The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Director: Marc Webb

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans

After Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.

Although I probably should review ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ as a standalone film, I can’t help myself from comparing it to 2002’s ‘Spider-Man’, since it is a reboot after all.

Here are some of the major differences in the story: Peter Parker’s love interest is Gwen (a character who first appeared in ‘Spider-Man 3’). For some reason they decided to omit the Mary Jane character, as well as Peter’s best friend, Harry Osborn. Peter’s Aunt and Uncle doesn’t nearly have the same characterizations as the original characters, whom I so loved in the first trilogy. They’ve also entirely cut Mr Anderson, a character so incredibly well portrayed by JK Simmons. Also, according to ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’, Spider-Man’s webs are not entirely natural. Instead, Peter designed a device to properly utilize it, and there’s even a flashing red light when he uses it…!! Parker’s transition into Spider-Man isn’t nearly as effective as in the original film, and happens too quickly in view of many witnesses.

Andrew Garfield is a fantastic actor and I really enjoy watching him. As for the Spider-Man character in this film, though, he comes across as immature – even whilst in Spider-Man outfit (no, actually, especially when in Spider-Man outfit). Speaking of immature, Peter reveals his identity way too soon to Gwen – before they were even going steady as a couple. Their love story just wasn’t believable (or engaging) enough. The film also has significantly more humor, which doesn’t come across naturally funny as it did in the original. I found some of the humorist elements distracting and annoying.

As for the action sequences, there wasn’t really anything that blew me away. Much of the film’s action scenes were completely CGI, and clearly so. With a running time of 136 minutes, the film dragged at times with uninteresting scenes. There were way too little actual Spider-Man action. This played like a drama with Spider-Man along for the ride.

Rhys Ifans stars as Dr Connors, who becomes the villain The Lizard. While I have mixed feelings about this villain, it wasn’t entirely bad, although maybe leaning a bit more towards the horror genre than fantasy. In its entirety, the film was entertaining from various perspectives. Andrew Garfield certainly made it worth the watch, thanks to his natural acting. Compared to the original ‘Spider-Man’, though, I favor the latter.

‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ was a box office success, earning nearly $758 million on a $230 million budget. It received 33 award nominations, winning only 2.

Would I watch it again? If so, for the sake of Andrew Garfield only. Otherwise I’d rather watch the original.