Marc Webb (conveniently named for such a film) brings yet another film-spectacular in the form of a widely known and well-loved superhero... Yes, I am talking about The Amazing Spider-Man.
Only ten years ago did Sam Raimi's take on the half boy, half arachnid hit the big screen but it all seems so long ago now due to this fresh reboot. Its gripping action pushes CGI effects to the maximum and introduces new characters from the original comic book.
After a break-in Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield, The Social Network) is taken to his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field)'s house by his parents who then leave and are never seen again.
We are then taken forward in time to what appears to be the present time to meet a geeky teenage Peter at High School. An outcast, obsessed with the beautiful, Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone, Zombieland) but bullied by the school 'Jock', Flash Thompson.
During a clean-out, Peter finds a briefcase that belonged to his father containing strange algorithms and a picture of his father and a later discovered Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans, Notting Hill), his father's former partner. Though providing some clues to his parents' death, this only poses more questions so Peter decides to investigate. And here begins the great superhero that is Spider-Man.
The picture leads him to Oscorp and Dr Connors' lab. Here Connors is trying to create a genetic mutation making a 'perfect world'. He especially wishes to develop limb regrowth, since half his right arm is missing. Trying to get more information, Peter sneaks in to an experiment room where he is bitten a strange lab-spider.
Discovering his superhuman strength, sixth sense of danger("Spider-Sense), speed and agility, Peter decides to get his own back on Flash by humiliating him at school. Here we are treated to a young Peter beating the bully by smashing a basketball in to a hoop, bringing the whole thing down with him. Glass and all. Unfortunately our metaphorical cheering is silenced by the voice of reason and morals: Uncle Ben.
Peter soon becomes drunk with power and lacks care and respect for his Aunt and Uncle. One night, after a row, Peter walks off in to the night. Uncle Ben goes looking for him but is shot by a thief. Garfield plays this grief-stricken, young boy extremely well and, for a moment, you believe Sheen really is his Uncle. He deserves real credit for that.
The plot then focuses on Peter's revenge and how he makes it his job to find this man.
He plays around with criminals and cops alike showing his obvious youth. Until one day, Dr Connors has developed an experimental serum from reptilian DNA which, though it does regrow his missing limb, has a seriously side effect causing him to transfer in to a reptilian humanoid monster.
Becoming an unstoppable force wishing to make all human like this, Peter must fight against the 'Lizard' before it's too late.
Spider-Man will have to convince Gwen Stacey's father, a Police Captain, that he is on their side. If he succeeds, he will have the Force behind him. If he fails, he will have to fight both Lizard and the Police. Does good always win or will this time be different?
Leaving itself open to a sequel, we see Connors later talking to a man hiding in the shadows. The man mentions Peter's father's death saying 'does he know what really happened to his father?' with a reply of 'no'. Of course, we now want to know the true story, so we will just have to wait and see...
The film certainly does not lack in big names. Such as James Horner. Composing the whole soundtrack, who better to do so than a man that has composed music for almost 150 films. Its simplicity is breath-taking and certainly make those gripping moments much more intense. You almost forget you're in a film because you are not bogged-down with lyrical, pop songs at those 'movie moments'. The orchestra could not have done a better job.
James Vanderbilt clearly took on old and new ideas about Spider-Man and created a new story that captures the vulnerability you'd imagine a young boy in his situation would feel. Showing the dark side of humans, yet a great deal more of good (which also coincides with the 'good defeats evil' theme almost always featured is superhero stories).
I am very passionate about Cinematography myself and must say I was very impressed with its use in the film. Though not familiar with much of his style, Director of Photography, John Schwartzman caught my attention rather quickly. Moving from 'looking down' on the nerdy Peter, to 'looking up' at Spider-Man. Something so simple yet so effective.
And now on to Alan Bell... Editing is another aspect I pay close attention to and found myself in safe hands when I knew it was Bell. Already extremely impressed with his work on (500) Days Of Summer, I believed this to be just as good. I was not wrong. The fight scenes and chase scenes certainly lent themselves to be useful in having freedom to almost over do it. Luckily it was kept within reason and you do not feel sick or very confused watching it which so many action films to.
The Casting Director, Francine Maisler made the best decision of her career choosing Garfield to play the new Spider-Man (having previously cast Tobey Maguire in the first Spider-Man). All other cast members are so well chosen it was as if they were made for the roles.
Having worked on over 100 films, including all three previous Spider-Man films, John Frazier's attention to detail with the Special Effects is astounding. This department is one that is constantly having to change and adapt. Clearly John has made use of the recent developments and made action scenes become far more realistic (that is if Spider-Man could physically exist) when many film, even in recent years, have not seemed to grasp.
I must lastly mention Kym Barrett, the Costume Designer. A reboot of a story needs a fresh new look. And boy what a look it is. Spider-Man looks sharper and far more sinister (to his enemies). The darker shade of red connotates his revengeful/darker side. Looking at the use of webs - now coming out of a 'shooter' instead of his wrists - has been taken from an idea later created for the comic stories.
Webb has clearly focused on Peter's young and revengeful self, especially Peter's anger and frustation towards being an orphan then losing the only father-like figure he had. It's a refreshing take and certainly pays off.
An idea that was destined for greater things has finally been given justice. Whether you like comics or not, Marvel or DC (though some may disagree), action or drama, you will enjoy this film. A great story, character and actors can never go a miss nowadays.
My rating: 8.5 out of 10.
You can still see The Amazing Spider-Man in most cinemas in 2D, 3D or IMAX. Catch it on the big screen while you still can!
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