The Amazing Spider-Man is just short of amazing

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2012)

This is a new origin tale of Spider-Man and how he came to be. Rather than action driven sequences, The Amazing Spider-Man consistently uses the strengths of its actors to create a compelling story and characters the audience cares about. Columbia pictures not only told me we are indeed ready to re-visit Spider-Man's Universe, but ready to finally do it right in the process.
The Amazing Spider-Man takes us on the journey of Peter Parker, a bullied, self-classified science nerd. On an uninvited trip to Oscorp in attempt to discover more about his perished father, Peter gets bitten by a genetically enhanced spider. After this event everything changes. It's a familiar story to those who have seen the original Spider-Man trilogy, but how this story is told is what makes it different. Almost two thirds of the entire film is dedicated to character development and it sure paid off.
Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker in this reinterpretation to the world of Spider-Man, and he couldn't be a better fit. Not only does he simply fit the suit better, he adds a level of emotion and comedy that Tobey Maguire severely lacked. The Spider-Man of the comic books was sassy during fights, spouting off insults and egging his opponents on; The Amazing Spider-Man nailed the character perfectly.
Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacy, a science wiz intern at Oscorp, and Peter's love interest. She does an excellent job of stealing the spotlight while on screen and remaining an afterthought while off of it. One scene in particular I enjoyed was the first time Gwen and Peter try to set up a date. Their innocence and insecurity is highlighted as they fumble for words which provided not only humor but a chance for the audience to connect with both leading characters.
Rhys Ifans plays Dr. Curt Connors, a top scientist at Oscorp studying cross genetic mutation, and ironically "The Lizard" as well. This was one character that I felt lacked in some areas. As a scientist Ifans nails it; he shows absolute interest in the studies and even possesses the personal goal of re-growing his right arm. Where the character falls apart is when the Lizard is introduced. After a certain point his goal completely changed: he was no longer about the science but purely selfish.
Other actors that gave excellent performances are Dennis Leary as Captain Stacy, Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben, and Sally Field as Aunt May. Their performances were over shadowed by the main three but I felt they deserved a mention.
Villains are a huge part to any super hero movie or comic and unfortunately this is the one area I feel this film falters. The lizard just didn't do it for me; he isn't the evil villain many including myself were hoping for. A scientist trying to cure his own ailment turned evil, which was not well explained causing a small hole in the plot.
The writers of The Amazing Spider-Man are clearly avid fans of the comic books and the accuracy of details really paid off. Attention to details like the fact Spider-Man made his web slingers (he did not possess the ability internally as shown in the original Spider-Man films) really increased the likability of the characters and script.
The Amazing Spider-Man is just short of amazing, which is no small feat for the folks at Columbia Pictures. Should this film be the success it is expected to be, sequels will no doubt come, and frankly I can't wait. This film not only left me wanting more but revitalized my faith in the genre. Oh, don't forget to stay for the credits! There is a short clip giving hints of what's to come.
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