I will admit – I have not seen any of the original Spider-Man films. It was a while ago that the last film was made – 2007 to be precise. I was eight years old at the time, and that really wasn’t the time to get into a franchise.
To be completely honest, I never really got into the whole superhero genre until I saw the recent and acclaimed The Avengers. So, with a reboot of the Spider-Man series on the verge of release, I figured: “Why not?”
The Amazing Spider-Man opens in the USA on July 3rd. I was lucky enough to see an advance press screening, and it is safe to say, that I do not regret this spontaneity.
Being a Spider-Man virgin I didn’t dwell on story comparison while seeing this film and I will not in this review.
The Amazing Spider-Man follows Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), abandoned by his parents and sent to live with his aunt and uncle. He finds a clue to his father’s work that will take him on the adventure of his lifetime, becoming the elusive vigilante known as Spider-Man. Along the way, he has many encounters, including an electric sexual chemistry with teenage classmate Gwen (Emma Stone), who just happens to be the daughter of chief of police Captain Stacy (Dennis Leary).
Now the big question on everybody’s mind is, “Why do a reboot of a film that came out so recently? Was it worth it?” Well, believe me, it was, and let me tell you why.
Peter Parker is the tech-savvy, nerdy type. The main appeal of the films lay in the idea that that even if you are a social outcast, you can still succeed by using your intellect. But this is a new age for computer geeks. They are being included more and have actually risen to a pretty high status. As Sherlock put it, “Smart is the new sexy.” So Marvel adapted, and now Spider-Man is more relatable than ever.
Looking at the few superhero films I’ve seen thus far, this one is… different. It does things in an alternative way. Firstly, it’s a lot darker, and yet doesn’t verge into the blackness of the latest Batman films. Secondly, there’s less action, which actually lets the story flow more smoothly and vastly improves the film. Unlike The Avengers, this movie has a bit more depth to it.
Speaking of depth, I was lucky enough to see the movie presented in IMAX 3D, and let me tell you, the 3D work on that film was rather impressive, especially on the gargantuan IMAX screen.
Although this is a PG-13 film which contains blood and violence, the lighter parts of the film have certainly received a Disney-style treatment, as there is a certain atmosphere that can be felt in various live action Disney hits, especially those with kids going through the high school system. Yes, I just compared The Amazing Spider-Man to High School Musical. Please don’t send too much hate mail.
Age Recommendation: The Amazing Spider-Man is a serious film, with some dramatic moments. All in all, I would take an 11 year-old to this, maybe even a 10 year-old.
Final Verdict: A fine example of threading story and action together. As an unbiased viewer, I’ll give it 9/10.
Check out the pictures from the red carpet at the world premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man.
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