Spidey sequel stuck in web of cliches

SIZE matters, unfortunately, when it comes to superhero flicks. Ever since Marvel spoilt the market by lining up an ensemble for The Avengers (2012), one became the loneliest number in the genre.

We'll have to wait till next summer for The Avengers' second cinematic outing but swinging into theatres this week - after Captain America's timely return last month signalled the start of Hollywood summer blockbusters season - is everybody's favourite neighbourhood crime-fighting superhero.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is director Marc Webb's sequel to his massively successful 2012 reboot of Sam Raimi's 2002 to 2007 trilogy. Much like the former's first effort, this follow-up is a generic superhero film that ticks all the right boxes - campy fun, special effects rendered in eye-popping 3D, cheesy one-liners, Stan Lee cameo (applicable only to Marvel movies), you name it - without going beyond what's expected of the genre.