Not Bad but a VERY Average Film

Rating: Null/10 (4 July 2012)

I did my best to judge this film on its own merits and NOT based on anything that has come before or how I feel it would measure up to the past trilogy. Based on what hit the screen, this is one very mediocre effort. Yes, it has its moments and the groundwork has been laid for the possibility of better things to come but this origin film is as unremarkable as it gets. It's not bad but it's just not memorable or superb in any way. I do believe the story would have been far better had they skipped the actual origin altogether. I found it strange that the first act dragged yet no one was really fleshed out or developed. What's the point then? If you're going to try and gain emotional attachment to Ben and May then have them do SOMETHING or impart some wisdom. As a fan, I find it criminal that they didn't even use the famous "With great power comes great responsibility" line. The villain is one dimensional and there's not one action sequence that stands out. I even hated the forced ham-fisted sequences towards the end with the construction workers and police officers. On the positive side, Garfield was good and Emma Stone was great in the lead roles. They made you care about both characters enough to save the movie. As stated, maybe they can take off from here but I doubt there's any large percentage of people that leaves the theatre after watching this one that's very impressed or that can't wait to see what's next. Interest? Maybe but there's not much to be passionate about unless the viewer is a HUGE Emma Stone or Garfield fan.
Having said that and watching the movie as fairly as I could. NOW I can make the comparisons and frankly, this movie falls short of all three of Raimi's efforts.
Yes, even Spider-Man 3 is the better all around film. I've always said that SM3 is an overcrowded film but it certainly has its moments. Besides far better action sequences, SM3 has more emotional impact and truly stand out moments. Sure, it also has "stub your toe" moments but the good outweighs the bad. Amazing Spider-Man has many monotone moments with a bit of heart sprinkled in. Nothing seems deep or really hits home. Even Uncle Ben's demise falls terribly flat and it's almost glossed over. SM3 swung for the fences and served up some tasty treats and some sours ones as well. This movie feels phoned in and serves up vanilla everything.