The latest
blockbuster from Columbia Pictures, “The Amazing Spider-Man,” is a refreshing
new start for the popular comic-book character. The Sam Raimi directed Spider-Man trilogy that preceded this film was an
outright disgrace to those who know and love the Spider-Man mythos. In this 4th and latest installment to the franchise, writer James
Vanderbilt and director Marc Webb are extremely respectful to the source
material, and the few liberties they take work very well. “The Amazing Spider-Man” is the first
live-action Spider-man film that does the character justice. With very few flaws, the film offers a solid
story, strong characters played by an even stronger cast, intense action, stunning visual effects, and well-timed comedy.
Set in modern day New York City,
high-school teenager Peter Parker finds a clue that could lead him to the truth
about his parents’ death. This path
puts him on a collision course with Dr. Kurt Conners, a scientist turned giant
lizard whose evil plan threatens the entire city. After being bitten by a radioactive spider,
Parker dons the infamous spandex costume and becomes the hero we all know and
love. “The Amazing Spider-Man” is yet another origin story, but
the evolution of Parker’s superpowers is done quickly, and is done well. Before you know it, Spidey is web slinging
through the city and fighting crime.
The story pushes the
audience’s imagination, asking us to believe some pretty far-fetched
ideas. In some areas, this is done impeccably. In others; it’s a little hard to accept. For example, Parker’s blue-eyed blonde love interest Gwen Stacey is coincidentally involved in many aspects of the hero’s trials. Her father just happens to be the chief of
police, and her boss just happens to be the main villain. On the other hand, Parker’s development into
his superhero persona is realistically handled, as is the development of his
opposition. Convincing an audience that
a man can turn into a giant lizard is no easy task, but “The Amazing
Spider-Man” pulls it off. Both Connors and Stacey could have been more fleshed out to allow the audience a better bond with them and to better explain their motivations, but overall, they are strong supporting
characters, and Connors is a worthy challenge for Parker to overcome.
Although the story has some minor character development issues and believability
hiccups, this is more than made up for by the onscreen performances. Andrew Garfield is a phenomenal Peter Parker
and Spider-man, light years ahead of Tobey Maguire. Rhys Ifans’s interpretation of Dr. Conners is
extraordinary while Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacey to perfection. Likewise, Sally Field, Martin Sheen, and
Denis Leary all deliver top-notch performances in their respective roles. The entire cast is simply flawless.
Moreover, the cast isn’t the film’s only
redeeming quality. The visual effects, action sequences, and fight scenes are mind-blowing.
Occasionally, The Lizard looks a little too computer-generated, but
apart from that, the visuals are top of the line. Needless to say, Spidey swinging through the
city in IMAX 3D with the occasional first person perspective is a beautiful thing to behold, and his battles with The Lizard
are as fast-paced as they are intense.
The Spider-Man character has a lot to offer the big screen. This is the first time we’ve seen that potential tapped. “The Amazing Spider-Man” is far from being the film that could be when considering the depths of the comics, but it’s a great start. It’ll be very interesting to see where this franchise goes. With a little luck and a lot of talent, we might get to see Mary Jane, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Venom done properly. Go see for yourself, but remember, this is a comic-book movie. If that's your thing, “The Amazing Spider-Man” is more than worth the cost of admission, and if you’re going to do it, do it right. See it in IMAX 3D.
Great review, would read again
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