The Amazing Spider-Man

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz
Directed by: Marc Webb
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Action, Adventure
2012

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is bitten by a genetically-modified spider, and obtains amazing abilities.

Review:

Tim: Spider-Man has always been my favorite superhero. Ever since I was a small child, I've been a huge fan. So, you would expect that I would be incredibly excited about the prospect of a new Spider-Man movie, especially one that looked as cool as The Amazing Spider-Man. Unfortunately, the whole reboot concept really bothered me. I simply do not understand why Hollywood feels like they need to tell the same stories over again. Listen, everyone knows who Spider-Man is, and how he became the way he became. We don't EVER need to tell his origin story again. Let's follow the James Bond approach- new actor, new story. It is not that difficult to understand. And yet, for some reason, we're back where we started with the original Tobey Maguire Spider-Man.

So yes, this irked me quite a bit. And yet, keep in mind, this is Spider-Man, and director Marc Webb has actually done a very good job. Did I hate The Amazing Spider-Man? Not at all. I actually think it's a pretty great movie. I just struggle with the direction in which it went.

Let's focus on that for a minute. This film's existence needed to be justified- it's why there are so many departures from the original Spider-Man movie. Instead of Mary Jane Watson, we have Gwen Stacy as the major love interest. Gone is the now ridiculous wrestling subplot. Uncle Ben never utters the "With great power" line. Peter Parker is much more emo. His web-shooters aren't natural, but created by Parker. I could go on with more- and I really appreciate that. This movie needed to be a new, more modern, updated take on the origin story, and in some ways, it accomplished that. Unfortunately, it also retold the origin story, only 10 years after we first saw it. We see Uncle Ben die, we see Peter hunting the murderer, we see how he's bit by the spider, and how he discovers his new powers. It's the same story, told all over again, with just a few of the details changed. This really, really angered me. This film is saying that audiences are so stupid, they'll pay to see the same stories told over and over on the big screen. That makes me sad, because I paid to see this movie in theaters (only once, though, which is a first for a Spider-Man movie for me), and I really enjoyed it.

Enough of that. Let's discuss the cast. I really liked Tobey Maguire as the original Peter Parker, but the casting agent did a fantastic job- I can't think of a better young actor to take up the role than Andrew Garfield. Garfield has enough experience to prove he could handle a role like this, while not being such a huge name that he overwhelms the part. As soon as I heard the casting, I was ecstatic. For the most part, Garfield does a good job. He was believable and awkward enough as Peter, and he is the type of person you want to root for. I am still convinced he was the right actor for the part. Unfortunately, I didn't love everything about his performance. Being awkward is one thing, but it was annoying to see him stuttering through many of his lines. His awkwardness felt forced, not natural in the least. Maguire at least felt naturally awkward. I also did not think he had great chemistry with Emma Stone.

Speaking of Stone, they absolutely got it right with her. I love that this film went back to the original comics, and featured Gwen Stacy as the first love interest of Peter Parker. That's the way the story should begin. Emma Stone is one of the most impressive young actresses in Hollywood today, and I was very excited to see her in this film. As you'd expect, she is excellent as Stacey. She is intelligent and kind, but also witty and sharp. In short, the perfect high school love interest for Peter. She was very strong. Unfortunately, I just never felt the chemistry with Garfield. I know that's weird, but on screen, I did not get it. I also felt like the relationship between them was a bit forced. The movie never convinced me of why she'd like Peter, or how they got together so quickly. That was a misstep.

The supporting cast is very good. While I'm disappointed we never got to see Dylan Baker as the Lizard, Rhys Ifans makes a good Curt Connors. He comes across as intelligent, so he's believable as a brilliant scientist. He gives a strong performance, and I really enjoyed him in the part. Denis Leary was a terrific Captain Stacy. He brings his brusque gruffness to the role that really needed it. Martin Sheen was an excellent choice as Uncle Ben, and I loved him in that role. Sally Field was perfectly cast as Aunt May, but I felt like she was under-utilized in the film. Aunt May was always one of the warmest, strongest, best characters in the comics, and I didn't really get that sense from Field. Still, the whole cast is top notch, and the movie's quality reflects that.

One of the things I loved about this film is the action. That's one of the criticisms I have of the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy- there wasn't always enough action. That is not a problem here. The crime-fighting sequence early on it done quite well. Spider-Man also faces some great battles with the Lizard- there's the very cool bridge sequence, the high school fight is a highlight, and the incredible conclusion on top of the skyscraper. I really felt like the action was well done, and it helped to have such a powerful, agile villain.

Just a quick side note- I hated the ridiculous scenes of Peter using his power in weird ways. I simply don't understand why the writers need to put in absurd sequences. It's like they are pandering to ten-year-olds, which is just idiotic. For example, Peter bends a football goal post with a throw (do you realize what would happen if this occurred in real life? I promise, it's not nothing). He also suddenly has Kobe Bryant-level basketball skills, including the ability to shatter a backboard. I just hated seeing his powers taken to these ridiculous, unrealistic lengths. That was stupid.

So, I've complained quite a bit about The Amazing Spider-Man. And yet, here's the thing- the movie is actually pretty awesome. The cast is incredible- every bit as good (and possibly better) than the original trilogy. The Lizard makes for a terrific villain. There's good action, and the special effects are pretty astounding as well. While I still wish the film had gone in a different direction, this is how to do a reboot if you're going to do one (I just hope people stop doing this). I absolutely loved the original Spider-Man trilogy. While I admit this film is a great movie, it's still a clear step down from the original trilogy. I'm very excited to see where they take the inevitable sequel, because I suspect it'll be better than this film. I know I'm hard on this film, but make no mistake- it's exceptionally well done.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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