Film Review: "The Amazing Spider-Man"

Warning:  The following critique contains A LOT of spoilers.

Spider-Man is possibly the best superhero to come out of Marvel Comics. This is because he appears to be the most human.  For instance, unlike Wolverine, Spider-Man isn't capable  of healing quickly following an attack. Spider-Man is also not capable of altering his physical structure to further assist him in the battle against evil; unlike The Human Torch, who could instantly take the form of a fiery blaze, or Dr. Bruce Banner; who is capable of turning into the incredible strong Hulk whenever his temper is tested. Furthermore, unlike the amazingly-telepathic Dr. Charles Xavier, Spider-Man is unable to read the minds of others. After all, Spider-Man, in actuality, is a high school student named Peter Parker; who, as a result of a bite from a radioactive arachnid, gained the abilities to shoot webs from his fingers as well as climb walls and jump from one building to another. And every day, Spider-Man remains determined to protect the good people of New York City; even though he faces deadly foes like The Green Goblin, Dr. Octopus, and Venom.  

When hearing that Sony Studios was rebooting the Spider-Man film franchise, I was slightly worried. The film's release would be ten years after the first Spider-Man film; which makes it rather soon for a remake to hit theaters. What if the story would be overly rushed? And what if the actors and actresses cast wouldn't be capable of bestowing truly emotional performances?  Fortunately, however, it was eventually announced that Andrew Garfield, who portrayed Eduardo Saverin in 2010's “The Social Network, would be playing the iconic web-slinger in this newly updated version of the comic-book adaptation. I enjoyed Garfield's emotional performance in “The Social Network;” as it was great to see this young actor play an initially shy college student that eventually found the courage to stand up to his former friend Mark Zuckerberg, portrayed sardonically by Jesse Eisenberg, who squeezed him out of his position as CFO of Facebook. I enjoyed Andrew Garfield's human performance in “The Social Network;” so I was more-than-willing to see how he would fare when portraying the determined superhero known as Spider-Man. My excitement about the movie also grew when it was announced that Emma Stone, who is adept at bestowing emotional performances, was announced as playing Peter Parker's love-interest Gwen Stacy. And when finally viewing “The Amazing Spider-Man” in theaters the day after its official release, I couldn't help being enthralled by the keen acting by the cast, the fine directing by Mark Webb, and the amount of sheer thrills present within the film's 136-minute runtime. So much so, that I enjoyed this movie a lot more than the original that swung into theaters ten years ago. Thus, in all honesty, I can say that:

Andrew Garfield and Company Put a Great Spin of This  'Spider-Man'

In Mark Webb's 2012 summer blockbuster, Peter Parker, played with great determination by Andrew Garfield, is a high school student living with his Uncle Ben, played by Martin Sheen, and his Aunt May; played by Sally Field. Parker is in his senior year of high school and he secretly pines for his classmate Gwen Stacy; played tenderly by Emma Stone. While cleaning out his adoptive parents' basement, Peter finds a suitcase containing a picture of a scientist accompanying the young boy's father; who, along with his mother, left the young man as a child with his uncle and aunt while they would go away for an undisclosed period of time. Andrew Garfield's protagonist confronts Martin Sheen's Ben Parker about the photograph; who reveals that the man in the photograph is a scientist named Dr. Curt Connors and that he used to be a colleague of Peter's father. Peter Parker finds out that Connors works at a company called Oscorp and sets out to ask the scientist about his father. Parker sneaks into Oscorp by acquiring an identification badge at the receptionist's desk. Parker joins a group of applicants on a tour that is being conducted by Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy; who happens to be the head intern. Soon, Dr. Curt Connors, played incisively by Rhys Ifans, arrives and asks the group a scientific question; to which Peter answers flawlessly. After Stone's Gwen Stacy explains who the young man is; Peter backs away shyly; bumping into another scientist named Dr. Rajit Ratha, played by Irrfan Khan, Opeter notices a symbol on one of the papers that was also on a file that was in his father's suitcase. He eventually sees a door to a laboratory with the same symbol on it; and goes inside. However, Peter inadvertently causes the machinery to drop many spiders on his head. They all fall off him; except for one-- which ends up biting him on his neck. While on the subway home, Peter awakes with a jump and shockingly attaches himself to the ceiling of the car. The young man was woken up by some thugs; who try to come at him; only to be thrown off by the young man's new-found strength and speed. The next nigh, Peter gets into an argument with Martin Sheen's Ben Parker after the young man did not take his phone call when he was working with Connors on his experiment. Peter walks out in a huff and Ben goes out to search for his nephew. Unfortunately, Martin Sheen's on-screen persona is murdered by a street thug; ultimately leading to Andrew Garfield's on-screen persona to eventually sets out for retribution; eventually donning the costume and becoming Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Rhys Ifans' Curt Connors eventually succumbs to the terrifying effects of his experiment, which he created to restore his missing arm, soon becomes a menacing, reptilian foe for our hero.  And throughout the movie, Andrew Garfield provides  a feiry performance that completely wins the audience's attention and approval.

