Definitely not amazed

Rating: 5/10 (21 October 2012)

OK I did not see this in 3D and so I can't comment on that. This was a mediocre movie at best. The back story about Peter Parker's parents was never fully explained and that was not the only plot hole. The directing was fine, I guess. I didn't notice anything special. The effects seemed weak but then I am not a big fan of CGI. Comparing it to the Avengers though, it seems like it was a lower budget especially when the lizard guy (the main villain) speaks! The action sequences were hampered by spider-man's silly comments that seemed forced and not amusing like they were meant to be. There was some humour though that worked. One nice sequence is when Parker shows off his new-found basketball skills at the school. The moment where he breaks the backboard. There were a couple of nauseating moments of American heroism towards the end. I am so tired of stupid middle-aged, hard-working patriotic wooden characters flaunting their morality on screen. The casting is not bad although I too am tired of seeing high school students being played by adults in their mid to late twenties. Is there no younger talent out there?? Martin Sheen and Sally Field were effective as the uncle and aunt of Peter although predictable. The best thing about the film was Emma Stone although she did seem to be a bit of a fish out of water. She is too intelligent for a movie like this. Consider Easy A or Crazy Stupid Love. This movie is nowhere near their level.
It is worth noting that this is basically a rehash of Sam Raimi's Spiderman of 2002. That movie was better. Go see it if you want an escape and don't expect much depth of intelligence and nothing new from the annals of the superhero genre. Do be prepared to be bored at times and mildly annoyed.