Spidey is back! Or is he? SIDEWALKS’ J.P. has a review of the reboot version with Andrew Garfield as “The Amazing Spider-Man.”
“THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN”
Columbia Pictures
MPAA Rating: PG-13 by the MPAA for SEQUENCES OF ACTION AND VIOLENCE.
Run Time: 138 minutes
Directed by: Marc Webb
Screenplay by: James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves
Story by: James Vanderbilt
Based on the Marvel Comic Book by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko
Produced by: Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach
Executive Producers: Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, Michael Grillo,
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field
Studio Synopsis:
One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man™. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves from a story by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.
The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tnxzJ0SSOw[/youtube]
J.P.’ Take:
For me personally placing a reboot in a particular place and time feels kind of odd, but for all intensive purposes “The Amazing Spider-Man” is a total retooling of Sam Raimi’s excellent original and therefore you have to view it as such.
Just 10 years ago Raimi gave us the web slinger staring a charming Toby McGuire, whom portrayed the man-child Peter Parker. And just 5 years ago he surprised us again with the equally impressive “Spider Man 2.” I won’t dog the 3rd but I’ll just say it didn’t live up to its forbearers. None the less, watching the trilogy was an enjoyable experience. When McGuire got suited up, he became your friendly neighborhood Spidey. In other words, he was the kind hearted hero, who fought crime with a smile. He brought a certain joy in being a hero. What Raimi did was regenerate nostalgia for the golden age of comics, as the film bared a glossy bright family oriented atmosphere. Also, there was nicely condensed action scenes tucked away in between.
In comparison “The Amazing Spider-Man” is a true departure from its predecessor, it’s grittier, darker and a bit more violent. There is a greater emotional impact here as well, especially in the scene involving Ben Parker’s (Martin Sheen) death. The 2012 film version is made to reflect the new generation of youth injected “Spider Man” comics, which were revised in the late 90’s and 2000’s — similar to what’s happened to the “Batman” series along with many other comic series. Those of you, whom have kept up with the more recent books will surely see the resemblance in style of characters and atmosphere.
Andrew Garfield replaces McGuire and he feels right at home donning the spidey suit. He puts forth a vehement effort to bring Peter Parker’s troubled side to the forefront. He’s bullied slightly and people don’t pay much attention to him, except his Aunt and uncle, of course. The entire cast is impressive here as well. Emma Stone feels more down Earth as an intelligent young proactive Gwen Stacy. I have to highlight Martin Sheen and Sally Field as Uncle Ben and Aunt May, respectively. They felt sincere in their delivery, as they showed concern for their beloved nephew.
Rhys Ifans plays Dr. Curt Connors/ The Lizard, and he takes on the same Jekyll and Hide transformation as any other villain does in movies like this. As far as villains are concerned, I don’t really consider Ifans’ character a total villain, because he too, was troubled and torn by his decisions just as Peter Parker. Dennis Leary plays Capt. George Stacy, father of Gwen, and it’s refreshing to see him playing more mature roles as opposed to the smart aleck ones of his past.
The story is as simple to follow as the original, with only one villain to keep track of and the epic battles that ensue.
“The Amazing Spider Man” is an exceptional remake that falls into different place and time. Yet, it holds true to the more recent comics of today, while paying tribute to the original. Fans of the “Spider Man” series of films, comics and cartoons may find it a nice chance in pace overall. But, if you were to imagine that the first three didn’t exist, this is still an excellent film on its own. OH! And you should never leave your seat when it comes to superhero movies: there is always a surprise of some kind waiting at the end.