Solid Reboot with its share of flaws

Rating: 7/10 (4 December 2013)

Following Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, many were eager and anxious as to what they would do with this reboot. Having waited a while to see the Amazing Spider-Man, I noticed the similarities as well as the flaws. I am not exactly sure yet how I truly feel about the film. There were its positives such as some action scenes, the chemistry between the leads, and the overall feel (was meant to be taken more serious, had a strong darker tone). As well as some of the negatives, flaws or things I did not care for too much such as Peter Parker being slightly unlikable throughout (how he treated his aunt, uncle, etc.), the way in which his uncle Ben died (did not think this was well done), how easy it was for Gwen (Emma Stone) to fall for him, as well as scenes later on involving the main villain- the Lizard.
Now there are striking noticeable differences between Tobey Maguire's Spider-man portrayal to Andrew Garfrield's Spider-Man. Maguire played his part as more as an outcast social nerd likable and relatable nice guy, while Garfield was looked as more as a loner punk skater who showed his share of emotion and teenage anxiety. Garfield did have a sense of "nerd-like" personality but it faded away as the story went on. Both of their portrayal's work for their films and it is obvious as to why they specifically wrote Garfield's Peter Parker to be more edgy. Had they made the same similarities, people just would have complained that they were too similar.
Unlike many people, I didn't really care for the Lizard as the villain and found the way it happened to be rather weak. It was a basic rehash of Spider-man (2002), the typical scientist experimenting with chemicals then one goes wrong and ends up within his body type routine. Though I did enjoy some of the fight scenes involving Spider-Man and the Lizard. They were really well done, specifically the scene where Peter goes down in the sewer as he is patiently waiting for the Lizard to show up, then as he does, they start fighting. As well as when the Lizard comes to find Peter at his school and havoc breaks out. The camera shots and sequences are neatly done. Their finale is also what puts it atop, which includes them fighting outside on top on the lab, then going in the balcony. We see several hits back and forth as it is realistic. Though in this scene towards the end, is where the father of Gwen shows up only to be injected, and as it happens he supposedly passes. He then tells Peter his one wish to not continue dating his daughter. Only to find out by the ending, is what we see.
I enjoyed the cast of Sam Raimi's trilogy better as I feel we saw the potential played out, and their parts were equally great. The CGI was more polished and I did like the Spider-Man outfit in TAS better than the originals. Also the way the web shots were done, I found them better. All in all, the Amazing Spider-man is a very solid addition to the franchise, and we are all waiting patiently for the sequel.
As a rewatch 07/10/17' opinions on the film remain the same. Andrew Garfield portrayal's of Spider-Man was intended to make him different from Tobey MaGuire's version and it was. Overall solid film.
For a third viewing 03/30/19', and watching this film directly after watching Spider-Man: Homecoming, there are very noticeable changes and differences in this film compared to Homecoming. This film felt more dramatic, much lesser fun and less exciting in tone and overall more depressing as opposed to Homecoming (which is obvious given the deaths in the Amazing). In a way this film had an "indie" feel, which I have not noticed much before but am sure people have. Both Peter Parkers/Spider-Man were different completely in character. However, this film does remain quality (take it for what it is, it's supposed to be different compared to Raimi's Spider-Man film) but in comparison to Homecoming, that film does have a more natural and fun vibe.