Wait wait wait, weren't the Spider-Man films like, years ago? With Tobey Maguire? Nooo, that was Spider-Man. This is the Amazing Spider-Man.
Erm, what? Yeah basically Sony was going to do a fourth version of the Tobey Maguire one, directed by Sam Raimi, but there was some disagreement over the script so they scrapped the sequel and started again.
Seems a bit weird but go on… Anyways, so this is part two of the reboot that features Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone – who – as we’re sure you’ve noticed, are totally a couple IRL.
I had seen a few news articles relating to that yes. Yeah, it's been referred to once or twice in the press over the last week. They are pretty cute though and she does seem fun. Also, props for the yellow dress at the London premiere. What a dream.
So, do I need to see the first film to watch the second film? Nah, it’s all pretty self-explanatory as long as you know the basic story of Spider-Man. You know, basically that Peter Parker’s been raised by his aunt and uncle, although Uncle Ben dies early on. Also, that he got bitten by a spider which gave him his famous spidey powers. Oh! And he’s in love with Gwen, his first girlfriend.
What’s this second film about? Well Jamie Foxx is a nerd with a Spider-Man obsession who gets electrocuted and becomes an evil super-villain called Electro. At the same time, Gwen and Peter’s relationship is on the rocks and Aunt May’s struggling to pay the bills. Plus, Peter Parker is wondering about where his birth parents got to.
Oh no, the trials and tribulations of a teenage superhero. Is the film any good? Yeah! We’ve only begrudgingly got into comic book blockbusters in the past few years thanks to the sheer number we've been bombarded with, but we're happily all over this one. For starters (and yes we know it's a cliche) but knowing that Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are together in real life makes their on-screen flirting SO much better. Plus, new kid on the block for 2014 Dane Dehaan is excellent as the complex Harry Osborn (played in the last franchise by James Franco. Take that, Franco).
What are other people saying? 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2 seems to know exactly what it's doing. Webb's film is bold and bright and possesses charm in abundance. It swings into the future and carries the audience with it.' – Xan Brooks, The Guardian
And what are we saying? It’s not going to change your life but it’s definitely an enjoyable way to spend an evening if you don’t fancy engaging the brain. It’s funny, well-acted with well-developed characters that means when Spidey’s not swooping from building to building and bopping bad guys on the head there’s still enough of a background story to engage you. There’s also a big old twist that’ll shock you no end – unless you’re already in the know about what goes on in the comics. Go, see and have fun.
Follow Jess on Twitter @jess_commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.