1. Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) The Amazing Spider-Man
WARNING: This entry contains spoilers for The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Proceed at your own risk. Lets just get this out of the way right now - if you do not love Emma Stone, there is something wrong with you. In role after role, she has exuded charm, intelligence, and wit. Nowhere was this put on better display than as her role as Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man films. Fans are divided on whether The Amazing Spider-Man reboot films are better than the preceding trilogy directed by Sam Raimi. At the least when it comes to the portrayal of Peter Parkers love interests, the reboot ranks far above that of the Raimi films. Whereas Kirsten Dunsts Mary Jane was a shallow character whose only purpose was to be threatened by the villains, Stones Gwen is a genius on the level of Peter. Consistent with the comics, Gwen is an intelligent young woman, and in fact her knowledge of science sometimes surpasses that of Peters. She isnt just bait for the hero, but rather shes a valuable asset. If not for Gwens help in both films, Spider-Man wouldnt have been able to triumph against either the Lizard or Electro. But as fans of the comics are painfully aware, any time Gwen Stacy appears in a movie, the clock begins ticking. One of the most controversial and important stories not only for Spider-Man but for all of comics was The Night Gwen Stacy Died. And unfortunately, that story was loosely adapted in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Like this article? Agree or disagree with our picks? Let us know in the comments section below.
Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com
