Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically modified spider and must use his newfound powers to stop a scientist who's mutated into a giant lizard.

ACTION/SCI-FI

The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Directed by Marc Webb

Written by James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, Steve Kloves

Starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Sally Field, Martin Sheen, Denis Leary, Chris Zylka, Irrfan Khan

Reboot of 2002's Spider-Man

Based on characters from Marvel Comics

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Connor Eyzaguirre

December 5, 2021

8/10

Back in 2012, I considered myself a Raimi purist. I refused to accept a straight reboot of Spider-Man and pretty much wrote this film off as a shitty, unnecessary remake nobody wanted. But with the mother of all Spider-Man movies less than two weeks away, it felt time to finally give the Marc Webb double feature a proper and fair shake. And I'm glad I did. While The Amazing Spider-Man isn't as good or memorable as Raimi's first two or Jon Watts's two MCU ones, it's still a decent, exciting Spider-Man movie with a lot of heart and a great lead performance from Andrew Garfield.

The story begins and unfolds pretty much like it always does. Peter Parker (Garfield) is an awkward, brilliant teenager who gets bit by a radioactive spider and gets superpowers. I could've gone without the weird mystery surrounding Peter's parents, especially considering we will never get closure about it. Peter starts dating the equally brilliant Gwen Stacy (Stone), and does battle against his father's partner Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), who has accidentally transformed himself into the monstrous Lizard. It was cool to finally see the Lizard on the big screen, even though the design is horrendous and while Ifans does a decent job, I really wish we'd gotten to see Dylan Baker get his time to shine.

One thing The Amazing Spider-Man does really well is highlight the quippy, sarcastic side of Spider-Man. Neither Maguire or Holland really do that as well as Garfield does. I think each Spider-Man brings something different to the table and shines in their own way. It's time to give this film another chance.