The characters in this movie actually display real depth, from the ingenious Dr. Connors and Lizard to the oft-bullied geek-turned-spider superhero, with his heavy conscience that is tested in myriad ways.
And remember when Batman had nipples on his batsuit and a giant felt Muppet plant surrounded Poison Ivy?
It took a masterpiece of backstory, thrilling scenes, visual fireworks, and acting to bring back Batman in director Nolan’s Batman Begins, which consequently has not been called a reboot of the film franchise in some time, because it is the franchise and everything that came before it is less than nothing (though personally I love Burton’s first Batman movie and always will).
Fast forward to 2012 where Director Marc Webb does such an excellent job of translating the early storylines of The Amazing Spiderman comic book series to the big screen that the reboot similarly undoes the damage of the monstrosity that the previous Spiderman movies became; anyone remember that Peter Parker whining and dancing?
This movie has an edge-of-your-seat feel, a story that keeps you guessing, informed, and intrigued, and serious acting making for a much more realistic depiction of the web slinger.
Andrew Garfield is the tall, tough, awkward, and skinny beanpole of a Spiderman that reflects the comics perfectly, and the quips, bad puns, and smartass attitude also fit the bill perfectly. And this Peter Parker can even act too.
The entire cast of The Amazing Spider-man is simply . . . well . . . amazing. Martin Sheen is heart-wrenching as Uncle Ben, and Emma Stone brings such enormous talent to the female love interest that she nearly steals the show.
I foresee this as the beginning to a new, wonderful, hero franchise, and with The Dark Knight Rises ending Nolan’s trilogy, it could not have come at a better time.
By R.J. Huneke
