Another money-spinner swings into view

Rating: Null/10 (9 July 2012)

It seems that the world can't get enough of super-heroes and it's a genre that I always find fun but, after three Spider-Man movies with Sam Raimi as director and Tobey Maguire in the arachnid persona and an interval of five years since the last film, it seems that it's time for a re-boot. So now Marc Webb ("(500) days Of Summer") takes on the directorial duties and British actor Andrew Garfield ("The Social Network") spins Peter Parker's webs and the storyline goes back to the beginning with a reprise of the spider-biting incident and the death of his uncle.
We have a new baddie in the guise of Rhys Ifans who, after his charming arrival in "Notting Hill" seems to have adopted the frequent role for British actors of being the unpleasant character in an American movie (see also "The Five-Year Engagement"). At least Emma Stone, who was in "Spider-Man 3". has made progress with a larger role as Peter's girlfriend Gwen (who unfortunately has a police chief as a father). Even Spider- Man creator Stan Lee is back with his usual cameo (look out for the music teacher).
All involved - especially Garfield - acquit themselves well - and the special effects are fine (I saw the movie in its intended 3D), but there is really nothing new or special here. A short clip early on in the credits, however, makes it clear that a fifth episode of the money-spinning franchise is on the way.