As Good As the Others.

Rating: 8/10 (2 July 2015)

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012): Dir: Marc Webb / Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Sally Field: Spider-Man has always been the symbolic superhero of extraordinary talent. Why this franchise is being rebooted is a big question since the original series began in 2002. However, Marc Webb does a decent job at breathing new life into the franchise. The screenplay follows the same previous outing yet it still works. Andrew Garfield plays teenage Peter Parker whose parents disappear in the film's opening leaving him with a trusty aunt and uncle. The uncle will be accidentally shot by an escaping mugger. Parker searches for answers regarding his parents and seeks answers from his father's science partner. When he is bitten by a spider at the lab he develops the ability to spin webs and conflict crime. Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacy, classmate of Parker's who also works in the lab where he came in contact with the spider. Rhys Ifans plays Dr. Curt Connors who was partnered with Parker's father. He has one arm and aims to recreate another. His efforts lead to his transformation into the Lizard, a monstrous villain aiming to transforms all society into lizard people. Martin Sheen and Sally Field play Parker's supportive aunt and uncle who shelter him from facts regarding his father. The principal actors are spot on with their performances but supporting roles, including the aunt, uncle and Gwen's police captain father are all somewhat conventional. We know the drill and wonder why so soon, but the special effects are enticing allowing this reboot to amazing in its visual showcase. Score: 8 ½ / 10