"The Amazing Spider-Man" Movie Review

The Amazing Spider-Man lived up to its title. It was amazing in several different ways and was a huge improvement on the groundbreaking Tobey Maguire Spidey trilogy. First, let's look at the acting. Andrew Garfield brought wit, humor, and intensity to the character. Peter was well-known at school and people often used him for his photographic abilities. He was more or less a floater, someone who has their uses but is not wanted around constantly. That was the case for everyone at his school, except for the lovely Gwen Stacy. Gwen and Peter weren't exactly close, but they grew close by getting to know each other.

Rhys Ifans was a perfect villain, and perfect as The Lizard. He had that sense of "misunderstood mad scientist". Rhys' Dr. Connors had heart but let personal desire cloud his judgment and that was his downfall ultimately. I remember reading where The Lizard would have been the villain if Raimi had of been able to make Spider-Man 4. Honestly, I can't see Dylan Baker pulling off the performance that Rhys Ifans did, but I have been surprised by actors before. That's one mystery we'll never be able to find out.

Secondly, the directing and writing was well-done. The first-person sequences were state of the art and a fun twist. I'm also glad that the decision was made to have Peter use web shooters like in the comics rather than webbing actually coming out of his body like in Sam Raimi's trilogy. (Side note: I find it hilarious that Marc Webb directed the two Amazing Spider-Man films. Get it? Webb, like a spider web?)

Thirdly, the effects were astounding. I liked the way the Spidey suit complimented Andrew's figure and actually flowed with his movements rather than making him look chunky and awkward. The CGI used for The Lizard made him look as realistic as he could be.

Lastly, and most importantly, the movie was much more emotional and gripping. Instead of Peter finding his Uncle Ben lying on the street surrounded by a crowd as in Raimi's Spider-Man, Peter actually witnessed Ben's death, which made it all the more horrifying and saddening. Aunt May's reaction to Ben's death was heartbreaking. There's another heartbreaking moment at the end, but I won't spoil just in case someone out there hasn't seen it yet.

In conclusion, I think all the versions of Spider-Man are good in their own way. Sometimes it's unfair to compare different directing styles and different acting styles then say one was better than the other. It's all about personal preference, and I prefer Andrew Garfield.