"The Amazing Spider-Man" 2 builds buzz ahead of premiere

Will Spider-Man amaze again?

Anticipation drew dozens of cheering fans to the Ziegfeld Theater last week for the New York premiere of "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," but the true test will come Friday when the film hits theaters in the U.S. where moviegoers here will finally get the chance to see it for themselves.

This is the second "Amazing Spider-Man" installment, and according to Box Office Mojo, the film has already made more than $132 million dollars in foreign ticket sales.


The first "Amazing Spider-Man" film raked in a total of $490 million outside of the U.S., according to a report by Deadline.com, but the "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" is still in its early stages of release and international sales are nowhere near what it cost to make and promote the film.

According to estimates, the film cost around $200 million to create, with an additional $180 to $190 million -- alone -- spent on marketing.

By the looks of the larger-than-life premiere, it's clear that a lot of money is being spent. Fans were given everything from face masks resembling their favorite characters, to shirts, Spiderman balloons and other goodies all for just showing up to the big event.

Young fans, like eight-year-old Jake Williams, could be seen with Spider-Man water bottles while others were decked out from head-to-toe dressed like the superhero they came to see.

"I'm here to see the real Spider-Man!" said Williams.


Little did he know, Spider-Man himself would appear balancing atop a moving mail truck, shocking onlookers who watched him summersault to the ground to deliver two autographed tickets for some lucky fans.

With cell phones in hand, fans lined the long red carpet prepared to capture every moment, taking Spidey selfies before getting a glimpse of the film's stars.

Actor Andrew Garfield, who plays Peter Parker, also shocked fans after he arrived on a school bus full of students from New York who later entered the theater with the actor.

Garfield was joined by fellow cast members Emma Stone, who plays Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man's on and off again love interest, along with Jamie Foxx, who portrays villain Electro, and many more.

Other cast members, like little Peter Parker played by Max Charles, and Aunt Parker, portrayed by Sally Field, signed autographs.

Musical performers Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar, who are featured on the film's soundtrack, also made it to the premiere.

The premiere's large turnout could be a good indication of what's to come opening day.

While big blockbuster superhero films have grossed millions of dollars over the years, long-time producer and creator of Marvel Studios, Avi Arad believes the huge fan-base is actually rooted in something more than the special effects and slinging entertainment.

"There is a Peter Parker in all of us and so many of our heroes appeal to emotional issues that we all face," Arad said. "It's the best story that can be shown on film because we all want this metaphor."

Arad may be right, but a little glitz and a lot of action never hurt either.

So, if that means more relatable heroes, big premieres and even bigger stars, this Friday's debut should have fans coming back for a chance to really know what it's like to live the best of both worlds.

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