The Amazing Spider-Man 2 -- Movie Review #JPMN

• The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) -- Gripping triumph with engaging characters, 9/10. TWEET a review with the #JPMN hashtag, and have it featured! WATCH full episodes of Movie Night -- http://bit.ly/JogJPMN ~~ Movie Night Reviews ~~ Incorporating viewer comments, your host and film critic Jonathan Paula reviews everything from opening day releases, recent DVDs, upcoming trailers, and classics from years past. Each "Quick Review" is an excerpt from a full episode, which airs on the Jogwheel channel every Friday, November - May. ~~ Watch More Reviews ~~ Browse By Year ----- http://bit.ly/MNYear Browse By Rating --- http://bit.ly/MNRating Trailer Reviews ------- http://bit.ly/MNTrailers ~~ Channels, Social Media, & More ~~ Jogwheel (Main channel) --- http://bit.ly/Jogwheel Jon's World (2nd channel) - http://bit.ly/JonWorld The Microwave Show -------- http://bit.ly/TMSArchive Twitter ----------------------------- http://bit.ly/JonTW Facebook ------------------------ http://bit.ly/JonFBFan Instagram ------------------------ http://bit.ly/JonInsta Live Shows ---------------------- http://bit.ly/JogLive T-Shirts --------------------------- http://bit.ly/JogStore ~~ Technical Credits ~~ Created by ------ Jonathan Paula Camera ---------- Panasonic HMC-150 Microphone ----- Sennheiser ME 66 Software --------- Adobe Premiere Pro CC Computer ------- http://bit.ly/JAV010 • Jogwheel Productions © 2014 • ~~ Review Script ~~ Released nationwide on May 2, 2014, this $250-million dollar superhero adventure is the fifth live-action adaptation of everyone's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, and the second part of director Marc Webb's reboot series. Inherently, I'm such a huge fan of Raimi's work on the original trio of films, I'm still a bit sore Marvel felt it necessary to reboot the franchise at all, let alone so soon. With the origin story neatly addressed in the 2012 film, this 142-minute movie is thankfully able to focus on a brand new story, with all new villains and plot-threads, resulting in a far more interesting and original experience. Opening with back-to-back action set-pieces, one once again focusing on Hollywood's never-ending obsession with destroying airplanes, the plot kicks off in earnest, and follows Andrew Garfield as he tries to save his relationship to the adorably sexy Emma Stone, while battling new and imaginative forces of evil in a flashy new Spidey-suit. Although hard to believe as high-school-aged, these two have remarkable and charming chemistry, no doubt a result of their real off-screen relationship. The stakes are laid out early when Stone reminds the web-slinger, "You're Spider-Man, and I love that. But I love Peter Parker more." More insight is given to Spider-Man's troubled past, including the fate of his long lost father, played by Campbell Scott - in a great supporting role that anchors the film emotionally and provides for better integration with the first film. The supporting cast of Jamie Foxx, Sally Field, and Dane DeHaan all bring something special and unique to their characters... especially up-and-coming DeHaan who continues to impress with his magnificent presence and talent. Colm Feore, Chris Cooper, and Paul Giamatti have smaller roles as well, and their years of combined experience help lend legitimacy to a movie that is after all, a PG-13-rated fantasy. In one action spectacle, Garfield goes head-to-head against villain Jamie Foxx in Times Square, in a bright and explosive sequence that plays out like a pay-per-view wrestling match, with lots of grand-standing and showmanship. The scene includes a long dynamic shot that flies through space as time stands still... beautifully showing off some impeccable special effects. Commendably filmed on-location in New York City, the largest film production in the city's history in fact: the movie does a great job showcasing the highlights and low-lights of Manhattan and its surrounding Burroughs. Hans Zimmer takes over scoring duties from James Horner, but you'll have to forgive me if I didn't notice much of a difference in their approaches. Despite some minor pacing issues towards the middle, and a crowded final act, this is a fast, sharp, and entertaining narrative that improves on its predecessor in every way. Although it doesn't quite rise above its material, the movie ultimately delivers electrifying thrills while exploring themes of sacrifice and revenge. Fans of Raimi's trilogy will appreciate the tone and direction this picture takes, while fans of the reboot should be pleasantly surprised when the film commendably breaks formula in the final moments. One of the best comic book pictures in years, I look forward to watching this again on Blu-ray. "The Amazing Spider-Man 2", "Gripping triumph with engaging characters." ~