Sorry for the delayed review but this week I'm wrapping up my Spider-Man series of reviews with a Throwback Thursday Review of The Amazing Spider-Man and Recollection Reflection Review of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. I've already published my review of Spider-Man: Homecoming, so click on the blue hyperlink if you want to check that out. Next week I'll be publishing a Throwback Thursday Reviews for Rise of the Planet of the Apes, a Triple-R Review over Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, and a review for War for the Planet of the Apes. Reviews you can expect to see through the month include Throwback Thursday Reviews of Inception and Shaun of the Dead in addition to reviews of new releases Dunkirk, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, The Emoji Movie, and Atomic Blonde.
'The Amazing Spider-Man' Review
The Amazing Spider-Man accompanies an orphaned, teenage Peter Parker as he seeks to learn the truth behind his parents disappearance several years ago. His investigation leads him to Oscorp, where he's bitten by a radioactive spider and begins to exhibit extraordinary abilities. Once tragedy befalls Parker's family, Parker realizes he must use his powers to help others and fight crime as the Amazing Spider-Man.
In The Amazing Spider-Man, director Marc Webb sought to deliver a new grounded take on the web-slinger's origins. Webb's interpretation retained the crucial components of the traditional origin story but shifted its focus in a different direction. Webb's spidey flicks centered on many mysteries surrounding Spider-Man that were never explored in Raimi's trilogy such as what happened to Peter's parents. Webb even forged a new path for the wall-crawler with a darker, realistic tone, grounding Peter in our reality rather than positioning him in the context of a campy comic book.
While I feel Webb's ideas had merit, the darker tone simply doesn't fit the character as snuggly considering Spider-Man is a character who's meant to have fun. Sure, Spider quips a lot but the angst and realism almost feel contradictory to the inconceivable events. Webb is able to get the web-head swinging but it takes some time to pick up speed as the first half of The Amazing Spider-Man is bogged down by the well-worn origin story beats.
Screenwriters James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves were tasked with weaving a new narrative web for the slinging franchise to inhabit that was relatively reminiscent of what had come before while including distinct differentiation where possible. Vanderbilt, Sargent, and Kloves stride sufficiently in that regard but never quite escape the shadow of the spectacular storytelling showcased in Raimi's trilogy. The third act's admittedly very unbalanced as the writers frantically search for a coherent ending to no avail but they do manage to uncover some underlying emotional elements to help swing things in The Amazing Spider-Man's favor.
Where The Amazing Spider-Man shines is in the stylistic sequences of Spidey swinging around New York and the action set-pieces. Each battle between Spider-Man and the Lizard remains fairly entertaining, even though they never quite reaches the visceral heights of Raimi's energetic action. The visual effects are excellent and have held up well over time as the Lizard looks like he leapt straight out of a comic book into the real world. I also always liked the design of this Spider-Man suit and the inclusion of web-shooters as they were nice nods to the web-head's source material. James Horner composes a score suited to this version of the character but it's nowhere near as exciting as any of Elfman's themes. The Amazing Spider-Man's most accomplished asset though is undoubtedly its capable cast.
Andrew Garfield brought new life to the web-slinger with a charming and endearing attitude. I never quite bought into his version of Peter Parker since he exhibited more of an angsty teen hipster than an actual nerd but I've always enjoyed his take on Spidey. Garfield not only had the physicality for the role but he nails the line delivery anytime he's wearing the suit. I always bought into his quippy demeanor and felt he perfectly translated that aspect of the character.
Opposite Garfield, Emma Stone imbues Gwen Stacy with intelligence, determination, and a relentless dedication to set her aside from falling into the archetype of damsel-in-distress. Stone also stands apart from just being "the love interest" also thanks to her spunky go-getter personality that enables her to have a hand in the unraveling events. Stone and Garfield were dating at the time but their dynamic has always been one of the saving graces of this franchise since their chemistry was off the charts and the romance felt incredibly authentic.
Filling out the supporting ranks, Martin Sheen and Sally Field serve as proficient parental figures in Peter's life as Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Both actors convincingly expressed concern and worry for Peter without over-doing any of the anxiety while Dennis Leary's Captain Stacy exhibits all the tenacity that would accompany the heading the NYPD and the unease of an overprotective dad.
Elsewhere, Rhys Ifans brilliantly brings a dual-pronged portrayal of Doctor Curt Connors as a brilliant mind that makes a rapid descent to becoming a mad reptilian scientist. Ifans' Dr. Connors doesn't hold a candle to previous Spidey rogues but he serves his purpose here admirably.
Even though its no longer the new kid on the block, The Amazing Spider-Man still swings around as a relatively sufficient reboot that's buoyed by its lead performers and stylistic flair.
