It will be nearly impossible to find a review in the next few days that doesn’t draw some comparison between Marc Webb’s “The Amazing Spider-Man” and Sam Raimi’s previous trilogy of films. Honestly, it’s only been 10 years since Spidey’s origin was told in theatres, so is it really even necessary to tread over familiar territory this soon? While it may not be necessary, “The Amazing Spider-Man” is still extremely enjoyable, and in many ways better than the Webhead’s previous outings, thanks in part to outstanding performances from its main leads Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.
First off, I have to admit that I went into this film way more apprehensive than I did excited for the finished product. Comic fans in general can become so wrapped up in the original source material that any small variation to the character just sends them over the edge and makes them cry foul. I know when I first saw the initial released photos of Garfield in the suit, it was kind of a turn off and not what I was expecting. Then slowly shots of the lizard were released, and it just didn’t gel with what I had thought he’d look like brought to life on screen. For those that have similar reservations, my best advice is to simply go into this one with an open mind. Pre-conceived notions of how it’s going to play out will only get in the way and not give you the chance to enjoy it for what it is.
The story opens up and immediately places its focus on something we haven’t seen much of before…Peter’s relationship with his parents. Webb’s film is definitely more directed towards the impact that a lack of parents has on Peter than just the effect a radioactive spider bite has. True, this is probably taking a page out of the Batman book, but it sets up for a bit of mystery regarding their disappearance that hopefully will be developed further down in the series should it continue. This Peter is still the kid that gets picked on, but he’s not a pocket-protector geek, he’s just more of a nobody. Early on you see that he’s virtuous and willing to stand up for the little guy, even as a non-super powered high schooler. It’s Pete’s nervous flirtation and innocence in dealing with the opposite sex however that is so spot-on. Andrew Garfield in just the first few moments of his high school scenes nails the character of Peter Parker like I had hoped he could since seeing him in The Social Network. His interactions with Emma Stone are just superb. There’s an attraction between the two, but a delayed recognition on Pete’s part that a girl like this would actually be interested in him. It’s in these types of scenes where Webb’s experience in characterization really shines. He builds the person under the mask, so that once he dons the tights, you care more about who’s behind the spider symbol.
While there are a lot of the same familiar beats in the origin story, one unique difference is that “The Amazing Spider-Man” seeks to broaden the depth at which the backstory ties the characters to Peter’s past. Rhys Ifans portrays Dr. Curt Connors, a brilliant man who previously worked closely with Peter’s father Richard on cross-species genetics in the hopes that one day they could cure illnesses and conditions such as Dr. Connor’s own missing right arm. Peter discovers a photo of the two men in his father’s old belongings and sets out to learn more about their work by sneaking into OsCorp, the company which employed them both at one time. It’s actually in the labs at OsCorp where Dr. Connors still works, that Peter has that fateful encounter with an arachnid that will change his life forever. Soon Dr. Connors learns of Peter’s ties to his old research partner, and invites him to assist in the work they never finished. As chance would have it, Peter is able to help complete the research, however the results aren’t quite what they had in mind as the good doctor experiments on himself before testing is truly complete. While he is able to grow back the limb he has lived for years without, the side effect is he becomes an increasingly violent and volatile green-scaled lizard of a man, thus setting up the main antagonist for our hero.
While the main punch of the origin still remains with Uncle Ben’s death directly propelling Peter to put on a mask to fight crime, his initial desire is nothing more than a revenge-driven quest to not stop crime altogether, but instead the person directly responsible for the loss of his uncle. To me, this decision made the most sense, because at the end of the day losing a family member to a violent act wouldn’t make you decide to want to fight on the side of the law and do good, it would make you vengeful, at least at first. This is where “The Amazing Spider-Man” stands apart. It’s a story about Peter Parker’s growth into a hero, not simply his first outing against a super-villain. He suffers, he makes choices both heroic and foolish, and ultimately comes out the other side having learned on his own about power and responsibility.
To hit on the high-notes of the film, there are quite a few standout moments that brought a geek-grin to my face. Peter’s quips to crooks while behind the mask are much more in line with what I always wanted from Maguire as Spider-Man. Spidey should be sarcastic and witty…this is more in line with that coming to realization. The fight scenes between Spidey and the Lizard, while fast-paced, are still engaging and you’re able to follow along with the action without getting lost in a whirlwind of CGI fisticuffs. Captain Stacy as played by Denis Leary is a great addition. He plays the Captain as a devoted father and cop, not just a character thrown in as an additional antagonist for Spider-man. Referencing it again, Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield’s performances really tie the whole movie together. This is a more complex Spider-Man than we’ve seen previously, and if these two actors hadn’t succeeded, the audience wouldn’t be able to so easily invest in the rest of the more fantastical elements of the film.
That’s not to say there aren’t some negatives to touch on. For one, the suit really didn’t need the updates. They almost seem like they were done just to distance themselves from Raimi’s series, and in the scheme of things the classic suit didn’t need changing. While watching the swinging through the city(which is breathtaking in 3D btw)it isn't distracting, but again, what was the point? Also, Rhys Ifans’ performance itself is solid, however when he becomes the Lizard it’s almost as if he goes from zero to crazy in 3.5. There’s little build up to his change in characterization, and if he came off as more regretful of his actions once reverting to human form it may have made the character a bit more sympathetic in that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone and is truly out for a cure. It's almost as if the script rushed him from devoted researcher wanting to benefit mankind to crazed maniac ready to kill anyone in his path. Yes, the Lizard should be a bloodthirsty villain, but a bit more development here would have made the character more rounded. Now where the next film goes is still up for debate and left to be seen, however there does seem to be a push in having Peter’s transformation into Spider-Man be almost a “fate” thing as opposed to a freak accident of chance. That may not be a negative to some, but I’ve always liked heroes that are defined by their choices as opposed to a greater destiny. That may be picking, but it’s still something I left thinking about.
At the end of the day, comparisons will be drawn, but ultimately if this film is reviewed on its own merits I think it’s a solid addition to Spidey’s history. The action is engaging, the story a bit deeper, and the acting top-notch. If Webb and the cast remain for another entry, I’ll be sure to be there to check it out.
Grade: A-