Like a fly in a spider's web...

Rating: 8/10 (23 July 2012)

Another "Spiderman" film? Really? Only five years after the third one? Hollywood has shown time and again of reinventing original stories, including comics, and hoping for the best. Many have failed and a few have succeeded. "The Amazing Spiderman" reworks the rise of Peter Parker as the super hero, vigilante. The plot is essentially the same as the 2002 release of "Spiderman," but the mystery of his parents is included (though unresolved at this time) and the CGI has vastly improved. There is also a new villain and cast.
I personally find Tobie McGuire to be a bland actor—even as Spidey. Andrew Garfield has taken up the new mantle and does an exceptionally better job. He physically transforms himself from the sympathetic Eduardo we have seen in "The Social Network" into a socially awkward yet fun Peter/Spiderman. It is obvious that he is enjoying himself every minute on camera, especially when he encounters a car thief about to hijack car. As the thief pulls a knife, Spiderman cowers and says, "Oh no! You've found my weakness. Small knives!" Then, squishsquish-squish-squish-squish! He incarcerates the man in webs.
The other actors in this film are not of the same caliber as Andrew Garfield, yet they add admirable diligence to their roles. Among them is Martin Sheen as Peter's Uncle Ben, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacey (no Mary Jane this time folks), and Denis Leary as the cop destined to capture Spiderman. The film itself moves at a steady pace and covers a lot of ground, but not enough to totally satisfy me. Things are still unresolved—no doubt intentional for a sequel. Yet again, another super hero franchise has caught my attention. I am trapped like a fly in a spider's web, curiosity still getting the best of me. Like millions of others, I will have to wait for the next film to learn the untold story of Peter Parker.