Great movie that won't stick in our memories

Rating: 8/10 (14 July 2012)

Is it possible to forgive a man who has now seen the light? That's what I ask of you now. I, your humble reviewer, got a chance to see The Amazing-Spider Man for a second time. Only, this time it was in IMAX 3D and the last time I had been to the IMAX was in 4th grade on a class field trip. I know what you are thinking, "You mean to tell us you didn't see The Dark Knight or Avatar at the IMAX?!" Well, no. But, I hear you and those are on my list of shame, along with never seeing the Indiana Jones films. Jeez, I heard you gasp through the computer. Now, after basically destroying my reviewing credibility, I will try to redeem myself.
The best thing that I overlooked the first time I saw this film was the score. The music in this film takes the audience on such an emotional journey that if you pay attention to it, it will enhance the overall experience. I think the brilliance in the score is that it's very subtle. It's not constantly bashing us with a theme over and over again.
One of the things that I believe swayed my first review was my view as Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. For some reason, I could not picture him playing the part and while I am still not completely sold on Garfield for the role of Peter Parker or as the Lizard says with great alliteration, "Poor Peter Parker", I do believe he is a great Spider-Man. His voice is perfect; he sounds like the Saturday morning cartoon. So, after finally giving Garfield a chance, I will say that he is better than I originally gave him credit for.
Since I did see it in IMAX 3D with my great friend over at The Brew (you can check out his review here), I feel an obligation to comment on it even if it's the same story with the 3D. If you are watching an action sequence it's very difficult to follow and often blurry at times. However, when the 3D is used right, for depth and landscapes, it's extremely effective, especially on a screen as large as an IMAX. There are sometimes, though, when Spider-Man looks very glossy. That's not something I noticed in normal 2D.
After reading many other reviews that say how poor or cheap the Lizard looks, I'm still not buying it. I think he looks good. The detail on his scales very textured and his facial expressions are priceless. During this second screening, some of the audience was actually chuckling at the Lizard. But, I think it was a good execution.
One thing that did bug me was the misleading marketing campaign where the audience was supposed to get the untold story of Spider-Man. That never happened.
But overall, after watching The Amazing Spider-Man for a second time at a different venue and with most of my preconceived notions gone, it was an excellent film. I think I knew that all along and just didn't want to say it.
So this time I will give it a
9.0 out of 10
"Crooooooooootch!"
O, and Emma Stone is still hot.