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Plot Peter Parker (Garfield) is your typical high school nerd, a teenager struggling to find his place in the world; all the while trying to deal with his big high school crush on Gwen Stacey (Stone) and still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his parents. When Peter discovers a briefcase that belonged to his father he begins a quest which takes him to Oscorp and Dr Curt Connors (Ifans), the former partner of his father. While at his lab Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and begins a transformation that leads to his eventual rise as the amazing Spider-Man.
This is a great Peter Parker movie. Unfortunately it's merely a good/very good Spider-Man movie
Just as I did with my Avengers review I think I should start with a disclaimer. As I said back then I am a massive comic book geek, and nothing gets my inner fanboy more excited than Spider-Man. He is far and away my favourite superhero so any chance to see him swinging on the big screen is always going to be a treat for me. As a result I'm probably not the most impartial reviewer you're going to find. I'm likely to love a good Spider-Man movie more than a stunning Superman movie for example.
Just as with some previous efforts of the genre it's the moments were our hero suits up that are actually the least interesting and compelling. The film's greatest strength for me is clearly the handling of the 'normal' life of Peter Parker, particularly Peter's relationship with Gwen Stacey. While you could argue that it feels a touch forced as to how easy Gwen falls for Peter their scenes together are just delightful; not coming across as overwritten, pretentious and Dawsons Creek-ish but instead very natural. They really do come across as awkward teens when they are attempting to converse in the school's corridors, stuttering and stumbling over their words. Very endearing. When Joss Whedon was announced as the writer/director of The Avengers I assumed we would get fun interaction and character moments between the large ensemble, and we did. Given Marc Webb's previous form (500 Days of Summer) then it should come as no surprise at how successful he is in the romantic aspect.
The film is blessed with two fine performances from its young leads, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone cementing their place amongst the most exciting young actors in Hollywood right now. Garfield makes for an excellent Peter Parker, capturing both his awkward geekiness but also the darker, tortured side to his soul as a result of the disappearance of his parents and the death of his Uncle Ben. He is instantly likeable. However for me it was arguably Emma Stone who stole the show as Gwen Stacey. She is just adorable throughout and I like Peter found myself quickly falling in love with her. She comes across as strong, likeable and intelligent. And it's all the more impressive when you take into account the fact that her character is rather under served by the script; she certainly rises above it. Martin Sheen makes for a strong, winning Uncle Ben; so much so that it's a real shame we know he's not long for this world, or this film. The only real disappointment in terms of the cast would have to be Sally Field as Aunt May. She comes across very bland, and completely lacking in the warmth and endearing quality that Rosemary Harris brought to the role in Raimi's trilogy.
Now onto some little elements that will concern Spidey fanboys such as myself. There are some cons and some pros. On the pro side Spidey has his mechanical shooters back after the organic webbing of the Raimi films. And for the first time on the big screen Spidey is portrayed as he is in the comics in terms of wisecracking during his fights; so we get cheesy one-liners, little quips and silly puns one of the many things that makes Spider-Man such an endearing and lovebale character. As for things I wasn't too keen on; the new costume didn't quite work for me, it worked fine as a general costume but didn't feel right for a Spider-Man suit. I was also disappointed at the lack of J Jonah Jameson in any context, though given how tremendous JK Simmon's was in the role perhaps it was wise; could anyone have lived up to his showing? Though in a way he is replaced by Dennis Leary's Captain Stacey who takes on the role of gruff critic of Spider-Man, citing him as a public menace. Think J Jonah Jameson with a badge. And more worryingly a gun!
And Leary does a great job, emulating Emma Stone in the fact that he also overcomes a fairly standard and uninspired character.
The largest deviation from canon is most certainly the demise of Uncle Ben. I don't have a problem with them trying to reinvent it and present a fresh take on the origin given how often it has now been portrayed on film, TV and in comic book form. It's just that it didn't entirely work for me, even if it was fairly well done. The incident does not feel as visceral in terms of its guilt impact on Peter as the story we all know, and for Peter it appears to set him off more on a revenge trip, rather than one of guilt. It's only an incident on a bridge when he saves a young boy that really seems to turn him 'hero.' My biggest complaint regarding this episode however is definitely the fact that Uncle Ben is robbed of the chance to say the line With great power comes great responsibility. I mean how can you not include one of the most iconic elements in comic book history? Though at least the film retains a small knowing wink to Spidey's wrestling escapade.
Sadly the villain of the piece is slightly underwhelming and one-note. While the Lizard is impressively realised (for the most part, the odd CGI misstep here and there) in a visual sense I personally dislike the character design they went with. They appear to have tried to keep the character more grounded (well as grounded as a giant lizard can be!
