Quick Trailer Thoughts: "The Amazing Spider-Man"

Today, I bring you the trailer for “The Amazing Spider-Man;” Director Mark Webb’s much-anticipated reboot of the original film that opened ten years ago and starred Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker; the high school students who eventually becomes the iconic superhero after getting bit by a radioactive spider-- thus gaining incredible superpowers. This new movie will open on July 3; and will star Andrew Garfield as the titular protagonist. After viewing the preview, I have a few brief thoughts about the upcoming blockbuster:

1. Right from the start of the trailer, Andrew Garfield has grabbed my attention; due to his enthusiastic delivery as Peter Parker. As the preview goes on, it is more-than-evident that the actor is excited about playing Peter Parker; as he is seen speaking his lines in a dedicated manner. This is especially seen in an excerpt where he’s sitting down for dinner with Love Interest Gwen Stacy, tenderly played by Emma Stone, her father Captain George Stacy; portrayed with great authority by Denis Leary. What’s more, after seeing him portray Eduardo Saverin in “The Social Network,” during which he performed quite well, I’m looking forward to seeing Garfield take on such an important role as Spider-Man for his first starring part. Henceforth, I’m looking forward to seeing Andrew Garfield take on the role; and judging by the trailer, I think he’ll do a good job.

2. It’s really exciting that Mark Webb’s reboot is focusing on Peter Parker’s relationship with Gwen Stacy; his true first love. In the original series, which was directed by Sam Raimi, Peter Parker falls in love with Mary-Jane Watson; who was portrayed by Kristen Dunst. The original franchise didn’t introduce Gwen Stacy until the third installment; during which she was played by Bryce Dallas Howard. Now, in the new series, we get to view the loving bond between Parker and Stacy in larger detail; instead of being tacked on in the third chapter. And I’m truly looking forward to seeing Emma Stone portray Gwen Stacy; as she is quite adept at bestowing endearing performances. Judging from the trailer, Stone and Garfield interact well together; and I’m looking forward to seeing them on the big screen.

3. I am very excited to see that the central villain in the movie is The Lizard; henceforth we’ll get to see Dr. Curt Connors, who Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker meets after learning that he worked with his late father, in both human and lizard form. I’m looking forward to seeing Dr. Curt Connors, who is being played by Rhys Ifans, be a primary focus of the film; as the character made side-appearances in the previous films- during which, he was portrayed by Dylan Baker. In both “Spider-Man 2” and “Spider-Man 3,” we never got to see Curt Connors in lizard form. Now, after viewing the trailer, the design of the lizard looks more-than-intriguing; as we get to see close-ups of the villain’s eye and tail. It looks like the animators put in a lot of effort in designing The Lizard; as I can clearly make out scales on its body and tail. Henceforth, I’m very excited about seeing Rhys Ifans portray Dr. Curt Connors and The Lizard; as the trailer has made his involvement look very enthralling.

4. I’m interested in seeing the movie focus on Captain George Stacy, the father of Emma Stone’s Gwen, as well; as it’s god to see the character have a pivotal role in this film. Throughout the trailer, Denis Leary is giving a strongly-authoritative performance as the character; and I’m curious to see how it will play out. It's an interesting difference from the original series; as we are going to see the character in great detail during the course of the film. I'm interested in seeing how Denis Leary's Captain George Stacy paints Spider-Man out as a threat; resulting in our hero having to deal with many conflicts. Not only is he going to have to take on The Lizard, going he’ll also have to deal with Captain George Stacy, the police, and perhaps almost everyone in the city. Needless to say, Andrew Garfield-s on-screen persona is going to have his hands full.

5. The fight sequences between Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man and Rhys Ifans’ The Lizard look very intense; especially in the clips of the two in the sewer and fighting on top of a tall building. You can tell a lot of effort was put into these sequences; and I’m sure that the 3-D images will look crisp and exhilarating on the big screen. I just hope that prolonged action sequences don't take much time away from more-important aspects—such as strong character development, good acting, and intelligent screenwriting. I don’t want another “Transformers”-type situation (i.e. Too much time spent on perfecting special effects results leads to the sacrificing of good storytelling and quality acting).

All in all, I’m hoping that “The Amazing Spider-Man” proves to be an entertaining excursion that provides all the necessary ingredients for making a valuable film. With intriguing concepts being brought forward, such as the back-story of Peter-Parker’s parents as well as the impending relationship between Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker and Denis Leary’s Captain George Stacy, this movie has much potential. I'm also very excited to observe Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone act together throughout the film; and it will be great to see their characters' relationship on the big-screen. So here’s hoping “The Amazing Spider-Man” proves to be a fun-filled and noteworthy film. Otherwise, I won't be swinging down to the theater for the inevitable sequel.

E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com