The Amazing Spider-man

As readers of my blog will know, anything comic-related will more often than not get the thumbs up from me! The Amazing Spider-man is no exception!
I'm a big fan of the previous Spider-man films and believe the first two to be amongst the very best comic-book adaptations. The third film didn't quite live up to expectation, but as is the case with many a comic-book property, should a further feature be given the green light, there'll always be a rich history to mine from.

For a while, there was talk of a forth and fifth Spider-man movie, to follow Sam Raimis trilogy - to be made back-to-back. James Vanderbilt was attached to write this opus - and interestingly he receives a story and screenplay credit here (along with Alvin Sargent and Steve Cloves).
What was originally conceived as a sequel is undoubtedly what we're getting here. What we also get is a somewhat redundant re-telling of the Spider-man origin!

For whatever reason, the studio behind Spider-man decided to return Peter Parker to high-school and consequently, retell the story of his transformation in to Spider-man. Skewing younger, they recast their principle characters with the likes of Andrew Garfield (as Peter) and Emma Stone (as Gwen Stacy). They even went with a new director in the appropriately named, Marc Webb!
Along with his superhero origin, we also get a glimpse at Peters early childhood. We're introduced to his parents and learn of their mysterious disappearance.
Dr Curt Connors, who we first saw lecture Peter in Spider-man 2, is given a meatier part to play here. Rhys Ifans fills the role this time and he holds many answers for Peter - concerning both the disappearance of his parents and that of his new-found arachnid abilities.

Along with a great supporting cast and crew, this team have made a very fine film!
Andrew Garfield is superb as Peter, approaching the duel roles of adolescent and hero very differently to that of Toby Maguire. Garfields approach is that of a Modern-age character, grounded in reality - a world away from Maguires Golden-age incarnation. It's a wise decision and it pays off magnificently.
Emma Stone is charming as Gwen and it's refreshing to see her character take centre-stage, this time.
Consequently Gwen's dad, Captain Stacy, is given an integral part to play also. Denis Leary balances the act of disapproving dad and responsible police Captain amicably.
The roles of Aunt May and Uncle Ben are filled by Sally Field and Martin Sheen. Two luminaries of the silver-screen, who portray their respective characters with warmth and humility - and do so effortlessly!
The visual effects are very impressive also. No doubt advances have been made since the previous films, however the success of that trilogy would've resulted in a clearer understanding of what was required to create such imagery - not to mention the box office returns, which would've made any such advances possible. Suffice it to say, Spider-man looks suitably elegant, as he swings through his home town of New York!

Yet despite their best efforts, we're only really given half of the 'untold story' here. No doubt the sequel will take steps to deliver on this promise. It certainly feels like the beginnings of a larger story - one can only hope!
The Amazing Spider-man is a good film I would happily recommend - particularly to those that missed the original!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: www.empireonline.com