The Amazing Spider-Man 2 *** (PG-13) Spidey returns for another big-budget, computer-generated extension of the comic book, comic strip, TV and previous movies franchise. The only constant is creator Stan Lee, whose expected cameo comes early. Andrew Garfield is back as the angst-ridden teen hero; Emma Stone and Sally Field return as love-interest Gwen and kindly Aunt May, respectively. Villains and other notables include Jamie Foxx and Campbell Scott. The latter returns to fill in more of the backstory on how young Peter became both orphaned and gifted with his powers.
The first thing to know is that you should try to see this in 3-D, since it greatly enhances the action scenes that make anyone put up with Peter’s mopey moments and other lame dialog for nearly 2 ½ hours. This installment finishes off some plot and character arcs, while also setting up the next inevitable sequel. Also, fans should try to go early in its run, so none of the visual and other surprises are spoiled by loose lips from those who got there first.
Mercifully, Garfield is less of a Sad Sack than Tobey Maguire was throughout his turns in the iconic suit. And director Marc Webb cranks up the f/x to higher adrenaline levels in his second turn behind the camera with this character. Many overhead exterior shots are dazzling enough to risk causing vertigo among viewers with such tendencies. Overall, this film is relatively free of expected sequel drop-off, and seems shorter than its running time. Both are about all one can realistically hope such serialized summer action epics will deliver. (5/2/14)