Where do I even begin with this post? There was just so much that happened, and I can't even begin to cover it. But I will do my best to stay spoiler-free, since it's opening weekend, and not everyone has probably seen it yet.

I want to say that the Amazing Spider-Man 2 blew me away. Truly. I went into this with just tidbits of information, some guesswork (I got a few things right, that's for sure), and of course whatever they kept showing via the constant previews and trailers over the past few months. I was actually worried that due to the fact I kept hearing things that the movie would be spoiled for me (due to the ending, but we'll get to that in a moment). Hell, I had to avoid the itch to peek at the Wikipedia page, steer clear of any movie news, avoid looking at any previews and trailers on youtube for fear of accidently seeing a comment featuring spoilers. The internet is brutal, folks. But I digress.

Let's start with the cast and crew! Dear lord this film would not be what it is without these magnificent people. First up being the wonderful director Marc Webb ( @MarcW). Honestly, when another film was announced, I wasn't sure if he could pull this off, but he did. I don't what went through his mind when he was on set, but I truly applaud what he has done with these films. After the first film, and its' ending, I knew he had something. Which leads me to James Vanderbilt. He made the story for the first "Amazing" film, and since then, well, you all can see the results for yourselves. I see a lot of references to the "mainstream 616" and "Ultimate" Universes in these two films, so I'd definitely say some research was done.

As for the cast themselves... Emma Stone was superb. She is really IS a magnificent Gwen Stacy. Nothing against any of the gals who have portrayed her in the past, of course. I actually enjoyed Bryce Dallas Howard in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 3 and Lacey Chabert in the Spectacular Spider-Man animated series. But since these two films have put their own spin on the character, her relationship with friends, family and of course Peter himself, I have to say that Emma Stone went above and beyond. I can say no more, due to spoilers.

Sally Fields! Honestly, I know of her mostly from Mrs. Doubtfire with Robin Williams. Good actress, all in all, but I admit, I like where she takes the character of Aunt May. Of course every incarnation of the character mourns for Uncle Ben, and supports Peter, guiding him when necessary, but I feel that this film, due to the franchise's choice of dealing with what I'll call "The Mystery of the Parkers", I think she too has some secrets she's hiding from Peter, just as the trailer indicates, and just like him, she's attempting to protect him. But just as she says in the previews "Secrets have a cost". I say, good work, Ms. Fields!

Keeping with the Ladies First route, let's talk Felicity Jones. There's actually no way for me to mention her without blowing spoiler out of the water. So I'm sorry. Felicia Hardy. Hell, the girl's got all but one letter of the character's name in her actual name! (don't know if that's just irony or what, but I'm not complaining) I had a suspicion that she'd be playing the character, but not until last month, or so, did I see the truth. All I have to say is that I WANT to give this gal my praise, I really do, but I cannot form a full opinion of this character because of how much actual screentime she got. I love this character. I really do. Just ask @OrionSTARB0Y. She's more than likely my number 1 favorite Marvel female. Though that might just be because of @jhaletweets , since I absolutely fell head over heels hard for her performance of the character in the 90's animated series. But I'll end that there, because I could write several papers on the character. To put it simply, I like the actress, and I pray that I get to see more of her in upcoming sequels. I have faith that Marc Webb can do something promising with the character.

The last of the females, Mary Parker herself, Embeth Davidtz, I thought, did a good job. We see very little of Peter's parents in the first film, and even in the comics, no matter what the universe is. They are mysterious duo, shrouded in a web of mysteries equally as mysterious as their deaths (Oh I'm sorry... SPOILER ALERT!! Come on guys, the first film's been out a couple years already...)) Anyway, much like Felicity Jones, I actually wish I could see more of Peter's Parents due to their "mystique". But hey, the films leave me wanting more regardless of what happens. XD Oh well. Praise to both Ms. Davidtz and Campbell Scott (who plays Pete's dad in both of the films). Their involvement always leaves me foaming at the mouth, yearning for answers on what happened, who they were, and how it all ties together.

Let's move onto the villains...

