The eternal question, at least these days, is whether or not critics matter. One only has to look at last week’s “Divergent,” which opened strong despite a slew of middling reviews, to notice that certain properties are immune to criticism. On the flipside, Paramount is gambling this week with “Noah,” being particularly selective about what critics see the movie first, and in some markets, not screening the movie for reviewers at all, perhaps fearing that negative or mixed responses might dampen box office prospects. The critic/studio/filmmaker is one that’s always in flux, but Andrew Garfield sees things quite clearly when it comes to his big summer movie.
Chatting with IGN, the actor conceded “The Amazing Spider-Man” had to set the table by telling the origin story again, but from here on out, then it comes to “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” he couldn’t care less what snooty movie reviewers think.
“In the first movie we were obligated to retreading the origin story which Tobey Maguire and Sam Raimi did so beautifully. But now that that’s done, we get to own the character as filmmakers and we get to own it as Peter. There is a life imitating art kind of thing going on, I think. So, I am super excited because [‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’] was more fun to make,” he said. “Because of that, I think when I put on that suit I felt freer, I felt like, you know, I can’t think of a word to use that is not the F-word, but like screw the critics, screw the scrutiny. And, you know, that is the motto for life as well.”
And, Garfield is right to a degree, because no matter how good or bad this sequel is, it’s going to make money. Lots of it. And Sony is already planning more sequels and spinoffs as a result. There is a larger debate about the role of critics that this one opens up, but as long as this franchise keeps minting money, the studio and filmmakers won’t be too concerned about pleasing anybody but themselves (and the ticket buyers). But do you think critics or even fans could offer constructive criticism to this franchise? Tell us below.
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” opens on May 2nd. Check out Garfield’s interview along with a new international TV spot.
