My Thoughts on the Spider-Man Reboot...Dun dun dunn

My Thoughts on the Spider-Man Reboot...Dun dun dunn

Yes, THAT. Never in all my life have I seen a CBM get such widespread hate before it has even had a cast ready. The very idea of the reboot seems to piss people off straight to Hell. But, does it deserve a fair chance? Are some people blindly hating it because it wasn't what they wanted regardless of how good it may be?

Editorial Opinion
By InTylerWeTrust - Jul 04, 2010 06:07 PM EST
Filed Under: Spider-Man

To put it in the shortest way possible, the answer to those questions is, "yes."

So, about six months ago, Sony dropped a bombshell that would send fans into rages of denial, anger, and hatred. Instead of going forward with “Spider-Man 4” with Raimi and Maguire on board,they scrapped that film and set a reboot in motion. Not only that, but the press releases stated that the reboot would take Peter back to his roots in high school. It would take direct influence from Brian Michael Bendis' revamp titled “Ultimate Spider-Man.” You can see why people would be divided, I'm sure. However, ever since the reboot was announced, I would say that I have remained one of its stalwart defenders. Countless times, I have defended it against those who trash it and I still defend it with my optimism. Why am I so optimistic about the reboot? Well, here's why:

I'll start with an analysis of what we would have likely seen if Sony continued forward with Raimi et.al. There was a supposed plot description of the film that was released around the time of the reboot's announcement (I can't remember if it was before or after, though). Apparently, the Vulture was set to be one of the villains in the film. Felicia Hardy was receiving a character change in the form of a switch from Black Cat to the daughter of the Vulture who seeking revenge on Spidey for killing her father. She becomes the Vulturess. First of all, the Vulture is, one of Spider-Man's lamest villains. He's an old man in a bird suit. That very concept of the character sounds stupid to me. He's just a lackluster villain, especially when compared to the plethora of other great Spidey villains. And changing the Black Cat to Vulturess is just laughable. Can you honestly tell me or anyone that would have been a good idea? It's totally unnecessary, unfaithful, and stupid. I would take the reboot any day over that.

Now, what about the Ultimate influence? Well, I am a fan of the “Ultimate Spider-Man” series. It was a good revamp that handled the balance between Peter's super heroics with his love life, family, school, etc. and the effects each side has on the other very well. The wise cracks and humor were spot on. I liked most of the characters, and I didn't even mind some of the changes made, such as Eddie Brock's past history with Peter. I get the vibe from some people (*ahem*) that despite saying that Ultimate Spidey is "crap!" and "FAIL!" they haven't read it or given it a chance. If you have, then all the power to you. I personally liked it, and think it would transition quite well onto the big screen. However a 100% adaptation wouldn't, and neither would a 100% adaptation of the 616 comics. Besides, Sony has never said that the reboot will be exactly like the Ultimate comics, only that it will be influenced by it. I am perfectly okay with that, because, again, Ult. Spidey was a great showcase of the humor, drama, and angst that is Spider-Man's history. If the reboot uses Ultimate SM as a reference for those qualities, then that's great. Speaking of angst, it seems to worry some people into thinking that the reboot will be "Twilight High School Musical crap!" I would like to direct you to ReillyParker's great editorial in which he describes that angst can be a good thing and fits right into Spider-Man's character. Here's the link:

http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/reillyparker/news/?a=18181

Ultimate Spiderman #1 Pictures, Images and Photos


He and I, more or less, share the same high points and low points of Ultimate Spidey. I forgave a couple of the low points on his list, such as the mutant hate referenced in the books. But I do agree with his analysis on the villains and storylines of the Ultimate books. They handled Norman Osborn excellently, and I hope they take huge notes on the way he is characterized, though the Hulk-Goblin is a no-no.

I'd like to address the Eddie Brock storyline from the Ultimate comics though. See, I played Ultimate Spider-Man the video game before I read the Ultimate comics, and I absolutely loved that game. It is my absolute favorite Spidey game and one of my all time favorite games. That inspired me to read the comics, because I just loved the story in the game. I loved how Eddie has a history with Peter, how Eddie's dad worked closely with Peter's dad, and that lead to the birth of Venom. I think it would provide a sequel that has Brock in it with some pathos for Peter as he faces a close friend. However, I would not include Peter and Eddie's fathers creating the symbiote itself as a scientific breakthrough. Instead I would combine the extraterrestrial origins of the symbiote with the Ultimate angle. I would have the symbiote discovered by astronauts and brought to Earth. Then Peter and Eddie's fathers are part of the company that takes the symbiote for scientific study, and they are tasked with the "Symbiote Project." It's then mostly the Ultimate story from that point on in that arc.

