THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
DIRECTOR: Marc Webb
CAST: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Sally Field and Martin Sheen
RUNNING TIME: 135 minutes
CLASSIFICATION: PG 13
RATING: *****
Someone from the Oxford Dictionary should lobby that the word “amazing” be illustrated with a picture of director Marc Webb’s portrayal of Spider-Man.
In fact, “amazing” does not even begin to explain how fantastic this movie is. It is just a classic you need to see, whether you are a Spidey fan or not.
Given that we all know the basic story about a nerd who gets bitten by a spider and then somehow attains super powers, it is inter-esting to see a director or script-writer tell the same story in a unique way. The Spider-Man class of 2012 did it and they did it with finesse, so much so even they would not be able to top this production. So, no sequel please.
Unlike as seen in the previous Tobey Maguire (whatever happen-ed to him?) Spidey films, this time the story starts when Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man, if you didn’t know) is still in high school.
Like any teenager, Parker is struggling with a lot of problems which include bullies, girls (the lack of any in his life) and unpopularity. The spider bite incident happens in almost the same way as seen in the previous Spider-Man movie, but it is more dramatic this time around.
And with that comes Parker’s jubilation that he has special powers. The incident and trans-formation come with a price as he creates enemies by placing those close to him in danger.
This article will not spoil the plot for you as you have to see the film yourself as soon as possible.
Since there is almost nothing wrong with this production, we will talk about what is right. First, Garfield is the perfect Spider-Man.
He has the looks and the charm, but above all, he is funny. Not Will Ferrell funny, but that dry humour that comes with no effort at all. The writers spent a lot of time on his punchlines and slick comebacks in the various conversations he has.
His love interest, Gwen Stacy (Stone), is equally funny yet also sweet. They make such a perfect couple you do not even miss MJ (Mary Jane Watson) from the previous films (no offence to Kirsten Dunst fans).
In these times when film-makers can use CGI to get otherwise impossible shots, it is interesting that this film cut down on animated scenes. We get to fall in love with the characters and the storylines. Of course, where it is necessary there are cool graphics to help tell the story.
The one thing most people will like is that the young Spider-Man is a typical kid living in today’s world. He has a cellphone he uses to both answer calls and to listen in on the police’s missions.
You get the feeling he is on Twitter and has a Facebook account. So despite the monsters blowing things all over, a lot of effort was put in to make you believe the story is happening out there somewhere close to you.
For Stan Lee fans, as usual the “god” of Marvel has probably his funniest role yet. He always has cameos, so concentrate, or you will miss him.
All in all, this is the best Spider-Man to come out of Marvel yet. Go in looking, not for what is wrong with it, but what is right.
If you liked… Spider-Man 1 and 2, Edward Norton’s The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight… then you will love this movie.