At the Theater - The Amazing Spider-Man - This franchise reboot comes across as more of a pale, paint-by-numbers imitation of 2002's Spider-Man- it's too familiar and expected, with far too much half-hearted time spent rehashing the origin of our hero simply to introduce mechanical web-shooters to the fold. Marc Webb's ( (500) Days Of Summer) lack of directorial flair here hints at a Director that's either in over his head or a studio that ultimately lacked faith in his creative abilities, possibly reigning him in from implementing a personal style or imprint upon the film for some unknown reason (budgetary concerns/shooting schedule?). The final product is rarely any kind of high-flying fun, with only a moderate amount of emotion or tension. I just couldn't invest myself in the story and even found myself starting to nod off around the 1/3 mark of the movie.
I will have to admit feeling that a significant portion of the finished film was probably cut due to theatrical run-time concerns, though I can only comment on what I paid to see. I offer this because there are a few rather awkward sequencing and editing issues- a segment aboard a subway car involving Parker's first reaction to his new found abilities is so disjointed and poorly staged that I thought it would be revealed as a dream sequence- no such luck.
Although I can respect the grittier approach of this film, I believe most will miss Director Sam Raimi's quirky sense of humor, penchant for wild camera shots and inherent ability to see a film unfold from an audience's perspective- he's a bona-fide film-geek and his crazy, energetic showmanship often bleeds through to aisle seats. This particular film sorely missed his distinctive style- for that matter, there's nothing distinctive about it. The effects work is often impressive, but with so little heart/depth behind and around it, what's the point?
Andrew Garfield's a far better actor than Tobey Maguire, though the script fails to supply enough quality material to fully endear an audience to his character. There's a depth to the actor that the script only briefly utilizes- I don't miss Maguire's blank, bug-eyed stare (given pretty much EVERY situation) and always felt his "lovability" as Parker in the first 3 films was more of a testament to Sam Raimi and the screenwriters. Garfield should prove to have a more varied career, but needs to put on a little more muscle weight- it's difficult to believe that he's actually 28 years old. The new Spidey suit... I'm still on the fence on this one...
The facial design of The Lizard is about as fearsome as the Geico Gecko after an all-night bender. The reptilian villain is my favorite of Spider-Man's extensive rogue's gallery featured in the comics, the "timid" approach and lack of creativity regarding the creature's countenance here is a personal letdown and appears as a marketing decision made solely to avoid scaring younger viewers. Rhys Ifans (Notting Hill) fails to command any kind of substantial presence in the role of "Dr. Curt Connors"- it's a completely forgettable villainous turn.
I'm a fan of Emma Stone- she's funny, talented and likable, with comedic timing to spare- it's refreshing that her "Gwen Stacy" character isn't allowed to fall into the constantly screaming, "damsel in distress" trap that Kristen Dunst's "Mary Jane Watson" couldn't climb out of in the first three films. Sadly, we may not get to see much more of Emma's character in future Spidey films...
Martin Sheen (in a few brief appearances) and Sally Field are merely serviceable as "Uncle Ben" and "Aunt May", respectively. I preferred Cliff Robertson as Parker's Uncle in the Raimi Trilogy and felt Rosemary Harris as "Aunt May" was a rare example of absolutely perfect casting. I missed the latter pair in this film.
Dennis Leary (FX's Rescue Me) is criminally underused- I can't comprehend why the studio even bothered to cast him in such an undercooked role. Other faces you may recognize in brief roles: C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders) as the grateful father of a child that Spidey saves, Irrfan Khan (Slumdog Millionaire) as a sinister, corporate heavy, with Campbell Scott (The Spanish Prisoner) and Embeth Davidtz (Schindler's List) as the parents of a very young Peter Parker. Expect the obligatory cameo featuring Stan Lee- it might just be the best one yet in a short, but welcomed sequence that feels pulled from a craftier film.
The film features disposable (notice a theme here) original music by James Horner- a skirmish between Spidey and The Lizard in a High School hallway appears to be scored using a piece lifted from a SyFy original film. It was senseless to part ways with Danny Elfman's score that was utilized so well in the first three films.
It's just an average, efficient film that's nowhere near as good as Spider-Man or Spider-Man 2, but better than Spider-Man 3- though only marginally so.
Lastly, I must confess- my biggest disappointment with this film might just be that Bruce Campbell, or the Oldsmobile Delta 88 (look it up), doesn't have a cameo here.
*** Of Note*** There's a very brief scene a few minutes into the credits some might want to stay for- I didn't think it was worth the wait, but others may disagree. At about the film's midpoint, look upon a desktop in Gwen Stacy's room and you might discover a reference to Spider-Man films of the past.
The Amazing Spider-Man 6.0
FWIW-
Spider-Man 8.5
Spider-Man 2 8.5
Spider-Man 3 5.0
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