More Parker than Spidey

Rating: 7/10 (18 April 2014)

Marc Webb returns to a universe that he seems to have well mapped out with a clear and bold vision. This instalment is another sequel, in another reboot of the Spider-Man franchise and one of my most anticipated films this year.. so far.
I went with my 8 year old son and we chose to view it in 2D, to appreciate the scenery chewing web-flight sequences (and they are the best I've ever seen in this series). Apart from an electric eel staring at the camera, I could not see any part of the film that would be improved by wearing chunky spectacles.
The tagline is 'His greatest battle begins' but we soon discover that the battle is not between Spiderman and his enemies, but between Peter Parker and growing up.
Webb is determined to stamp his mark and set this reboot as the one by which all else will be measured. He begins his character driven movie by introducing a previously (in film) unknown backstory concerning Peter's parents. While it adds another level to the drama, it does feel a little forced and somewhat unnecessary, but it is only part of the many strands that makes this outing a treasure-trove of studies on relationships.
The main thrust of the story is the love triangle between Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker and Spider-Man. They are stepping cautiously into adulthood, and have serious choices to make about their professional, romantic and superhero futures now that they are leaving high school behind. Gwen is unsure if she can cope with Peter's fear of what may happen if they stay together and Peter is haunted by his promise to Gwen's father to keep her away from the dangers of his new life and the conflict this creates within himself. It is evident that Peter loves being Spiderman almost as much as he loves Gwen. It is a credit to the director and Andrew Garfield that we feel his pain at the cost and weight of the role as he considers the impact of it upon those he loves. The theme of 'with great power comes great responsibility' is Spidey's USP and it ramped right up in this film.
The relationship between Gwen and Peter is portrayed with a casual grace, depth and believability (their real life coupling crosses naturally into film) and the on screen chemistry between Garfield and Stone is palpable. At times, the fact that the actors are so credible stops the film descending into laborious schmaltz.
Andrew Garfield is excellent, both as Peter Parker and Webby, and conveys his alter ego with humour and cheeky charm. We really get the feeling that Spiderman is always just Peter Parker wearing a mask. It is by far my favourite portrayal of the friendly neighbourhood web-slinger.
The love theme and exploration of the interaction in relationships continues with all the main characters. Max Dillon thinks he is a nobody and falls in fan-love with Spiderman after he rescues him, telling him he needs him. Harry Osborn loves Peter after the shared experience of childhood abandonment creates a bond between them that remains strong despite ten years apart. Sally Field's Aunt May is perfect as a woman struggling with the loss of her husband and the growing up of the nephew she raised. There is a spark between them which showcases yet more truthful chemistry between Garfield and his co-stars. I laughed out loud twice during the film, once when Aunt May almost catches Peter out during a Spidey twist of the cliché of a teenager almost getting caught in his bedroom and the other was seeing Spider-Man in action while suffering from the dreaded Man-Flu.
With the exception of Rhino (who is a nonevent), the villains, like Sandman and others before them, in the Spidey universe are victims of circumstance and do not choose to become villains. Rather they allow life, rejection, betrayal and anger to shape them. Max Dillon's (Jamie Foxx) change to Electro is a little disappointing. Despite his power, there is little spark and his demise fizzles into the background. Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan - looking impishly cruel yet vulnerable) makes a late but show stealing appearance as the Green Goblin.
At just over 140 minutes, it is a little too long, especially during the middle section which provides the emotional vehicle for the finale punch. I turned to my son several times during action sequences and said 'here we go', only for the film to return to its character driven core. It is essentially a love story with some superhero action scenes, whereas I tend to prefer my Spider-Man to be more.. Amazing. However, I sense that is all about to change and after the ending teaser for The Sinister Six, I'll definitely be at the front of the line for The Amazing Spider-Man 3.