The Amazing Spider-Man 2 suffers from having too many subplots that pull the viewers focus in multiple directions. Among the films four main storylines of Electro, Harry Osborn/Green Goblin, Peter and Gwens turbulent romance, and the mystery of Peters parents, there are myriad other smaller subplots that involve situations that are never fully explored (Aunt May becoming a nurse or Peter snapping photos at the Daily Bugle) and, as a result, feel unnecessary and superfluous. The film's scattershot narrative cheapens some of the films genuinely good moments by jumping from scene to scene and in some instances, not giving viewers enough story to care about or latch on to (like a potential plane crash during a citywide power outage). It also makes the film feel like a very long 142 minutes, despite the fact that most comic book movies these days last more than two hours (which is another problem altogether). While the first two Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies have their flaws in terms of characterization and actor performances, many consider them to be better than either of Marc Webbs films because they present a more concise, linear superhero story. If The Amazing Spider-Man 3 could streamline its focus and combines the superior narrative structure of Raimis first two films with its own top-notch cast and expert sense of characterization, the end result would likely be the greatest Spider-Man film ever. What do you make of this list, then? Let us know in the comments section below.
Mark is a professional writer living in Brooklyn and is the founder of the Chasing Amazing Blog, which documents his quest to collect every issue of Amazing Spider-Man, and the Superior Spider-Talk podcast. He also pens the "Gimmick or Good?" column at Comics Should Be Good blog.
