The last Spider-Man film left a really bad taste in people’s mouth, including myself. It was a train wreck that nearly ruined the entire franchise. So with the clock ticking, Sony had to scramble to make a new film, before the rights were returned to Marvel. And like many people I had my doubts.
But you know what, it looks like Sony got it right this time around.
In the Amazing Spider-Man, we are once again shown an origin story on how Peter Parker became Spider-Man. In becoming Spider-Man, Peter Parker is forced to grow up and take responsibility. Peter is the son of a scientist and was left with his aunt and uncle at a young, in order keep him safe. We then see Peter as a student in high school. Eager to find out what happened to his parents, he turns to his father’s partner, Dr. Curt Connors, for answers. Along the way Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider that turns him into Spider-Man. While this is going on, Dr. Connors accidentally turns himself to into a lizard like monster. Peter quickly realizes he’s the only one who can stop him.
Like I said before, when I heard Sony was making another Spider-Man film, I had my doubts. And then after seeing the first photos, I still had doubts. Finally after the first trailer, my mind was changed. I had to see this movie.
The story takes elements from Spider-Man origin back in 1962 and the updated version in Ultimate Spider-Man comics.
Director Marc Webb does a great job giving us a film that is not just an action film. There is a mystery, and the underlining tone of what it means to grow up. It’s pretty much a coming of age story. For Webb to go from (500) Days of Summer to Spider-Man is an impressive leap. Webb’s visuals are amazing. Spider-Man swinging from building to building just looks seamless. Very natural.
The film is just cast perfectly. Andrew Garfield does a great job as Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Parker comes across as an insecure outsider, with his only outlet as Spider-Man. Garfield’s lean build also makes this a great Spider-Man. Almost like co-creator Steve Ditko’s earliest drawings of Spider-Man. This IS the Spider-Man that the fans wanted. It’s just amazing how much Garfield still looks like he’s in high school, when in reality he’s 28.
Spider-Man’s love interest, Gwen Stacy, is played by Emma Stone. Stone does a great job here. Just very believable.
Rhys Ifans plays Dr Curt Connors who eventually becomes the Lizard. Ifans does a great job as a tortured man, who is force to take drastic measures in his hands.
The cast is rounded out with Denis Leary as NYPD Captain Stacy, Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben, and Sally Field as Aunt May.
This is the much needed breath of fresh air this franchise needed.
The only and major issue I had with the film, is Garfield is without his mask more times than he’s in it. What is the point of playing Spider-Man if you’re not going to wear the damn mask. This was the same issue I had with the Toby Maguire films. Keep the mask on. It’s not that hard.
But that aside, I can not recommend this movie enough. This is the type of film that is meant to be seen in 3D. It’s worth the price.
And as always, stay to the end to see bonus scene.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN opens nationwide July 3rd.
Cool, another good review. I was taking the “wait & see” approach with this movie and it seems I’ve read nothing but positive things so far. Guess I know what I’ll be doing next weekend.