Spiderman vs Venom Pictures, Images and Photos


On to Marc Webb, the man who will helm the reboot. I think he's a good choice. He's only directed one movie, “500 Days of Summer,” but I found that film to be a really great. I hate to take another page out of ReillyParker's book, but it was a great coming of age tale about a young man facing the complexities of life and romance. The story of Peter Parker is a coming of age story as he does have to accept this huge responsibility and grow up to face the harsh world around him. I think Webb would be more than able to handle this aspect of Spidey's character, and I can see his pulling off the moral dilemmas Peter must face. That is a huge part of any good Spider-Man film. Sure, he hasn't proven that he can direct action, but Jon Favreau didn't prove he could do a big blockbuster before “Iron Man.” Look how that turned out. We should just give him a chance to prove himself, THEN bash him if he sucks People also bash the reboot for having a relatively low budget (I think it's around 80 million or something), but does anyone remember “District 9?” Amazing, amazing movie with great action, and it cost 30 million. Keep that in the back of your mind.

And finally, we have our Spider-Man: Andrew Garfield. I am very satisfied with this choice, even though I admittedly have not seen him act. On many accounts, this kid can freaking act. Hell, our very own RorMachine called him "astonishing." He won a BAFTA for his acclaimed performance in “Boy A.” I'm very confident that he will pull off Peter in a way that is both faithful to the comics but unique from Tobey's portrayal. He also looks very much like Peter facially. He's tall and lanky, a build which fits Spidey more than Tobey's shorter, stockier body. He may be older than expected, but A) that may be addressed as rumor has it that the setting of the reboot may change from high school to college, and B) I'll take a great actor who is older than ideal but will deliver a great performance. I'll do my best to try and watch “Boy A” and “Red Riding,” as those two seem to be the most frequent examples of Garfield's talent, but until then, he has my support.

Photobucket


So yeah, that's my take on this whole thing. Can things go wrong from here? Yes. Could the reboot turn out as a bad movie? Yes. Can it turn out as a good movie? Yes. We don't know for sure how it will turn out. So stop with the "This movie's going to be crap! I know everything so I'm right and you're wrong!" Let's wait until we have more to criticize before we start predicting the future, all right? And if you disagree with me, fine, but all I ask is that you back it up with more than just "[frick] the reboot!" and "FAIL!" Let's be civil about this.

SPIDER-MAN 4: Everything You Need To Know About Marvel's Rumored Plans For VENOM, The Spider-Men, And More
Related:

SPIDER-MAN 4: Everything You Need To Know About Marvel's Rumored Plans For VENOM, The Spider-Men, And More

SPIDER-MAN: Andrew Garfield Teases Peter Parker Return Assumptions [Are] Not Unfounded
Recommended For You:

SPIDER-MAN: Andrew Garfield Teases Peter Parker Return "Assumptions [Are] Not Unfounded"

DISCLAIMER: ComicBookMovie.com is protected under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) and... [MORE]

ComicBookMovie.com, and/or the user who contributed this post, may earn commissions or revenue through clicks or purchases made through any third-party links contained within the content above.

Jayisawesome
Jayisawesome - 7/4/2010, 6:10 PM
Even though I liked the orignal spider man I have faith in webb I loved 500 days of summer.
ROMACK
ROMACK - 7/4/2010, 6:39 PM
Nice article dude! Thumbs up!

For the record I never liked Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker.
AshleyWilliams
AshleyWilliams - 7/4/2010, 7:52 PM
I 100% agree with you! Great article!
AverageCitizen99
AverageCitizen99 - 7/4/2010, 8:12 PM
Great work Tyler! I am behind this reboot 85% - 100%.
Marc is extremely talented, Andrew is greatly talented, and so long as the script changes are necessary and blend itself to be a good/great film then I'm not gonna wine... that much. ;)

If you're interested, check out an interview that I uploaded about another controversial remake. This is Bloody-Disgusting's interview with Matt Reeves over the "Let the Right One In" remake. you can check it out right here.
jusme6
jusme6 - 7/4/2010, 9:09 PM
Honestly, I want to see this reboot bomb at the box office. I really just want to see Iron Man and Cap fighting each other over Spidy to take their side in a Civil War movie (will never happen I'm sure, but I just want Spidy back in the bigger movie MU). The reboot may suck or it may be terrific. Either way, I'm not paying to see it unless it's made by Marvel/Disney. Nuf said

