Dawson's got a new Spider trick

Rating: 2/10 (31 December 2012)

So the "Amazing" Spider-man is a product seemingly aimed at the weepy- eyed romantic audience. I think the same flock who herd themselves to see Twilight in their droves would love this version. The same type of people I would assume enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning watching Dawson's Creek, 90210, re-runs of Friends, the O.C. etc.
It had me worried very early on when it was apparent that Andrew Garfield's acting is timid and sheepish, like a teenager painfully trying to impress a group of girls. When he becomes Spider-man and the cocky side of his character comes out, watching Garfield is really uncomfortable, especially when he starts cursing and false-swearing.
And to nail his Dawson alikeness, the director even thought it would be a great idea to have Peter climb up to his love-interest's window each time he visits. Hey - at least he doesn't need a ladder Dawson!
Peter cries a lot, but that's OK because he fights and gets bruises! The girls will love him. But be warned ladies: he doesn't shower after constantly swimming in sewage and that s**t doesn't wash off!
So moving on from Dawson, we've got the villain. He's of the same cut Osborne obviously came from as he loves shouting at the voice in his head and enjoys pursuing madness. Doc Croc comes off as nothing more than a distraction to Peter's love-life and is a poorly visualised CGI blimp who looks strikingly like a Goomba from the 1990's Mario movie.
The truth is though, I wanted him to win. I bet it would have been fun pounding Garfield's wimpy face. And speaking of his face; the director loved it so much he never has it covered. Yes, the new puny Spider-man wants EVERYONE to know his identity, even on one occasion begging a kid to take it off him and try it on. It's true.
No, this isn't a good movie for action fans, especially in the same year as the awesome Dredd is released as well as Avengers. It looks utterly pathetic in comparison and falls short in every category. It's a great movie for aforementioned audience though, which is why I gave it 2-stars. So it's good for something.
Anyone who enjoyed the Toby Maguire version might want to rent this before stumping up the cash for a full purchase. There's no reason to give Sony more money than they deserve.