Leading man Electro! AKA Max Dillon, aka the wonderful Jamie Foxx! (@iamjamiefoxx) My friends, he was magnificent! Electro has been in Spidey's rogues' gallery for a long time, but considering this is his big screen debut, I thought that he simply blew the role right out of the water! Exceeding my own expectations, along with many others, I'm sure, I can go on and on about just how much he truly brought to the role! From beginning to end, he is simply the perfect actor for this role. I absolutely loved what was brought to this role. And to say that Max Dillon was a fan of the Spider, prior to being Electro himself, is a serious understatement. The journey we take alongside the character, I believe, is an amazing one, but also a tragic one, in my own honest opinion, but I also believe that a majority of Spidey's rogues are very tragic characters, which is why I'm very impressed with these films, because of how they've portrayed these characters, including the villains. Electro's origins and role was nothing short of exhilarating to me. Jamie Foxx gives a SHOCKINGLY good performance. (Sorry, I will try to keep the puns to a minimum!)

Paul Giamatti! Aleksei Sytsevich aka the Rhino! Okay, I gotta be honest. I have never, never, NEVER NEEEEEEVER taken Rhino seriously. I can't. I just can't. I like the big lug, but I can't take him seriously. Mainly because he's normally comedy relief. And it's pretty much the case here. He's the "funny" villain. But I have nothing against that, nor Giamatti's performance. I'm actually a fan of Giamatti's work. From "Shoot 'Em Up" to "Big Fat Liar", I love this guy! He's hilarious! And this film is no exception! I love the accent he provides, the bravado, the outright COCKINESS he shows. Really acting like a rhino, because the way he plays the character makes me think that the character believes that nothing can stand in his way. Awesome job out there Mr. Giamatti!

Well, I don't think there's any beating around the bush with this particular character, so I'll just say Dane DeHaan. Harry Osborn and well, as you can see in the trailers.... yeah. I'm not gonna say the name, just in case some of you don't know. Regardless, I knew of DeHaan due to his time from Chronicle, which I deeply enjoyed (god, I keep hoping they make another!) and I think this might have actually helped him prepare for the role of Harry, but that's just my opinion. I like to think, that just like Peter, Harry is smack in the middle of this story (possibly the franchise's main story plot/thread/etc.). But even though they're very similar (which was a strong new change, thanks to Marc Webb, can't say any more than that) Harry differs greatly from Peter. Which I consider to be connected (forever connected, more like it, due to that comic book history in MOST universes) to the Osborn family. DeHaan really embodies this character well, from his strained relationship to his father (that's not really a spoiler in my opinion, that's just Spidey 101, always seems to be the case in every version), to his relationship with Peter, to his role in the last portion of the film. All in All, I could not have asked for a better Harry Osborn. Freaking love this guy.

And I guess I talk about one Osborn without talking about the Patriarch himself. Norman Osborn, CEO and founder of OSCORP, played by Chris Cooper. This is a character that I feel will always and forever be connected to that of both Spider-Man AND Peter Parker. Not just because of Norman's son, but because of this FEUD that has AND ALWAYS WILL be there. Parker VS Osborn. Peter VS Norman. Spider-Man VS the Green Goblin. Eternal Adversaries locked in Mortal Combat. On that note, I was uncertain about this film's take on the character. In the first film, he is mentioned, and only sort of hinted at. But something big was mentioned by a character, and that would be this line. "Norman Osborn is dying". I couldn't believe my ears. This is Peter Parker's greatest enemy. The devil to Peter's angel, and just... it seemed... I don't know... I didn't know what to believe. And then I saw this film. I will give Chris Cooper credit, he's an interesting actor, and I've seen him in a few roles over the years, but this one, I feel like I can't give a full opinion (much like Felicia) due to how little of him is in this film. I will however praise parts of the story involving him, what they explain, and the scene between Norman and Harry, because I feel it was a necessary one, and a very defining one for both father and son. So I suppose, I CAN praise Chris Cooper and his portrayal of the character, but I just wish there was MORE of him. But hell, this is a heavy film already, so I count my blessings.

Onto the main character of the story.

