A Pleasant Trip Through Familiar Territory

Rating: 8/10 (6 December 2014)

When I first heard that Marvel and Paramount had decided to forgo Spider Man 4 and instead start over, I was far from optimistic. After all, it had only been ten years since the first movie, and Spider Man 3, although having its fair share of problems, was far a franchise killer. Reports that cost considerations were the driving force behind this decision also did little to reassure me. But have seen Amazing Spider Man, I'm glad to say I was wrong. This is good stuff.
The basic storyline is mostly the same as the original film. Nerdy teen gets bitten by mutated spider, develops super powers, begins relationship with cute girl, and after failing to prevent his uncle's murder starts fighting crime. But in a major departure from the previous films, this time Spider Man finds himself branded on the wrong side of the law. Branded as a threat to the public, Peter becomes the subject of a citywide manhunt, led by Captain Stacy, who just happens to be the father of Peter's girlfriend Gwen.
And instead of the Green Goblin, this movie features another classic foe who's green, large, and scaly: Doctor Curt Connors, the Lizard. Connors is not a bad man. A longtime friend a coworker to Peter's late father, Connors has dedicated his life to developing new medical treatments through genetic experimentation. But when he tests a new drug made from lizard DNA on himself, he becomes a hulking reptilian monstrosity, bent on re-making humanity in his image. And of course only Spider Man can stand between him and his goal.
New star Andrew Garfield has done a surprisingly good job of filling Toby Maguire's shoes. His performance captures the nerdiness and social awkwardness of Maguire's earlier portrayals, along with the initial reluctance to play the hero, while expanding on the character. This version of Peter rides a skateboard, wears a hoodie, and is just a tad younger and more rebellious, bringing him more up to date without radically changing him. Garfield also has excellent chemistry with the lovely Emma Stone, who gives the impression of being every bit as bright as she is beautiful.
The effects and choreography are every bit as good, if not better, than the acting. There's something exhilarating about watching Spider Man web-swing across the city. The raw speed of his swing and the sound of the wind whipping by almost make you forget that you're sitting in a theater seat, and I would love to see how they shot it. Even more impressive is the Spider Man's opponent. The Lizard is an absolute marvel of animatronics and CGI, beyond anything Hollywood could have done even a few years ago. The level of detail given to his scales and face make him as gorgeous as he is hideous, and he moves and acts like a real lizard, right down to the flicker of his tongue and the swing of his tail.
And the movie includes all the good natured comic relief Spider Man fans would expect. There are plenty of one liners and deadpan insults, as well some hilarious physical comedy. And the scene in which Peter first asks Gwen out is so awkward for both parties that you can't help but crack up watching it. This does not mean however, that things don't take a more serious tone when appropriate. The battle in the sewer is actually fairly frightening, at times the film becomes almost somber. One scene in particular struck me as overly dramatic to the point of sappiness, but it was only a brief slip
I'm still not entirely convinced that a reboot was needed, but the results were better than I expected, and put the series on solid ground for the inevitable sequel. With good acting, solid action, and cutting edge effects, Amazing Spider Man is a fun ride across familiar ground.