Movie Review: The Amazing Spider-Man

It’s been a little over five years since Spider-Man 3 came out, and around 10 years since the first Spider-Man film kicked off the current superhero film phenomenon. But here we are with this week’s release of The Amazing Spider-Man, a brand new reboot of the Spider-Man franchise with a new director, new cast, and supposedly new, “untold” storyline.

If Sony, the studio behind the Spider-Man films, had its way, the latest in the web-slinger’s franchise would have came out last year and broke all box office records. Instead, the trilogy’s previous director Sam Raimi felt that he needed more time to make a good film, and the original plan was scrapped. Instead, Sony opted to reboot the franchise and start over. So after two years of planning and a year of marketing, The Amazing Spider-Man, starring Member of the Tribe Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, is finally in theatres.

Sure it’s the same story we’ve been told in various incarnations since the 1960s because it’s the story of Spider-Man; but it never gets old. Although this film’s plot points are the same, The Amazing Spider-Man tells that familiar story with more comedy, more style, more charm, and better visuals than any previous version. Sure we all know how Peter Parker turns into Spider-Man, but we’ve never seen it happen like this before.

Director Marc Webb, who’s only other feature film is the fantastic (500) Days of Summer, knows exactly what he’s doing with the Amazing Spider-Man. The changes that he’s made from the original trilogy — including Spider-Man’s self-made web shooters, a more sarcastic, wisecracking Spidey, and the brand new suit — all come off perfectly on screen and lead you to wonder how you could have ever enjoyed the previous three films. With the shooting style and 3D, when Spider-Man is swinging above New York, it feels like you are swinging along with him. Every punch dished out, every emotion expressed, and every witty remark dispensed, all helps to draw you into the film and make you feel what the characters feel and experience the film in a way that inserts you right into the middle. If your own “Spidey Sense” isn’t tingling as you watch the action, there’s something wrong.

The Amazing Spider-Man is better than the first three films. Its perfect cast turns in perfect performances, while its amazing score and soundtrack, incredible visual effects, and great story make it a must-see.

But after the credits roll and the epilogue comes up, setting the film up for the sequel which is set to hit theatres in two years, the one bad part about this new franchise truly starts to sink in. We’re going to have to wait two more years to see another one.