider-man makes? What were the outcomes?


2. What were some of the major choices Gwen makes? What were the outcomes?


3. What were some of the major choices Peter’s dad makes? What were the outcomes?


4. What were some of the major choices Max makes? What were the outcomes?


5. What were some of the major choices Harry makes? What were the outcomes?


6. What does your process look like when you have a major decision to make?


7. The next time you have a big decision to make try this:
   
   
   • Begin with prayer and read Jeremiah 29:11
     “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
   
   
   • Seek Wisdom from God’s Word. Sometimes God’s word gives us very clear direction. Other times we need to apply biblical principles to our decision making process.
     
     Psalm 119:105
     Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

     Proverbs 3:5-6
     Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

     
     
   • Seek wisdom from others. Many times we ask our friends, and that’s fine. But sometimes we need wisdom from parents, pastors, teacher or other adults to help us make the best decision.