The Amazing Spider-Man
Directed by Marc Webb
Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone
Reboots are a tricky thing and when it comes to the latest Spider-Man installment, familiarity trumps freshness.
Director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) attempts to breathe new life into a successful franchise by employing the talents of Andrew Garfield in the title role, Emma Stone as the love interest and Rhys Ifans portraying the villainous character of Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard. Unfortunately, it all amounts to a tedious affair; with a runtime well over two hours, things really start to drag.
The main issue with Spideys origin story being told again is weve all been down the same road before. The whole set-up of Parker being a loner, receiving the inevitable spider bite and discovering his newly acquired abilities feels like killing time to get to the web-slinging and swinging.
The 3D is utterly useless and, although most of the action is well staged throughout, the special effects looks a tad dated.
One of the most disappointing aspects of the film is the wasted potential of the gifted Ifans, who is intriguing as Dr. Connors but forgettable once he becomes the raging, computer-generated monster.The cast does a decent job with the material, including some endearing work from veterans Martin Sheen (Uncle Ben) and Sally Field (Aunt May), but the complete package just isnt compelling enough to warrant taking this journey again.
The Amazing Spider-Man was crafted with good intentions and lacks the silliness of the forgettable third movie, but its not unique enough to justify the retread.
