After a less than amazing third outing, the Spider-man franchise needed refreshing. Thankfully director Marc Webb provides this rejuvenation with a more captivating adventure. Although not adding anything in terms of special effects, the new performers and writers successfully re-boot a stagnant series. Less cluttered and unburdened by multiple villains, this new take weaves a web most would be happy to be caught in.
School student Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is in constant emotional turmoil. With attempting to unravel his parent’s mysterious disappearance and having a major crush on fellow student Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), he has a lot on his mind. When he gains spider-like powers from an experiment gone wrong, his world quickly unravels. Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) adds to Peter’s dramas when he turns into The Lizard – a creature of unbridled hatred shattering Peter’s world to the core.
Despite re-telling Spider-man’s origins a decade after the initial film, Marvel’s re-boot works. With a small but talented cast and well-paced script it would have been difficult for it to fail. Each scene blends into the next with ease with Garfield, Ifans, Stone effectively conveying authentic qualities. This makes for some believable moments despite the fantastical premise. Whilst it misses the ‘bubble-gum fun’ of the original trilogy, the film’s mood reflects more of the gritty feel of the earlier comics.
Although entertaining overall ‘Amazing Spider-man suffers somewhat from being a little too low-key. The action sequences and drama are fine but only occasionally do they pack any real punch. It’s as if the film-makers were scared in really letting loose although what’s on offer is suitably dazzling. Garfield especially hits the ground running with his veneer of youthful arrogance working in this different interpretation. He places his own stamp amongst the CGI which thankfully never overwhelms the narrative.
‘The Amazing Spider-man’ is certainly distinctive from previous entries although it gradually becomes its own entity. It will be interesting where the franchise goes next with revived prospect of new web-swinging adventures welcome.
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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