The Amazing Spider-man

For those of you who think “The Amazing Spider-man” is just a copy of a movie franchise that ended five years, you’re in for a rude awakening. This new film is a complete reboot of the trilogy that made the hero famous to my generation.

Let’s start with the fact that the cast is filled with up and coming actors and actresses that really know their stuff. Led by the incredible Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) playing Spidey aka Peter Parker, this action movie feels totally different than the original. The script allows for Garfield to be the quick-witted, sarcastic character that Stan Lee created 50 years ago. Garfield’s stature allows him to contort himself into the famous Spider-man poses that are synonymous with the character even better than Tobey Maguire.

Not only does Garfield get the moves right, he also is the perfect opposite of Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacey. Stone (The Help) is perfect as the intelligent, independent high school student who falls in love with Peter Parker. There is no Mary Jane in sight in this adaptation, instead the movie tells the tale of the original first love of Parker. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. This film led Garfield and Stone to fall in love off-screen as well, which to me makes complete sense.

Although Rhys Ifans (Anonymous) was stellar as the struggling scientist/super villain Dr. Curtis Connors/The Lizard, it takes more than different characters to differentiate between Spider-man sagas. This film is a more basic origin story than previous films. We still see him become a jacked-up hero in a red and blue suit, but it’s more than that. We see Parker search for clues about his parent’s untimely death and the knowledge hidden by his Aunt May (the lovely Sally Field) and Uncle Ben (the loveable Martin Sheen).  

The movie is packed with web-slinging action but has many quieter, touching moments hidden within. This Spider-man seems more complex, a teenager who is outwardly sardonic but hides his feeling of sadness over tragedies he could not stop. I’m not sure if it’s the acting or the writing, but this Spider-man feels as real as a super-hero could possibly be. It’s a movie for any demographic, young and old alike.

P.S.-  Make sure you stay for the credits. There’s a scene that will give a hint at a possible sequel you won’t want to miss.