There will be mixed reviews

Rating: 7/10 (5 July 2012)

I guess the best way going about this is by comparing this one to the 2002 film. After watching this film I can confirm that Raimi's semi campy version is marginally better. For the record I'm saying that Raimi's version wins by split decision, sort of.
First of all, it's quite surprising that the 2002 film is more faithful to the source material than this one. Don't let the artificial web shooters in this film mislead you, it strays from it afterward.
They had to redo the origin story in this one as well as add other elements to it which really start to make certain plot points incredibly forced. We didn't need to see another origin story, they could've done it like The Incredible Hulk where it's presented in fragments. Nope instead you end up with this poorly paced film with these subplots that never resolve, unnecessary sequences (skateboard) and a huge amount of suspension of disbelief (bending a field goal post and still no one suspects Parker is Spidey?!). Uncle Ben's death in this film was more contrived here, and it doesn't resonate as much as it did in the original.
What's really good though is that Andrew Garfield is a way better Peter Parker than Tobey Maguire. He was portrayed excellently in this one. Showing that he is very crafty, inventive, productive and reclusive at times. And Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy was so much better than Bring It On as Mary Jane. Gwen isn't just some damsel in distress, she is a very useful character. That is where the film gets huge plus points. They have really good chemistry and their romance is genuine and not tiresome.
However the Raimi films (first two) dominate in the villain department. And I know what your thinking: the Green Goblin in that ridiculous suit?! That's better than the Lizard?! Yes. Ignore the get up and actually observe the dynamic between the villain and Spidey in each film. They have a sense of humanity, you really get to care for them when they die. This film really had a good opportunity with the Lizard by portraying him as someone struggling with a Jekyl/Hyde syndrome, just like the comics. Instead both personalities are just insane and with no shred of humanity. So much for staying faithful.
Some reviewers say that this version is darker and 2002 is very light hearted to which I say: the 2002 version has a bigger body count first of all and Danny Elfman did the music.
I'll end this user review on a positive note. Like I said I have mixed feelings for this one. So I have to name the rest of the stuff I liked. The effects were much better here. The Mirror's Edge like sequences rocked. And I really liked the scene where he's in the sewer and he makes a web to detect vibrations like a real spider does.
Go watch it, you'll either love it or hate it. Luckily I'm sort of a tweener.