The “Spider-Man” movie franchise has been hugely successful at the box office. The original trilogy (’02, ’04, ’07, starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst) made close to $2.5 billion worldwide. When I heard Sony was going to “re-imagine” this series so quickly, I thought it was too soon. Aren’t there other stories out there to tell? I guess the final box office total for “The Amazing Spider-Man” will determine if it was too soon, but I can tell you this: Nothing about this reboot is amazing.
Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network”) stars as Peter Parker. When he was a young boy Peter’s mother and father leave him and he never knows why, living with his aunt and uncle in NYC ever since (they’re played by Sally Field and Martin Sheen). Peter’s now a senior in high school. He starts to take an interest in science and in Gwen Stacey (played by Emma Stone). She works part time at a research laboratory facility.
An old photo leads Peter to the lab and Dr. Curt Connors (played by Rhys Ifans), a genetic scientist who only has one arm. He worked with Peter’s father until he disappeared and Dr. Connors is still hoping seeking a breakthrough in “cross-genetics” that will allow animals and humans to re-grow limbs (if they are missing). While in the lab, Peter is bitten by a spider, which gives him incredible strength and the ability to swing into action.
A tragic incident inspires Peter to use his new powers to become the crime-fighting “Spider-Man”. And soon he has to try to save the entire city from a wild creature on the loose, while at the same time trying not to get captured by the police, led by the chief (played by Denis Leary), who also happens to be Gwen’s father.
There’s is absolutely no mystery or suspense to “The Amazing Spider-Man”. Everything’s simple, straight-forward and right out in the open. In fact (and this is no spoiler), Peter tells Gwen about he secret identity on their first date, not even halfway through the movie. If you’re expecting twists, layers and surprises in this script, you’re watching the wrong movie. And that’s one of the film’s major problems. Yes, it’s based on a comic book but most comic books have more drama than this.
As for the positives – the action scenes are very good and the visuals are top-notch, including the CGI. The 3D isn’t the best and there’s a surprising amount of intentional “in your face” 3D gimmicks, but overall it’s not too bothersome. What bothered me a lot is having Garfield (28) and Stone (23) making believe they’re 17 year old high school students. When is Hollywood going to get away from this practice of casting adults in their mid-late 20’s as high school students. It’s ridiculous and really hurts the credibility of the film. If you’re going to “re-imagine” this story, either do it with younger actors or how about “imagining” Peter Parker as a college student.
As for Garfield and Stone, they’re ok together, but some of their dialogue (along with other characters) is pretty corny. And there are way too many silly scenes, played just for laughs. Ifans plays the basic wacky scientist role and Sheen and Fields deliver the serious and important words of advice to Peter and the audience. The tone of the film is all over the place. As is the soundtrack, which is way over-the-top at times throughout the movie. And a couple of storylines are never resolved, one intentionally (setting the stage for the sequel) and the other not.
“The Amazing Spider-Man” is rated PG-13 for the action/violence and some language. It’s appropriate for kids 12 and up. While the movie does look good the story just isn’t exciting, fun or engaging. This “Spider-Man” clearly lacks bite. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by “The Avengers”, because this Marvel effort isn’t close to that film.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “The Amazing Spider-Man” gets a C. For me it’s one of this summer’s biggest disappointments.
Last August Sony announced that the sequel, “The Amazing Spider-Man #2”, would be released on May 2, 2014, kicking-off the 2014 Summer Movie Season. Just think, Garfield will be a 30 year old high school student by then. Now that’s truly amazing!