The Amazing Spider-Man; A New Story?
Two, three, four times a charm? Let’s hope so as director Marc Webb’s recent installment to the Spider-Man series came out July 3rd almost exactly ten years from Sam Raimi’s well-known version titled Spider-man. With an all new cast and an all new storyline The Amazing Spider-Man delivers where past movies haven’t and offers fans a new perspective to the affable Peter Parker. With no shortage of action-filled scenes, buildup and romance The Amazing Spider-Man gives other superhero films this summer a run for their money.
While Raimi’s trilogy more closely followed the comic book series Ultimate Spider-Man, die-hard fans may have been expecting a story more true to the original Spider-man from the 60’s. Although there were some similarities like the insertion of Parker’s love story with Gwen Stacy (played by Emma Stone), Webb’s version was not verbatim to Spidey’s first appearance. This in no way though took away from a different and refreshing story. Andrew Garfield at first glance may cause doubt in the minds of those who only know Raimi’s version of being able to pull off what Tobey Maguire has already done. Yet in the end I found myself looking forward with anticipation to the inevitable second film.
Stone also does a great job portraying Parker’s first and true love by letting the relationship develop slowly. She also maintains likability by doing things like making references to cramps when giving her dad an explanation as to why she doesn’t want hot cocoa. Even though Garfield and Stone bring a younger take on the story, their chemistry still captivates the attention of an older audience and compliments Stan Lee’s creation quite nicely.
With so many other remakes and sequels premiering during what’s left of this year’s summer, it may be hard to decide which ones to spend your money on and which can wait for Redbox. I honestly thought in the beginning this was one that could wait. I’m pleased to say Webb has not wasted a morsel of time to recreate what we’ve already known while providing something for the old fans, the new fans and the fans of the future. It seems for the time being while Batman is on its way out; Spider-Man is once again on its way in.
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