) as opposed to going full-on comic book and replicating how we see him on the page. The film also rather sidesteps using the character to subtly raise questions about the ethics of genetic mutation as was referenced in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Rhys Ifans does a fine job as Dr Connors, proving rather likeable before his transformation, and then attempts to take on the Lizard with gusto. However the story doesn't really back him up with a strong arc, and he becomes the villain we've seen countless times before a well intentioned scientist who overreaches himself and inadvertently becomes a psychotic supervillain with an evil plot that feels very familiar. And for such an imposing looking foe I felt he lacked the level of threat he should have had.
Similarly the film's action is decent but a touch insipid. It doesn't deliver any large set-pieces that really amazed or came close to matching the train battle with Doc Ock in the second film for example. However in terms of small moments I liked the style Spidey employed, greatly highlighting the character's agility. When he's fighting the criminals in the back alleys he is very much like a parkour master, using his environment to the best of his abilities to take them down. And then when battling the Lizard I like the way he employs his webbing just for little touches such as firing them at the floor so he can pull himself and slide along under the Lizard.
This time around Spider-Man's world feels a bit of a darker and grittier environment. With much of the action taking place at night there are an abundance of dark streets and alleyways just teaming with lowlife scum. Indeed when Spider-Man is on the trail of his uncle's killer and confronting the city's goons in these grimy locations it actually feels a touch as if we have strayed off into Gotham city. While there is still quite a bit of humour to be found on the whole it is a lot less prone to cheesiness than Raimi's efforts. The only moment really being the scene with the cranes which really is quite hokey, but it comes towards the film's climax and by then I felt it had just about earned it.
And lastly another few little thoughts. I enjoyed the Flash Tompson character a lot more this time out, he was more fleshed out with a better realised arc. The way that Peter begins to discover his powers is a great mix of delight and paranoia as he fears what is happening to him. Oh and Stan Lee's customary cameo is probably the most entertaining so far.
Conclusion A highly enjoyable film to reignite the Spider-Man series. A film told with a lot of heart and warmth, led by two great showings from Stone and Garfield. I'm now greatly looking forward to see how they both grow into the roles over the next two (at least) films.
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Year of release
2012
2012
Directed by
Marc Webb
Marc Webb
Written by
Alvin Sargent (script) / Steve Kloves (script)
James Vanderbilt (story and script)
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (original creators)
Alvin Sargent (script) / Steve Kloves (script)
James Vanderbilt (story and script)
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (original creators)
Starring
Andrew Garfield
Emma Stone
Rhys Ifans
Dennis Leary
Martin Sheen
Andrew Garfield
Emma Stone
Rhys Ifans
Dennis Leary
Martin Sheen
The Amazing Spider-Man
+
Plot Peter Parker (Garfield) is your typical high school nerd, a teenager struggling to find his place in the world; all the while trying to deal with his big high school crush on Gwen Stacey (Stone) and still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his parents. When Peter discovers a briefcase that belonged to his father he begins a quest which takes him to Oscorp and Dr Curt Connors (Ifans), the former partner of his father. While at his lab Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and begins a transformation that leads to his eventual rise as the amazing Spider-Man.
This is a great Peter Parker movie. Unfortunately it's merely a good/very good Spider-Man movie
Just as I did with my Avengers review I think I should start with a disclaimer. As I said back then I am a massive comic book geek, and nothing gets my inner fanboy more excited than Spider-Man. He is far and away my favourite superhero so any chance to see him swinging on the big screen is always going to be a treat for me. As a result I'm probably not the most impartial reviewer you're going to find. I'm likely to love a good Spider-Man movie more than a stunning Superman movie for example.
Just as with some previous efforts of the genre it's the moments were our hero suits up that are actually the least interesting and compelling. The film's greatest strength for me is clearly the handling of the 'normal' life of Peter Parker, particularly Peter's relationship with Gwen Stacey. While you could argue that it feels a touch forced as to how easy Gwen falls for Peter their scenes together are just delightful; not coming across as overwritten, pretentious and Dawsons Creek-ish but instead very natural. They really do come across as awkward teens when they are attempting to converse in the school's corridors, stuttering and stumbling over their words. Very endearing. When Joss Whedon was announced as the writer/director of The Avengers I assumed we would get fun interaction and character moments between the large ensemble, and we did. Given Marc Webb's previous form (500 Days of Summer) then it should come as no surprise at how successful he is in the romantic aspect.
