A Dark Reboot: Spiderman Begins!

Rating: 8/10 (12 July 2012)

I think the discovery of Peter's emerging powers is better handled this time around than in Sam Raimi's original film - Peter starts out with his hands sticking to everything and everyone - has uncontrollable webbing in which he has to create web shooters and has uncontrollable strengh which causes him to break things with little effort. like in the comics and original film a personal tragedy compels Peter to become a dedicated crime fighter while donning a costume. Meanwhile Doc Connors undergoes a transformation of his own after being pressured by a shady Oscorp employee he's forced to inject himself with his reptile serum that regenerates his arm but also transforms him into the nasty Lizard. I thought this film was well done. I enjoyed Sam Raimi's Spiderman films on a different level. Raimi's films seemed to have a more brighter atmosphere and used a lot of New York locales while Director Marc Webb goes for a more darker atmosphere and grittier side of New York. It's clear this film has a lower budget than the previous instalments. Andrew Garfield's portrayal was effective. He gave Pete/Spiderman an attitude and sense of humour. He could tap into the character's dark side better than Tobey Maguire did when donned the black symbiont for spider-man 3. Emma Stone does and excellent job as smart and resourceful love interest Gwen Stacy who is far more interesting than Kirsten Dunst's MJ Watson (or B.D. Howard's Gwen of Spiderman 3). She's definitely not the damsel in distress type. Rys Ifhan's Doc Connors is low key and somewhat creepy. Then again he is a mad scientist. The special effects on the Lizard are not up to par with part 3's Sandman and Venom but works on a "B" movie level. Denis Leary has some good moments as Gwen's police chief dad and veteran stars Martin Sheen and Sally Field are just fine as Peter's aunt and uncle. Overall a good comic book movie.