Film Review: The Amazing Spiderman

It’s hard to approach this movie on its own merits; it’s only been ten years since Sam Raimi’s first “Spiderman” film, and only five years since his series was rounded off in “Spiderman 3.” With these films still fresh in the consciousness, one can’t help but to approach this reboot with the forethought that it’s completely frivolous and unnecessary, especially since it covers some of the same ground as the first original “Spiderman” film. Chances are that your decision to see and enjoy this film will be entirely biased based on your views on this, and your opinion on the other Spidey films. Hated Tobey McGuire and Sam Raimi’s cartoonish style? Then perhaps this reboot will satisfy you better. Otherwise, you might really will think it’s unnecessary.

If you can push your memory of the other films out of your head, “The Amazing Spiderman” is a perfectly serviceable blockbuster. It has its share of action and special effects, especially toward the end with the climactic duel between Spiderman and the villain. There are some fun heroics in the middle of the film. Even when Spidey isn’t kicking butt and taking names, the movie’s comedy is successfully funny and the melodrama/romance is not too overbearing. If anything, I felt this movie’s drama was more entertaining than in the other “Spiderman” films, thanks largely to the film’s style and acting, but I’m sure other viewers may disagree. The pacing is admittedly not perfect; some parts whiz by and skim over some plot points, while other parts take their time. The best that can be said is that the film rarely drags.

The story is familiar territory, albeit told differently. It may irk some viewers to have to sit through Peter Parker’s drama all over again; I also found it a little disconcerting that many details have been withheld, presumably to be revealed in a sequel. Still, the film does a fine job of telling the origin story, detailing the main character’s transformation into a superhero, and establishing all the characters and their relationships.  In fact, character development is where the film excels:  Peter Parker (and in turn Spiderman himself) is a far stronger character, showing a broad range of emotions.  It is a blast to watch his wisecracks and his attitude, but he does show a perfectly serious demeanor when necessary.

Filmed with solid, quality photography, the film looks stylish, without being cartoony like Sam Raimi’s films. The editing is good most of the time, with only a few parts that appeared choppy. Acting is pleasing; Andrew Garfield is impeccable as Peter Parker, Emma Stone makes for a perfectly likable love interest, and Rhys Ifans does his best with the villain. The writing is pretty decent. This film features plenty of good-looking sets, props, and costumes. There are some special effects that don’t look that good, but most hold up. Music is pretty decent.

Ultimately, I felt it was a good film, and I really can’t say whether I prefer this one or Sam Raimi’s films better. As it is, I like them all pretty equally. As for recommending “The Amazing Spiderman” to anybody else, I would only recommend a rental, because your enjoyment will depend on many variables.

4/5 (Entertainment: Good | Story: Good | Film: Good)