The Amazing Spider-Man

After reading both positive and negative reviews on this summer’s action block buster, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Nonetheless, I was still excited about watching the film- Andrew Garfield (Yes please).

Plot...

A reboot of the Marvel franchise- a much needed reset due to the ropy Spider-Man 3 in 2007. Not only is the story line fresher compared to previous, but the casting is much more fitting. Andrew Garfield catches the sleek role of Spider-Man and appeals to both a male and female audience, compared to Toby Maguire (who in my opinion made Spider Man one of the wettest and least desirable super hero).Emma Stone plays Gwen Stacey, a strong female character who is both smart and attractive (Queue jealousy).

The Film opens with a young Peter Parker being whisked out of his family home by his mother and father in a mysterious hurry. Peter is left to stay with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, never to see his parents again after they tragically pass in a car accident. Growing up, Peter is somewhat of an outcast at school- smart and nerdy, yet Garfield's character is given a quirky twist, carrying a vintage camera and a battered up old skateboard around, he's less loser and more hipster. Parker longs for answers behind his father mysterious career and visits the lab in which he and his father’s partner, Dr Curtis Connors (Rhys Ifans) worked. This is where the soon to be webbed-crusader is bitten by a somewhat magical spider and gains his super powers.

What's right with it...

The story line is much more believable compared to the previous trilogy- a modernized approach that is surely achieved by the casting. Rhys Ifans does well in being a convincing character, playing a scientist who lost one of his arms, and is successful in reflecting emotion and passion. Some aspects of the old story line are still kept, such as Parker's uncle being shot by a thief, which makes the film familiar to the fans. Garfield perks up the film with his humor, something I feel Maguire lacked to capture, and Stone's Gwen Stacey has much more sass compared to Kirsten Dunst's Bland Mary Jane. 

What's wrong with it... 

The film isn't a completely new reboot compared to other super hero films that have been given a much more sinister, darker tone (e.g. Batman and Superman). However, I think that would be unnecessary considering our hero is a teenager. Although the story line is somewhat predictable, it's just as enjoyable to go through the motions with the web-slinging vigilante. 

Conclusion...

This film is fresher, punchier and slicker than its predecessor. A block buster that can be enjoyed by all, and I look forward to the next installment.