A reboot of the original Spiderman films, The Amazing Spider-Man revisits and updates old plot points, namely the creation of the titular superhero and the death of his uncle. A new cast reinvigorates the series as Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) uncovers the mysteries of his father’s past whilst dealing with bullies, overprotective guardians and giant mutant lizards.
The film’s strongest point is its multi-dimensional characterisation – no character is completely good or completely evil. Peter is flawed in his carelessness and his treatment of his aunt and uncle, Gwen’s father is at first cold and intimidating but later redeems himself and even the protagonist’s ultimate nemesis, the tattooed thief, helps Peter. The Lizard, while terrifying thanks to David Klassen’s art direction, is not just a mindless, sadistic criminal like so many comic book villains. Curt Connors’s motives are not difficult to understand, and, even when he is transformed into a mutant, power-hungry lizard reminiscent of Jeff Goldblum in David Cronenberg’s The Fly, compassion is never entirely eroded for the once trustworthy scientist. Curt shares parallels with Peter in his lack of control over his mutation as well as his belief that he is helping people despite the persecution he faces, making him a relatable villain- a rare breed.
Emma Stone proves that her talents do not just lie in comedy in her brilliant portrayal of the intelligent and assertive Gwen Stacy. A far more likeable heroine than Kirsten Dunst’s pathetic Mary Jane, Gwen is never a passive damsel in distress. Her direct involvement in the defeat of the Lizard and her quick wit more than compensate for the often frustrating submissiveness of the only other major female character, Mary Parker. Stone’s portrayal is flawless as her capability to be both sparky and solemn in a single scene make Gwen complicated and multifaceted. Gwen’s vulnerability towards the end of the film is acted perfectly by Stone and her grief is extremely moving.
The film’s plot is in danger of being formulaic but the transformation of Curt from an ally to an enemy, the deaths of important characters and the lack of a resolution of the relationship between Peter and Gwen saves The Amazing Spider-Man from falling into the trap of predictability, the downfall of so many comic book adaptations. The early disposal of Peter’s uncle warns the audience that anything could happen and tension is built as a result, making last-minute miracles unexpected and worthy of sighs of relief when they do occur.
The Amazing Spider-Man is more than just an action film, it is a coming of age story in which the exploration of the characters is just as important, if not more so, than the plot. Barbara Eve Harris’s character sums the film up perfectly in the final scene when she states that all stories are about self-discovery, and Peter’s clumsy journey to this self-discovery is central to the film. Garfield’s depiction of Peter is a definite improvement on Toby Maguire’s, proving that the rebooting the franchise rather than continuing the series was definitely the right decision.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XayxMPrUP4