@Romack: I also never liked Tobey Maguire.
Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/4/2010, 9:56 PM
How can you be so blindly optimistic? Sony was the one that ruined spiderman 3! and now they have COMPLETE control over the next spiderman film, why else would they hire a director with barely any movie experience? Cause this is his big break of a lifetime and no way will he challenge sony like raimi did. Then they slap on a 60 million dollar budget WHICH IS NOTHING compared to previous spiderman films budgets. And now they get a 27 year old to play a 16 year old high school student? Ya tyler, keep being blindly optimistic.
Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/4/2010, 9:57 PM
Proof that Sony has complete control "this will be in 3d" with the director having no say in what way his movie will be filmed.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 7/4/2010, 10:17 PM
Thanks guys.

Deadshot: How can YOU be so blindly hateful of the reboot? You can't blame Sony entirely for SM 3. It was a collaborative effort that resulted in a bad movie. Cast, director, Sony, they all played a part in making SM 3 the crappy movie that it was. Why would they hire a director like Webb? Well, maybe they saw 500 Days and were incredibly impressed by his potential. Maybe Webb shared his vision with them and they loved it. We don't know. Stop acting like you know everything and quit stating your presumptions as if they are factual. Speaking of facts, you're wrong, the budget is in the 80 million range. Once again, I would like to remind you of District 9 which had a mere 30 million dollar budget.

"And now they get a 27 year old to play a 16 year old high school student"

First, they may be changing the setting to college. Second, God forbid they get a GOOD actor instead of a young, crappy one like Josh Hutcherson.

"Proof that Sony has complete control "this will be in 3d" with the director having no say in what way his movie will be filmed"

Wow, just, wow. That's a pathetic argument. Yeah, that TOTALLY means that Sony's going to completely control the villains, casting, and plot ideas because they want the movie to be shot in 3D. Also, how do you know Webb didn't agree to the 3D? Once again, you're stating your assumptions as facts. You're the one being blind here, not me.
Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/4/2010, 10:34 PM
Tyler, I respect your opinion, but look they announced it was going to be in 3D long BEFORE they even got a director, so I highly doubt Webb had any say. Also sony did have the final word on Peter Parkers casting! It was reported Webb chose the top 3 test audition tapes and submitted it to them, then they chose the best one.

"God forbid they get a GOOD actor instead of a young, crappy one like Josh Hutcherson."

Slow down, slow down, I hate John Hutcherson alot aswell... and I also dislike young actors but I want realisim.

"first, they may be changing the setting to college."
Oh so it's Spiderman 4 then, without the extremely talented Dylan Baker as Connors and J.K Simmons and JJJ.
Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/4/2010, 10:35 PM
J.K Simmons as JJJ*
Wadey09
Wadey09 - 7/4/2010, 10:40 PM
great article @Tyler!!!
i haven't tried to judge this film because of the fact that there is very little to judge.
although quite frankly, i HATED the Ultimate storyline. a few aspects of it are great, most of them you already mentioned. which is why i am trying to incorporate as much as those excellent qualities from both Ultimate and 616 into my Fan Fic. (I just passed page 57!)

because many of the rumors for this particular film are still rumors, its kinda hard to critisize what i know not of. so i'm reserving comments on the film until more firm news surfaces.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 7/4/2010, 11:08 PM
Deadshot: And maybe Webb, when he signed on, agreed to film it in 3D. But again, it doesn't even matter because the 3D thing has nothing to do with Sony having complete creative control. And could you give me a link where it said that Sony made the final decision as to who will play Parker? And if they did, then they apparently made a great choice.

Garfield may be 26, but he looks younger and can easily pass as a student in his first year of college. I don't think that him playing a college student is unrealistic at all, and I wouldn't even care if he's playing high school Peter, because he's supposedly a great actor, and that's what matters most.

"Oh so it's Spiderman 4 then, without the extremely talented Dylan Baker as Connors and J.K Simmons and JJJ."

No, that doesn't make sense, because it will be an entirely different continuity, college or high school. And who cares if those 2 are gone? There are plenty of other actors out there who could fill those roles.

Wadey: Thanks, and the real thing I'm trying to get across is to give the reboot a chance. Glad you are :)
Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/4/2010, 11:27 PM
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/MarvelFreshman/news/?a=19697
"Sony only reviewed the three strongest test tapes and that the other two finalists were Jamie Bell and Alden Ehrenreich."
And on another site I read it said Sony made the final call from these 3 people then informed Webb of their decision.

"And who cares if those 2 are gone? There are plenty of other actors out there who could fill those roles."