Throughout “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Screenwriters James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves paint a detailed portrait of Peter Parker's emotional growth; from being someone who acts out of his own interests and doesn't take in the consequences of his actions, to becoming a responsible protector of the good people of New York City. And thanks to Andrew Garfield's top-notch performance, we are able to wholeheartedly believe every minute. After being bit by the radioactive spider at Oscorp, Andrew Garfield's protagonist spends much time experimenting with his newly-acquired abilities as well as employing them for his own interests; such as embarrassing his classmate Flash Thompson, played by Chris Zylka, during an impromptu basketball challenge that results in the destruction of school property. The consequence for Peter's action is that Martin Sheen's Ben Parker telling him that he has to work that evening; since he had to meet with the principal. Because of this, Peter has to pick up Sally field's May Parker that evening. Later that afternoon, Andrew Garfield's Peter gets so caught up with helping Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors with his cross-breeding experiment that the young man chooses to ignore a phone call from his uncle. In other words, Peter was only looking out for himself and not caring how his actions would complicate his adoptive parents' lives. And after Andrew Garfield's protagonist leaves his home in a huff after getting into a fight with his uncle, Martin Sheen's Ben leaves as well in hopes of finding his nephew. Unfortunately, Martin Sheen's on-screen persona falls victim to a street thug; one who actually was robbing a store that Peter recently purchased items from. Feeling responsible, Andrew Garfield's protagonist decides to take action.

Sometime after the Martin Sheen's Ben Parker dies, our protagonist starts going after every hoodlum under the cover of night in an attempt to track down his uncle's killer; all the while wearing his costume to protect his identity. While it seems his intentions are noble, Andrew Garfield's protagonist is only taking down criminals undee. Meanwhile, however, the young man's actions are being heavily criticized by Police Captain George Stacy, played firmly by Denis Leary, who feels that Garfield's protagonist to be nothing more than a disruption to the city. And when dining with Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy and her family, Andrew Garfield's protagonist learns that Captain Stacy is her father; making the night slightly awkward. However. When hearing the police captain explain the responsibilities police officers have, it appears that our hero starts to realize that he should be more focused on keeping good people safe and not just foiling foes as way to deal with his personal feelings. This idea is further highlighted when Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker, in his Spider-Man costume, rescues a child that is trapped in a car that is about to fall off the Washington Bridge following an incident caused by Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors; who had been transformed into his reptilian form. And when gazing at the child reuniting with his father, played by C. Thomas Howell, Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker, while wearing his costume, realizes that he must use his abilities for the better of others.



Image of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker in his Spider-Man costume taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&biw=1607&bih=750&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnsuo&tbnid=_aA3b62h-U2fIM:&imgrefurl=http://www.celebuzz.com/2012-06-28/the-amazing-spider-man-superfan-creates-25-minute-movie-trailer-video/&docid=Q1gLhDFyF0Rv6M&imgurl=http://cdn02.cdnwp.celebuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/28/28/andrew-garfield-spider-man-movie-superclip.jpg&w=600&h=450&ei=cwsEUJ_KJ-e06wGDpLTmBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=967&vpy=143&dur=2031&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=99&ty=70&sig=101901119017197694265&page=2&tbnh=125&tbnw=161&start=23&ndsp=50&ved=1t:429,r:25,s:23,i:229

This idea is only strengthened when considering Andrew Garfield's burning portrayal as Peter Parker. When Peter learns about his father's work with Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors, we can see the determination in Garfield's eyes as he does whatever he could to track down the scientist that could be the key to understanding his past. And as our hero excitedly works with Connors on his experiment to help improve mankind, we are able to understand the zestfulness that Andrew Garfield is providing to his role; seeing as the character is working with the same man that his father did years ago. And whenever he's seen confronting Martin Sheen's portrayal of Ben Parker, we can easily note the fire in Andrew Garfield's eyes; as he enables his protagonist to stand his ground in his quest for self-discovery.