The film is blessed with two fine performances from its young leads, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone cementing their place amongst the most exciting young actors in Hollywood right now. Garfield makes for an excellent Peter Parker, capturing both his awkward geekiness but also the darker, tortured side to his soul as a result of the disappearance of his parents and the death of his Uncle Ben. He is instantly likeable. However for me it was arguably Emma Stone who stole the show as Gwen Stacey. She is just adorable throughout and I like Peter found myself quickly falling in love with her. She comes across as strong, likeable and intelligent. And it's all the more impressive when you take into account the fact that her character is rather under served by the script; she certainly rises above it. Martin Sheen makes for a strong, winning Uncle Ben; so much so that it's a real shame we know he's not long for this world, or this film. The only real disappointment in terms of the cast would have to be Sally Field as Aunt May. She comes across very bland, and completely lacking in the warmth and endearing quality that Rosemary Harris brought to the role in Raimi's trilogy.
Now onto some little elements that will concern Spidey fanboys such as myself. There are some cons and some pros. On the pro side Spidey has his mechanical shooters back after the organic webbing of the Raimi films. And for the first time on the big screen Spidey is portrayed as he is in the comics in terms of wisecracking during his fights; so we get cheesy one-liners, little quips and silly puns one of the many things that makes Spider-Man such an endearing and lovebale character. As for things I wasn't too keen on; the new costume didn't quite work for me, it worked fine as a general costume but didn't feel right for a Spider-Man suit. I was also disappointed at the lack of J Jonah Jameson in any context, though given how tremendous JK Simmon's was in the role perhaps it was wise; could anyone have lived up to his showing? Though in a way he is replaced by Dennis Leary's Captain Stacey who takes on the role of gruff critic of Spider-Man, citing him as a public menace. Think J Jonah Jameson with a badge. And more worryingly a gun!
And Leary does a great job, emulating Emma Stone in the fact that he also overcomes a fairly standard and uninspired character. The largest deviation from canon is most certainly the demise of Uncle Ben. I don't have a problem with them trying to reinvent it and present a fresh take on the origin given how often it has now been portrayed on film, TV and in comic book form. It's just that it didn't entirely work for me, even if it was fairly well done. The incident does not feel as visceral in terms of its guilt impact on Peter as the story we all know, and for Peter it appears to set him off more on a revenge trip, rather than one of guilt. It's only an incident on a bridge when he saves a young boy that really seems to turn him 'hero.' My biggest complaint regarding this episode however is definitely the fact that Uncle Ben is robbed of the chance to say the line With great power comes great responsibility. I mean how can you not include one of the most iconic elements in comic book history? Though at least the film retains a small knowing wink to Spidey's wrestling escapade.
Sadly the villain of the piece is slightly underwhelming and one-note. While the Lizard is impressively realised (for the most part, the odd CGI misstep here and there) in a visual sense I personally dislike the character design they went with. They appear to have tried to keep the character more grounded (well as grounded as a giant lizard can be!
) as opposed to going full-on comic book and replicating how we see him on the page. The film also rather sidesteps using the character to subtly raise questions about the ethics of genetic mutation as was referenced in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Rhys Ifans does a fine job as Dr Connors, proving rather likeable before his transformation, and then attempts to take on the Lizard with gusto. However the story doesn't really back him up with a strong arc, and he becomes the villain we've seen countless times before a well intentioned scientist who overreaches himself and inadvertently becomes a psychotic supervillain with an evil plot that feels very familiar. And for such an imposing looking foe I felt he lacked the level of threat he should have had. Similarly the film's action is decent but a touch insipid. It doesn't deliver any large set-pieces that really amazed or came close to matching the train battle with Doc Ock in the second film for example. However in terms of small moments I liked the style Spidey employed, greatly highlighting the character's agility. When he's fighting the criminals in the back alleys he is very much like a parkour master, using his environment to the best of his abilities to take them down. And then when battling the Lizard I like the way he employs his webbing just for little touches such as firing them at the floor so he can pull himself and slide along under the Lizard.
This time around Spider-Man's world feels a bit of a darker and grittier environment. With much of the action taking place at night there are an abundance of dark streets and alleyways just teaming with lowlife scum. Indeed when Spider-Man is on the trail of his uncle's killer and confronting the city's goons in these grimy locations it actually feels a touch as if we have strayed off into Gotham city. While there is still quite a bit of humour to be found on the whole it is a lot less prone to cheesiness than Raimi's efforts. The only moment really being the scene with the cranes which really is quite hokey, but it comes towards the film's climax and by then I felt it had just about earned it.
And lastly another few little thoughts. I enjoyed the Flash Tompson character a lot more this time out, he was more fleshed out with a better realised arc. The way that Peter begins to discover his powers is a great mix of delight and paranoia as he fears what is happening to him. Oh and Stan Lee's customary cameo is probably the most entertaining so far.
Conclusion A highly enjoyable film to reignite the Spider-Man series. A film told with a lot of heart and warmth, led by two great showings from Stone and Garfield. I'm now greatly looking forward to see how they both grow into the roles over the next two (at least) films.