“The Amazing Spider-Man” is a reboot that didn’t need to happen. Let’s get that out of the way right out of the gate. It was only made so that Sony didn’t lose the right to the franchise to another company (Disney, Paramount, etc.) For those, that are unaware this is an origin story of the classic Spider-Man comic, this time staring Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker and Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. Meanwhile, there’s the Lizard guy played by Rhys Ifans who is trying to take over New York.

I didn’t want to do this post and mention the Sam Raimi trilogy because I don’t think it’s fair to compare the two, these need to be viewed as two separated entities. However, the fact remains, as humans it was natural when Uncle Ben gets killed you automatically think back to the 2002 “Spider-Man” movie and think “Oh yeah I remember than scene from the other movie.”

The movie is darker in look and tone, there’s no real “Whoo I’ve got super-powers!” moment, but also being directed by Marc Webb who directed “500 Days of Summer” it is balanced nicely by sweet moments between Peter and Gwen. I looked forward to every moment Emma Stone came on screen, however I’m sorry I don’t think a lab technician would be allowed to wear a short skirt and high socks to work.

Denis Leary is also worth noting as someone who brings some drama and intensity to the screen as a cop looking for Spider-Man. I found myself and a few others around me literally leaning forward in my seat in a few moments really engaged in the film.

Overall, I’d recommend this movie to anyone looking for a good summer blockbuster flick. And don’t bother with the extra $3.00 for 3-D I only noticed it a couple of times and it was the stuff in the trailers.

3.5 / 5 Stars