And when Peter Parker is experimenting with his new-found powers, we are able to fully believe the immense excitement that Andrew Garfield is supplying to his character. We see Garfield shout joyously as he runs and jumps from one building to another with zest. We gasp in amazement as our hero lifts objects he never thought he would be capable of. And we gaze in wonder whenever Andrew Garfield's protagonist spray silky substances from his fingers with ease. In other words, we share in the same amount of joy that our protagonist is experiencing; as he's performing acts he never dreamed of. But, after his portrayal of Peter Parker learns of the death of his uncle, we see the fire in Garfield's eyes once again. We understand that Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker demands rectification; and the actor proceeds to have his on-screen persona do whatever it takes to do so. And as his portrayal of Peter Parker goes after one thug after another in the search for his uncle's killer, the audience is able to completely enjoy the actor's high energy and one-liners in the sequences that unfold. And as the movie proceeds, Garfield enables his character to fully understand what it means to be fully responsible; particularly when rescuing the son of C. Thomas Howell's character and gazing at their happy reunion. And from that point on, Andrew Garfield enables his portrayal of Peter Parker to remain determined in his efforts to keep people safe and put and stop Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors from unleashing more havoc onto the city. In other words, Andrew Garfield's performance is so believable, that we are able to root for his portrayal of Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) as he overcomes one battle after another as well as becoming a true hero and an accountable young man.

While Andrew Garfield's performance is indeed great, it is very important to mention Emma Stone's keen and down-to-earth portrayal of Gwen Stacy. In “The Amazing Spider-Man,” Stone enables her character to be supportive of Garfield's protagonist; which, in turn, allows her character to emerge as a likable love interest. For instance, after hearing Peter Parker's answer to Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors scientific question when our hero joins her tour when attempting to sneak into Oscorp, Stone's Gwen Stacy, instead of brushing him off, says that he's second in their class. Also, it is great seeing Stone's Gwen Stacy be someone that Garfield's Peter Parker could confide in; as she listens to him wholeheartedly and doesn't show any signs of being uncomfortable around him. This is particularly great; seeing as after he reveals to her that he is actually Spider-Man, Stone's Gwen Stacy proves to be supportive and aids him in trying to control Rhys Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors when he is in his reptilian form. And thanks to the film's screenwriters and Emma Stone's endearing acting, we are able to very much like Gwen Stacy; so much so, that we truly hope that nothing will interfere with the character's caring relationship with Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker.



Picture of Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&biw=1607&bih=750&tbm=isch&tbnid=1tTvLkI0ZlkclM:&imgrefurl=http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/wallpaper/Emma_Stone_in_The_Amazing_Spider-Man_Wallpaper_9_1024.html&docid=42N1mSSyKGebLM&imgurl=http://celebritywonder.ugo.com/wp/Emma_Stone_in_The_Amazing_Spider-Man_Wallpaper_9_1024.jpg&w=1680&h=1050&ei=jAwEUNCwKojG6wGEx6X3Bg&zoom=1

And this brings me to one of the greatest aspects of “The Amazing Spider-Man:” the great chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Throughout the movie, both performers' acting matches up perfectly; enabling the audience to believe their their characters relationship is genuine. Whenever they are on screen together, you believe that you are watching two high school students confide in each other; thus experiencing a true relationship. And thanks to Mark Webb's acute directing and the acting of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, every minute of heir interplay is exciting; as moviegoers never once lose interest during the performers' scenes. What's more, Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone guarantee their characters to be very appealing; so much so that you hope they remain together up to the end. This is quite significant; seeing as the ending hints that there is a lot in store for the two characters. In short terms, their performances are wonderful!

It needs to also be mentioned that Rhys Ifans portrays Dr. Curt Connors quite well. The actor enables his respective character to remain ever-determined to successfully conduct his experiment that would hopefully make humanity much staronger;.  And wants to try it out by restoring his missing arm. And when Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker presents him with the formulas that his father had come up with, the eyes of Ifans' Connors light up; seeing as there is new hope to achieve his goal. Unfortunately, the experiment eventually causes Ifans' character to morph into a reptilian menace that is able to exhibit feats of strength and power that disrupts the city. Watching Ifans in his character's monstrous form is enthralling; as the actor is able to capture a man that is plagued by his experiment's negative effects. And Ifans' character cannot control himself when under his experimentation's spell. The actor enables his character to yield to his split personality; despite his struggling to do so. And as the movie progresses, the effects of the project continue to overtake Ifans' Dr. Curt Connors; eventually leading to the film's ultimate climax.



