Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
Trouble threatened when I started rooting for the villains, their mission was clearly defined, whereas “Peter Parker” was in an indeterminate ennui, limbo; having graduated from High School (a real age stretch), debating between doing his laundry or saving the city from catastrophic electrocution; Spider Man falls into the malaise that so many contemporary juveniles experience; needing time to “find oneself”; but with mythic powers he does not have the luxury of contemplation, hence he grudgingly flies forward, flaying the enemy, destroying the deceitful in his web of righteousness.
Andrew Garfield, with well -irrigated tear ducts, is aptly cast as the heroic boy; he is sensitive, insightful and would have soared with a better script. Emma Stone, “Gwen Stacy” , on/off love interest, aware of Peter’s aerial proficiencies, propelled to seek intellectual advancement, she too is crippled by a lame script. Sally Field as “Aunt May”, an unnecessary role, adding nothing to the scenario, her ad nauseum obtuseness hinders the plot.
A barely recognizable Jamie Foxx as nerdy, nebbish “Max” is terrific in his transformation into nihilistic, vengeful “Electro”; technological uniqueness informs this iniquitous, electronic devil. My favorite character/fiend, played succinctly by Dane DeHaan (“Kill Your Darlings”) is “Harry Osborn/Green Goblin”, pale, slickly androgynous, hypnotic in his gradual slide into the predatory jaws of insanity; friendship mutilated on the altar of necessity.
“Amazing Spider Man 2” enthralls, simmers when devious; bores, curdles when virtuous.
TWO & 1/2 STARS!!
Peneflix
