Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, III & IV • May 14, 2014 New Spider-Man film features well-crafted characters by Dennis Seuling The problem with so many superhero movies is their over-dependence on elaborately staged action sequences. With computers making anything possible, moviemakers throw most of their energies into a wild ride of mayhem, explosions, nick-of-time rescues, and mad superhuman villains. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” the second Spider-Man movie directed by Marc Webb, shatters this tired tradi- tion by devoting more screen time to the mortal char- acters: Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield); his sweetheart, Gwen (Emma Stone); Peter’s old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan); Aunt May (Sally Field); and Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx). The scenes in which they express their emotions, fears, and resentments are far superior to the requisite action sequences that are overproduced and overly long. Garfield seems to have lost a lot of the charm he brought to “The Amazing Spider-Man.” As Peter, he no longer has that goofy, endearing manner and, at age 30, he no longer looks like an 18-year-old high school gradu- ate. This is no problem when he is in spandex, but in his normal-kid persona, he looks too mature for viewers to suspend disbelief. As Spidey, his dialogue features inces- sant wisecracks and jokes in the midst of life-threatening situations that undermine the efforts the crew has made in staging the huge action set pieces. Spider-Man comes Peter Parker, a/k/a Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield), saves sci- entist Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) from a dangerous predica- ment in ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2.’ off as arrogant, like a spoiled adolescent -- far less admi- rable than the iconic character should be and was in the earlier film. An awkward scene involving a young child is meant to show that his role-model status is intact, but the scene is clumsy and out of place. DeHaan is effective as Harry, who takes over lead- ership of Oscorp and ponders his role in the world. Handsome and with an air of prep-school entitlement, his Harry (replacing James Franco from the three Sam Raimi Spider-Man films) conveys inner turmoil as he attempts to assert his independence from an intimidat- ing, much older board of directors. He holds the audi- ence’s attention in his key scenes as Harry, but becomes a ridiculous, even laughable vision in his alter-ego of the Green Goblin. Foxx overdoes it as Max, a mid-level Oscorp employee, combining horn-rimmed glasses, a hunched shuffle, and downcast eyes. Max is a brilliant nerd and Foxx’s portrayal draws on every cliché he can muster. Director Webb should have toned him down. When Max transforms into Electro, Spider-Man’s newest nemesis, he has little to say. Though he becomes far more awesome in appearance, with a glowing blue face and hoodie, he is merely a centerpiece for all sorts of computer razzle- dazzle. Stone’s Gwen makes clear that she is more than Peter’s girlfriend. She has goals of her own and demands on Peter, and is not content to be second banana to Spider- Man. This presents a serious relationship issue and is an important underlying storyline. The scenes of Spider-Man soaring through the streets of Manhattan are still impressive, as the real Spidey and CGI Spidey are seamlessly blended with exhilarating camera moves. In 3D, these sequences are especially thrilling. Rated PG-13, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” is less interesting for its plot and effects than for its perfor- mances. Webb is just what a superhero franchise needs: a director more concerned with dialogue and character- ization than with staging bigger and more costly action sequences. When the movie shifts into adrenaline-rush mode, its luster dims considerably.