Image of Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors taken from http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&biw=1607&bih=750&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnso&tbnid=YczF9bJ-Pqgp7M:&imgrefurl=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2012/06/28/spider-man-co-star-like-hamlet-hero-begs-us-to-revisit/rhys-ifans-spider-man-amazing/&docid=bPiwxlsMfmb4VM&imgurl=http://latimesherocomplex.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/rhys-ifans-spider-man-amazing.jpg&w=1388&h=770&ei=VA0EUMTnLubo6wHauJDNBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=155&vpy=101&dur=3296&hovh=167&hovw=302&tx=141&ty=84&sig=101901119017197694265&page=1&tbnh=129&tbnw=175&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:0,i:122

While Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and Rhys Ifans are terrific as the film's core performers, the supporting castmembers of “The Amazing Spider-Man” also are worth mentioning. First of all, Denis Leary gives an unfaltering performance as George Stacy; the Chief of New York City police that also happens to be the father of Emma stone's Gwen Stacy. Throughout his tenure in the film, Leary portrays his character as someone who is aware of the serious responsibility of keeping the city safe from criminals. And because of this, George Stacy is truly uncertain of the overall intentions of Spider-Man. It is clear that Leary's on-screen persona feels the crime-fighter, is subduing criminals over a personal grudge rather than their actual misdeeds. And when hearing the the police chief explain the serious responsility he has in protecting the city,  Garfield's protagonist starts to realize that he needs to take his crime-fighting more serious;y. In other words, Denis Leary's George Stacy actually helps our hero become more responsible in his fight against wrong-doers.

In addition, it needs to be mentioned that Martin Sheen does a fine job portraying Ben Parker; the uncle of Andrew Garfield's Peter. While Sheen's on-screen persona knows that our protagonist is fixated on learning about his father, Ben Parker still wants his nephew to pay attention to his responsibilities; such as taking care of his aunt at night while he's at work. We see Sheen's portrayal of Ben Parker try to mold Andrew Garfield's protagonist into being an accountable young man; and we see the frustration in his eyes when the young man doesn't listen. We know Ben Parker cares about Peter; and it's understandable that he's trying to help him get his act together. In addition, Martin Sheen allows his character to go from being in state of frustration when Garfield's on-screen persona doesn't do what he's asked to, to quickly calming down in an attempt to ease his nephew's stress. And it's more-than-clear that he wants to maintain his relationship with Garfield's Peter Parker; as Sheen's Ben Parker goes out late at night in his attempt to reconcile with our protagonist following their clash over the young man's coming home late after failing to pick up Sally Field's Aunt May. Unfortunately, Sheen's character never gets to conciliate with his nephew; as he is killed by his assailant. Nevertheless, Peter Parker feels responsible for his uncle's death; eventually leading to him becoming Spider-Man. Thus, though he is in the film for a brief time, Martin Sheen's Ben Parker provides a significant impact to the story.

While Martin Sheen's tenure in “The Amazing Spider-Man” is quite memorable, I was a little disappointment with the usage of Sally Field's May Parker. While the actress does well portraying the aunt of Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker, I feel that the film's screenwriters could have given more to do. The audience is treated to at least three scenes that allow Sally Field to provide a sentimental performance; and all of them are executed very well. And when the actress did get to play an important part in a scene, her acting is incisive; particularly during a scene towards the film's conclusion-- in which Field's May Parker gives Garfield's protagonist some very reassuring advice that restores his confidence. Henceforth, despite her limited involvement in “Tha Amazing Spider-Man” is limited, Sally Field gives a very good performance.

I will say, however, that while the acting in “The Amazing Spider-Man” is great, there are some quibbles that need to address. While Screenwriters James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, and Steve Kloves have scribed an exciting story, I was saddened to see Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker's search for the truth about his parents mostly dropped before the death of Martin Sheen's Ben Parker. The story of Peter Parker's parents was so heavily-hyped before the film's release; and the fact that it becomes practically ignored for the rest of the film is disheartening. In addition, certain aspects of the film appear rushed; particularly the scene in which Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker is bit by the radioactive spider. Nevertheless, “The Amazing Spider-Man” ultimately proves to be a very exciting and emotional film.

All in all, “The Amazing Spider-Man” proves to be a more-than-worthwhile film to see this summer. I am very happy with Andrew Garfield's performance; as you can tell that he put is heart and soul in portraying the iconic comic book hero. And thanks to the great casting of Emma Stone. the audience was treated to one of the year's best on-screen couples. With keen acting from Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field, I am very happy with all the portrayals of the characters. Yes, “The Amazing Spider-Man” has it all. I just hope that Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man is prepared to face off against Christian Bale's Batman this upcoming Friday when “The Dark Knight Rises” opens in theaters across the country. To use a line from the trailer for the upcoming blockbuster:  "A Storm is Coming."

E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com