I'm a guy who doesn't mind saving the best for last. Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man, folks! Really, what can I say about this guy that hasn't been said already by people all over the globe? The guy's phenomenal. Hell, he's older than me, and yet he looks way younger than me. XD But to take on the role of Spider-Man, couldn't have been easy. I imagine the competition was tough. But clearly the payoff was more than worth it. I know I'd certainly say so. I grew up reading about the character. This character is someone near and dear to my heart, and helped me become the man I am today. "Power and Responsibility" is something I will always cherish and will take to my grave. And I feel that since Mr. Garfield himself is clearly a fan, he must have an understanding of the character that many of us fans also share. Which I think definitely adds some perspective to the man playing the role. Again, nothing against anyone else who has taken the role of Spider-Man, including Tobey Maguire, who I did actually enjoy btw (Spiderman 3 Jazz scene aside), but I think this particular take on Spider-Man, speaks to me. Maybe it's just because they're getting closer to the comics with this particular take on the franchise. This storyline, involving his parents is something important, something that was part of his life, and I believe, is a story that needs to be told. I'm glad Marc Webb and James Vanderbilt decided to tell that story. With that said, and since I don't want to be here forever typing this out, because I will if I don't cut back, I think Andrew Garfield was a magnificent choice, if not the perfect one, to embody both Peter and Spider-Man. This film alone, I think, proves as such, but again, that's just my opinion. Hands down, he has impressed and truly brought something AMAZING to the character.


We'll go with the music next. Hans Zimmer, a guy whom many will recognize from such films as the Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception. I actually love hearing this guy's music, because it reminds me greatly of movie trailer music (like that of Two Steps from Hell) but really, I think he's a great composer! I haven't heard the Alicia Keys' song yet, but the rest of the score, I think fit nicely... in fact, the theme that plays during Electro's scenes fit PERFECTLY. The lyrics, also seem to fit, if you listen closely. I could go on, but really, this is Hans Zimmer, and I don't think anything more needs to be said. Keep up the good work Mr. Zimmer!


And now we come to down to Story. Obviously I can't say much since I'm trying to stay spoiler free, but I think this film's story is well.... AMAZING (I swear I don't normally use that word as much as I have today, but really that's one of the few words that I can use to describe this film properly). This, much like it's first installment, takes us back to Spider-Man's comic book roots, making it truly enjoyable for us die-hard Spidey fans, or even us comic book nuts. Even if you've never picked up a single Spidey comic in your life, I think anyone will enjoy this. And it has EVERYTHING! Well aside from Horror elements anyway. Action! Suspense! Romance! Mystery! I could go on and on! But really it's a roller coaster ride! Both my father and I are in agreement on that! It's really worthy of the name "Spider-Man".


With all that in mind, I look to the future. With sequels planned, a Venom film finally announced, along with a Sinister Six film (pay close attention to this film folks, that's all I'll say), and countless easter eggs spread throughout this film, especially if you're a Marvel/Spidey Comic Book fan like I am, you'll see all sorts of things, connect the dots, and see SO MUCH more. Questions are answered in this film, but of course, more questions are offered in return, which leads us further to the future.

Moreso with the "Man in the Shadows", played by Michael Massee, who appeared at the end of the first film. Since Norman Osborn appeared in this film, that eliminates two of three people I had guessed that this man is. The other two are Miles Warren and Spencer Smythe. Miles Warren, as many comic fans will know, is one of the key characters to the infamous Clone Saga (and due to the events of this new film, you might begin to wonder if I'm on the right track or not). Spencer Smythe however, is another villain entirely, with ties to robotics, and a son who follows in his father's footsteps, there's no limits to what Smythe (any Smythe, be it father or son), would do to destroy Spider-Man.

However, I've also begun wondering if Webb has created a new villain entirely with this one. Due to the anonymity of the character, his mystique, and his "puppet master" like role, I can't help but wonder if Marc Webb had something else in mind. But with a rogues' gallery like Spider-Man's? This guy could be anyone.

He could be one of the Brocks (Eddie Brock, or his father).

He could be Morlun. A very interesting character who came to be about 10 or so years ago...

Hell, he could be the Beyonder for all I know... but if that's the case, we're building up to some form of the Secret Wars, and I don't think Marvel's ready for a huge crossover yet.

I could spend hours providing various theories about this guy, and proof of it, but really the only men who know about this man's identity and plan for the Spider-Man, is Marc Webb and probably Marc Vanderbilt.

My only, or rather, my biggest guess, due to events of both films, is that he knows the truth about Parker's parents, and " POSSIBLY " Peter's secret identity. Marc Webb's thinking on a BIG scale, so anything is clearly going here.

All in all, at the end of the day, we've started quite a ride, and it's just getting started.

After all, you read the poster, right? "His Greatest Battle Begins".


I would highlight the word "Begins", if I were a gambling man.


Food for thought folks.

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