The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Certified: PG
Duration: 136 minutes
Directed by: Marc Webb
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Dennis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irffan Khan, Martin Sheen, Sally Field
KRS release

This reboot of the popular comic book story comes just 10 years after Sam Raimi’s hugely successful film. The latter had kicked off a successful trilogy and the second movie turned out to be the best Spider-Man adaptation yet.

To say that I was suspicious about this new version of our favourite web slinger origin story is putting it mildly.

However, halfway through the film it dawned on me that this new version is not simply a retread; it has a sense of déjà-vu but it is a really great movie in its own right.

In fact, I dare say that Marc Webb’s version ended up surprising me and is my second-favourite adaptation after Mr Raimi’s Spider-Man 2.

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is a troubled teen who is frequently bullied and has been raised by Aunt May and Uncle Ben (Sally Field and Martin Sheen). At school he pines for the beautiful and intelligent Gwen (Emma Stone).

While touring the building of Oscorp organisation, he is bitten by a mutated spider and develops super powers. He soon takes on a vigilante/superhero role when his Uncle Ben is murdered.

Against him he finds Dr Connors (Rhys Ifans), who is working for Oscorp to develop a formula that will regrow limbs.

The latter ends up taking the half-baked formula himself and is transformed into the Lizardman, a terrifying cross between a lizard and a human.

Meanwhile, Gwen’s father, chief of police Captain Stacy (Dennis Leary) sees Spider-Man as a threat to the nation and tries to bring him down.

The Amazing Spider-Man is extremely well directed by the appropriately named Marc Webb. As a film it’s attractive, well-structured and provides a well-balanced mix of teen angst drama, budding romance, coming-of-age and action movie.

Most of all, as a reboot, it is aware of its very successful predecessors and takes conscious decisions to steer a different course. The film’s action sequences coupled with the 3D effect are especially breathtaking, with one particular sequence having the arachnid hero swinging from one high-level crane to another being particularly spectacular.

The computer-generated Lizardman is built around Mr Ifans’ performance and never becomes just another computer-generated monster: it is a monster with “character”.

Mr Garfield may seem a bit old to play a high school youth but he does emerge as a likeable persona. He is very different from Tobey Maguire’s geeky Peter Parker as he is cocky and self-confident.

He is also very angry and at times we are not really sure whether he has a plan about what he is doing or if he is simply jumping from high buildings for the fun of it. The result is a very refreshing take on the Peter Parker character. Ms Stone is a wonderful Gwen Stacy; this is one girl who is ready to fight for her man. Meanwhile, Mr Leary as the chief of police is spot on as too is Ms Field as Aunt May.

The dinner sequence where Peter is invited to dine at the Stacy household is very entertaining as is the follow-up sequence, which has Spider-Man try to save a little boy from a burning car.

The cameo of Spider-Man creator Stan Lee as a librarian is simply a hoot and had me laughing heartily.

The movie managed to win me over, despite all my reservations and made me simply want to see a second and a third sequel.

This film works because it is in sure hands and delves into a new aspect: the untold story of what had happened to Peter’s parents. Overall, this a very fulfilling film that weaves intricate webs that will conquer for itself quite an audience, no doubt helped by some of the best 3D sequences that I have seen recently.

Do not leave before the credits end as there is a sequence that provides a hint at who will be the next villain in the film’s sequel.