The Amazing Spider-Man 2: 10 Things That Sucked

3. Tonal Issues & Lack Of Emotion

To both Webb's credit and fault, he really does try with the character work in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The central point is the Peter-Gwen relationship, and despite the excellent chemistry between real-life couple Garfield and Stone, a major issue with it here is that it's so stilted and on-off, making it difficult to become emotionally invested, at least until the Green Goblin shows up and takes Gwen hostage. Peppering this relationship drama between all the comedy and action does also create a bizarre tone, as the movie appears to want to be so much yet is not really any of it totally successfully. If there's one beat the movie unquestionably nails, though, it's the death of Gwen Stacy at the end of the film. Even though it would have been a far more affecting moment had it been easier to buy into the romantic drama, Gwen's end is unexpectedly grim and sudden, and Garfield gives a fantastic performance in the scene. Had the romantic arc been streamlined a little and not felt somewhat reminiscent of the messy Peter-MJ shenanigans of Spider-Man 3, then it might not have felt like it was missing something crucial.
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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.