THE AMAZING

Good ol' Spidey action!

Spidey's movements were a lot more gangly and spider-like (as depicted in the most popular artists' renditions of the character i.e. Steve Ditko, Todd McFarlane, and Mark Bagley). The action scenes are worth the 3D ticket. The Lizard was a truly scary looking critter, especially when… oh, nice try.

Casting was Spectacular.

Though Ms. Emma Stone I would picture as more of a Mary Jane, and Ms. Dunst as more of a Gwen Stacy, Ms. Stone makes a much better Gwen or WHAT IF…? MJ. Stone made an amazing Gwen, and I've always been on team Gwen. Tragic.

Ms. Sally Field as Aunt May might seem young, but I like that we get to start with a younger Peter Parker, so it's a great future move. Dr. Curt Conners was truly off-putting and carried a subtle, underlying sinister monster, as portrayed by Mr.Rhys Ifans. Mr. Denis Leary did a surprising job of playing Captain Stacy straight and believable. Stan the Man? Classic!

If only Charlie Sheen had listened to Uncle Ben's advice…

Hmmm… I'm forgetting someone Mr. Andrew Garfield as our friendly neighborhood Spiderman. I thought he did a good job as Spidey. I was worried the quips would seem obnoxious and overly sarcastic. My critique's of his performance as Peter Parker have little to do with his acting, but more with my assessment of the characterization of Peter Parker in this film (more later). The scenes where Peter suffers heartbreak caught me off guard, it may have been from the late mid-night showing, but I was sad when Ben died, and at other moments of the film. Garfield was doing something right.

Nicely paced; the film never felt long. Fresh enough for a retelling of a familiar story; I'd say its on par with Batman Begins as being a well done reintroduction. Surprisingly fitting to the character, Spidey just can't catch a break, being sandwiched between Avengers and Dark Knight Rises. It is a good film. I recommend seeing it, and can only expect sequels to get exponentially better. Here's hoping Spidey makes the cut in Avengers 2!

MY SPIDER SENSE!!!

My overwhelming concern with the film was that something felt wrong about Peter Parker. I know its a portrayal of a more modern sensibility of a high schooler struggling. They went more outcast than nerd. I get that. Even to call him emo would seem outdated and not entirely accurate. My concern was that Peter didn't have that upbeat nature he does in the comics, original and Ultimate universes. All renditions of the story are tragic, and if you don't have tragedy, you missed the mark with the concept of Spiderman.

Great responsibility…?

I didn't get the sense of wholesomeness that I need from my Peter Parker. Mr. McGuire portrayed that well. This Peter seemed like he was trying to put the moves on Gwen, and had to be told "No further." That's not Peter. Peter needs to be told, "C'mon dummy! I love you too!" At times at home, he seemed downright pissy to May and Ben. I'm trying to give some lee-way, telling myself, "This is before the big lesson." It just didn't feel like Peter. I'm reserving strictest judgement for after seeing it another time. He also didn't seem to have a good nature. I felt like he needed to smile a little more. Again, maybe I'm out of touch with the modern teen-angst manifestation, but Peter is always portrayed as being special, being deep down, exceptionally, especially good. When Aunt May tells him that in the movie, it seemed out of nowhere and not as convincing as I wanted it to be, and that truly, truly concerns me when it comes to kids-geared, role-model movie characters.

TRUE BELIEVERS!

For those of you looking for comic book accuracy, Obviously, Gwen and Captain Stacy's inclusion was the biggest plus for staying true to the original versions. Aside from original versions, much of the origin seems derived from the Ultimate Comics (as have many of the more recent Avengers connections of recent Marvel movies). I would still call this a valid accuracy to the source material. I love the Ultimates, Ultimate Spiderman, and anything that casts Samuel L. as supporting character. Oh, and lets not forget the web shooters!

In terms of inaccuracy, Dr. Conner's had little redeeming quality. The Mr. Hyde didn't hide much. Captain Stacy's death wasn't by Doc Oc, which I can forgive, but in the comics, Captain Stacy's dying words were the complete opposite of what they were in the movie. Uncle Ben's death, the burglar, the wrestling inspiration, were marginalized or altered slightly, but I don't think in a way that was overly disappointing. Oh, and lets not forget the web shooters! Who made them again?

More than 'nuff said. Thanks for reading!