Well, we knew what was coming. We knew when we started this journey. Now here we are. Emotional dumpster fires at the hands of Spider-Man, Gwen Stacy and a director named (of all things) Marc Webb. Geez, really Marc? You are the absolute worst.

The Amazing Spider-man 2.

Sigh**

Here is what we love. Ridiculous chemistry between Peter and Gwen. Their cuteness is off the charts. We are perfectly in love with them.

Peter and Aunt May have the most beautiful mother-son moment in the world, making aunts, foster moms, adoptive moms, step-moms and bio moms everywhere bawl like babies. I’m totally lost the moment she screams at him: “You’re MY boy!” And he kneels next to her, hugs her and reassures her, “I’m your boy. You’re enough.” Stop. We’re already dead.

Spiderman saving the tiny little brilliant boy from bullies, and the little boy saving him back.

So much foreshadowing, all the literature teacher in me tingles. Perfect graduation speech for the worst moment coming in Spiderman history. Thanks for that Gwen and Marc WEBB. If that’s your real name.

Nerds. I think my favorite thing about all of the Spiderverse is my deep and undying affection for nerdy people. They are the best. Mine is the actual best (Jason Jamar), but I give all nerds lots of love. Friends who are brilliant and awkward, we see you and love you and you are important to the world. Without you, we wouldn’t have doctors, scientists, lots of teachers, creators of inventions, smartphones and Facebook. Nerds are awesome.

Gwen. Everything about her is greatness. We’ve spoken of this before, so I won’t belabor the point, but you know what I mean. She’s strong the way women are truly strong. She is smart, and brave and quick on her feet. She wants to save Peter as much as he wants to save her. Because she loves him, and no superpower is stronger than true love.

James Horner’s score. The music in this one literally takes your breath away.

Here is what we hate.

The villians. I have no hint of villian crush on either, but I’m sad for both. They are despicable and pitiful and desperate to be seen and heard…both of them. Gosh, I hate them both so much. They killed Gwen. I will never forgive them for that. I’m not Peter Parker. I can only do so much when people murder people I love.

Gwen dies. My heart made the same shattery sound it did the first time she died. But she did it for a reason. This wasn’t the usual, let’s put a girl in the movie so we can kill her and motivate the hero. She IS the hero. Peter is too. They save the day together. Yay for a moment in Marvel history full of equality. It doesn’t last. Great things never do.

So it’s worth the watch and the heartbreak. It’s such a brilliant installment in the Spiderman franchise. I’m glad we got to it. I’m glad it’s over though. Now the fun begins…