Well it's hard for me not to care, since i'm a huge fan of both those actors... but in all seriousness even if I wasn't a huge fan of J.K Simmons I highly doubt there is anyone that will do a better job then he did, and come 2012 if I still post here, and you still post here, feel free to rub it in my face if the guy they got did do a better job.
Deadshot
Deadshot - 7/4/2010, 11:30 PM
I'm trying to find the site where it specifically said that btw, but I deleted my history a couple of days ago.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 7/4/2010, 11:44 PM
Well okay, and they did make a seemingly great decision by choosing Garfield. If they do have the final say in who's cast, and they choose as well as they did here, then I am not worried. We'll just have to wait and see.

I loved both Baker and Simmons, but life goes on, they can't play the characters forever. And even though JK was hilarious, JJJ isn't that comedic and he isn't played for laughs as much as he was portrayed in the films. I'd like to see a more serious JJ, and there are a bunch of actors who can fill JK's shoes, a favorite of mine being Clancy Brown. Maybe the actor that is chosen won't be as good as he was, but he was going to be replaced eventually, so it doesn't really matter.
Destroyer14
Destroyer14 - 7/5/2010, 6:21 AM
Great article. While I don't like Ultimate Spider-Man, the film can still be good, if they mix of little of the 616 storyline with it.

I don't understand why Spider-Man 3 gets so much hate. I thought the movie was awesome.
squirt
squirt - 7/5/2010, 6:59 AM
william fichtner for jj jameson. need veteraan actors for norman and connors
peterparker420
peterparker420 - 7/5/2010, 7:43 AM
TYLER- GREAT ARTICLE! I for one have an open mind..in
reguards to the reboot!

Hopefully they will get it right this time!

start out with peter falling in love with
gwen stacy, have green goblin kill her
and enter mary jane...and so on..I really
want to see a BALANCE in peter's school
life..and spiderman..most of those problems
go hand and hand,

and I hope they use WEB-SHOOTERS..
but that's just me!..LOL

AGAIN GREAT JOB!


EDIT: I LOVED the ULT. SPIDEY COMICS!! They even
handled the "clone war" better!!
superotherside
superotherside - 7/5/2010, 8:32 AM
good stuff tyler!

i hope it's a at least a semi good movie... waiting 4 at least a trailer though to judge it...

oh and lee should read this
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 7/5/2010, 8:35 AM
i really dig this article, and i agree with everything. SM4 was looking like a disaster and i'm glad they decided to reboot. Webb is a very talented director and Garfield is a very talented actor. that's two positives that this film has going for it.
InTylerWeTrust
InTylerWeTrust - 7/5/2010, 11:40 AM
Anil, Destroyer, Pete, otherside, TheQuestion, and NinjaCarm: Thanks guys. Appreciate the compliments.

tea: Hey, if you want to dislike the reboot, go ahead, all I want is more than "[frick] the reboot!" to back it up :)

Smallville sucks
antonio
antonio - 7/5/2010, 3:03 PM
[frick] the reboot,but i [frick]ing enjoyed 500 days of summer.joseph gordon-levitt was really good.
JokeSonYou
JokeSonYou - 7/6/2010, 12:36 AM
"[frick} the reboot"?

Really?! Please. Who are you trying to kid? First glimps at a trailer and before you know it, you will be at the theatre, in your 3D glasses, dripping in Rebooted Spidey-Jizzum when this movie drops.

Nice article! Not a fan of Bendis nor of his jab at the web-slinger. His Peter was just as whiny, if not more than, Raimi's and Tobey's in my opinion. Also, I wasn't a fan of what he did with Eddie. Despite my opinions, Ultimate Spider-Man was the better of Bendis's works. Ulimately, (pun Soooo intended there) it was a good way to update the character to try and relate to a teenager in the new millenium rather than a teenager in the new millenium trying to relate to a teenager from the 60's.

On a side and less important note, I think it could be kinda cool if they set the Spider-Man movies.. IN the 60's? Hmmmm gee.. wouldn't that be AMAZING?!

Once again.. great article.

also... Smallville DOES Suck.
TheMyth
TheMyth - 7/6/2010, 12:59 AM
Tyer, I honestly have come to a conclusion that roughly 90% of comics fans are bi-polar. The insanity surrounding both this and First Class within our community is thick and grossly irrational. You'd think many of them could see the future. Manifest Destiny comes to mind... If you tell yourself '[frick] the reboot! it's gonna suck!' from square one, then in your mind, it will. The worst part is the mob mentallity and how fast this extremism spreads... reminds me of that Monty Python movie...


"...very small rocks!?" lmfao
View Recorder