The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

So, is it just me, or are movies getting older quicker? Last year, I saw at least two remakes of movies that were barely older than I am, and now we have the fourth Spider-Man movie which doubles as a remake and a reboot. The first of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man movies was released less than ten years ago, and the third less than five. When I heard about this movie, I shrugged and figured it would be worthless, and I still don't understand the impatience. I actually liked Raimi's movies to a certan extent, and I don't think anyone would argue with me when I say Spider-Man 2 is probably still the best of all four movies. This new one isn't too bad either, despite my reservations.

This new film was directed by Mark Webb whose only other directing credit is the wonderful romantic comedy (500) Days of Summer. He thankfully has tackled the superhero genre with a similar eye for greatness. This movie is clearly meant to be the first of several in a new series, and a good chunk of time is spent on re-telling the origin story, something for which I was actually quite grateful. Peter Parker doesn't don a costume until over halfway into the movie, giving us lots of time to get to know the people inhabiting this realistic fantasy world. Only towards the end does it all fall into the usual mindless superhero mode, but everything leading up to that is surprisigly captivating. Andrew Garfield stars and though I like the guy, I can't say he's necessarily convincing. He's the sort of person who makes even nerdy characters seem cool. I did especially like Emma Stone as the romantic interest, a surprisingly intelligent replacement for the stereotypical pretty girl with nothing to do. I am also hearing that The Amazing Spider-Man follows the original comics more closely than the other trilogy, and that's probably why fans are reacting more positively. I don't know anything about that, but I know I was impressed when I was certain I wouldn't be.

My only real complaint is in the few action scenes, the kind that are loud and flashy and you can't tell what's going on and don't really care. Scenes in which Spider-Man is obviously a stunt double or special effect are also marred by a bizarre voiceover from Garfield, who for some reason is constantly cracking wise. In the end, although I would go so far as to say there is improvement, I still don't think there was enough to warrant its existence. Regardless, this is the best a movie of its kind can be, and I can swing with that. Good? Yes. Amazing? Not quite.

8/10