The Amazing Spider-Man 2: 5 Reasons Why Marc Webb's Return Could Prove Detrimental

by Cameron Carpenter

The Amazing Spider-Man. I can't say that it was a bad film by any stretch of the imagination, and it certainly had some highlights and wonderful things about it, but for the most part, I thought it was incredibly sloppy, awkwardly paced, unimaginative, and forgettable. Now, I'm not such a person that sees Sam Raimi's original trilogy as infallible, being that I liked TASM more than Spider-Man 3, but I do go so far as to say this newest adventure doesn't hold a candle to Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2. But director Marc Webb is returning to helm the second feature, which could be great for a sense of completeness, but also problematic as the list compiled below explains. I have hope for The Amazing Spider-Man 2. I really want it to be successful, as Spider-Man films hold a very special place in my heart (Spider-Man 2 is my favorite superhero film). So, if Webb proves me wrong and creates a fantastic sequel, I will gladly shake his hand and tell him that he made me eat my words. But he'll have to get over the following, first...

5. We Didn't Get the Movie We Were Promised the First Time

Now, I don't know if I can fully blame Webb for this. I understand he has to follow the lead of the producer when it comes to the content of the picture, what has to be said, what has to be cut, etc. etc. But it doesn't stop the fact that his name is attached to the title, and if he's coming back for seconds, he might as well expect the same. Do we want that? Or do we want a director who will fight for the picture they shoot, and not to back down merely to supply fodder for sequels? I'll just repeat again that I'm not trying to slander or ruin Webb's name as a director. I don't know how he goes about shooting a film. I don't know his method. I can't say anything on the matter. But the film advertised and the film viewers saw were not identical, by any means. Subplots were abandoned, characters re-imagined for the sake of convenience and time, and the editing just proved to be incredibly sloppy and rushed. I'll be going to see The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (if that's what it'll be titled), but I'll definitely be going in knowing that the picture I'm promised could just be to get me to go in differentiating it from Raimi's trilogy.
Contributor
Contributor

Cameron Carpenter is an aspiring screenwriter, current film and journalism student, and self-diagnosed cinephile, which only sounds bad in certain circles. Devoted fan of comics, movies, theater, Jesus Christ, Sidney Lumet, and Peter O'Toole, he sometimes spends too much time on his Scribd and comicbookmovie.com, but doesn't think you're one to judge, devoted reader. You can follow him on Twitter to watch him talk to people you didn't know exist. Oh, and Daredevil is quite the big deal around here (my head).