The Amazing Spider-Man OFFICIAL Rate & Review the Amazing Spider-Man! - Part 1

[TheWallCrawler]

exactly

 

[TheWallCrawler]

My review is almost done! I've been taking my time because I really want to do the most accurate review I can (mainly because I felt some others haven't, comparing the tone to TDK or saying that the romance is like Twilight)

it's also very detailed, almost a study of the movie in a way

 

[AnneFan]

My review is almost done! I've been taking my time because I really want to do the most accurate review I can (mainly because I felt some others haven't, comparing the tone to TDK or saying that the romance is like Twilight)

it's also very detailed, almost a study of the movie in a way

I look forward to reading it, WallCrawler. I like reading reviews and reactions from fans that are passionately into something and put their soul into it. I myself may write a review of sorts for TASM after I see it for a second time. I'll definitely be doing one for TDKR.

 

[TheWallCrawler]

I look forward to reading it, WallCrawler. I like reading reviews and reactions from fans that are passionately into something and put their soul into it. I myself may write a review of sorts for TASM after I see it for a second time. I'll definitely be doing one for TDKR.

Cool to hear! Looking forward to your reviews too if you don't mind, can you PM me the TDKR review when you have written it? I don't usually hang around the bat-threads

 

[AnneFan]

Cool to hear! Looking forward to your reviews too if you don't mind, can you PM me the TDKR review when you have written it? I don't usually hang around the bat-threads

Will do.

 

[Figs]

Will do.

Wait...you already saw TDKR??

 

[AnneFan]

Wait...you already saw TDKR??

Hehe no. When I do I'll write a review.

 

[Jexx]

I just want to know if it's Richard's formula that was unstable, or if his formula only worked on Spiders.

 

[Majik1387]

The formula wasn't unstable at all, it just has side effects.

Whatever the host body is infected with, it turns to a hybrid of it. The mouse and Dr. Connors both turned to Lizard creatures.

 

[TheWallCrawler]

do you think they will use the man-spider story in this trilogy? It would fit the theme they're setting, and after this movie being an origin one would think they'd really like to explore new grounds

 

[Jexx]

But what about Peter?

 

[The Guardian]

But what about Peter?

To hell with Peter!


Kidding.

 

[Heyparker]

I'm a huge, HUGE fan of the Raimi films. They really created my passion for Spider-Man that I hold to this day. I was a senior in high school when the first one came out. It was the first movie in years that left me excited once the credits rolled. Then the 2nd one raised the bar and still is one of my favorite films of all time. I could go on and on why but that's for another time. Let's just say the stars aligned and it clicked on all cylinders.
As disappointing as the 3rd one was to the general public, I found the good in it even though it didn't match up to the quality of the first two films. It was fun. But i admit at the time, I expected more than just comic book movie fun. Anyway, I was thrilled when the news came out that Sam and Tobey would return for a 4th and possible 5th film. I thought, 'great, a chance for 'redemption'. It was bold. It was taking the hard road. Trying to reinvent themselves three films deep after using lots of arcs. Hiring writer after writer until they got it right. Taking 4 years instead of the usual 2-3. This was going to be great. Then the news on a winter day that the franchise would be rebooted. I was livid. Back to high school? Sony blew it big time! is what I said. Taking the easy way out and not accepting the challenge to find a script that utilized the talents available. Then Marc Webb was hired. I loved 500 Days of Summer and admittedly knew nothing about Andrew Garfield, so although it interested me when the pieces came together, i was still skeptical and upset.

Trailers piqued my interest. Clips got me excited. And I went into the theater July 3rd with pretty high expectations. And I left loving the film. I saw lots of similarities to the Spectacular Spider-Man series and that was exactly what I thought the movie needed for it to work. I knew the it would walk down familiar avenues. I had thought they should've done an Incredible Hulk and briefly go through how he became Spider-Man during an opening credits sequence. Now I know why they didn't go that route. The tone is totally different. And to accurately get the audience to feel that tone, it had to retell these stories in this particular setting. It all felt like a more realistic, modern take, whether it's Uncle Ben's death, playing with a cell phone, using his computer to research his costume (ok so he doesn't Google.) Manhattan has always been a character in these movies, but being a fellow New Yorker, this felt like the place I live in.

Although I relate to Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker more, Garfield's character is more fleshed out and is allowed to take more risks in this world. The writers of the Raimi trilogy were VERY careful with what they wanted Peter to say. He was timid and would never give a large quantity of dialogue. I loved this depiction. I thought it was smart. But here's the fundamental difference between these films. It's Peter. In Amazing… this character is more rebellious. He shrugs off security who is escorting him from the Captain's office. He violently goes after crooks. He won't put his skateboard away even when teachers tell him to. He goes inside labs he isn't supposed to. He calls Flash Eugene and sticks up for other kids that are getting picked on. He embraces the cult following he receives. He nailed this take and I loved it. You can debate whether or not a 360 on the take of Peter's personality warrants a reboot. For me, it did. He's as charming as Tobey was, just in a very different way, which reminds us that there are different ways to be a compelling hero.

Then comes Gwen. I read a review that said this version has nothing to offer that we haven't seen before. And I think Emma Stone's character proves the exact opposite. Finally, a strong female love interest. The villain isn't after her. She is as smart as Peter. She is as daring as he is. She proved that while staying at Oscorp to make sure the antidote was complete. Without her, Spider-Man fails. When else could we say that in any of these types of films? She makes Peter nervous in a way that really comes through. Most of us have felt that much angst.

The Lizard was a villain I wanted Raimi to tackle with Dylan Baker. I was shocked to hear the scrapped Spider-Man 4 plans included Vulture and not Lizard. So I thought it was a great move to include him in the reboot. To use a villain that
had yet to be used was the right call. Ifrans is great as Conners. You feel his jubilation in the scene where he grows his arm back. ANd I felt his sadness at the end. Cinematically he looked good. He matched Spider-Man blow for blow. The fight scenes between them (especially the school fight) are only second to Doc Ock and the train. I wanted the snout but got into the humanistic take. Maybe the lab coat should've stayed on, but that's a minor gripe. A more important issue for me was the film not exploring the Conners character more than it did. I wanted to see his family. I wanted to see the more human side of him. Not just the straight laced scientist. A dialogue between him and Peter where he gets caught up discussing the grief about losing his arm would have been great. Or a scene where he's consoled by his wife about his 'missing piece'. I understand scenes like this probably do exist and were left on the cutting room floor. Overall, he was a great Spider-Man villain that maintained the idea of making the bad guy a sympathetic character. If this is going where we all think it is in the sequel, expect a big change from that.

Like all Spider-Man films, it's the story's heart that always won me over. The action and special effects were usually top notch but it's those warm scenes that made me care about the fights. This one included some of the best the franchise has seen. When Uncle Ben tells Peter to be a man and apologize to his Aunt, it set up for a very touching and heartbreaking scene. There are tears but they never feel forced or whiney. This Aunt May is terrific, but I do miss Rosemary Harris. Martin Sheen? What a job. One of the film's strongest points. The scenes where he's included shine the most for me. The rapport Peter and him is terrific.
This time around, a touching scene is included in an action one. Some may have found it hokey, but the crane scene gave me goosebumps. Perhaps the circumstances were too coincidental. And for all the complaints the score has gotten, it really added to this particular moment. Spider-Man is portrayed as an underdog type, struggling due to a gunshot wound but running furiously on this rooftop. The helicopter light shines on him and it felt magical. Dennis Leary's addition is short and very sweet. We needed more of him. Regardless, his shining moment at the end of the film is a huge emotional payoff.
The whole eggs scene was a great touch. It confirmed why I love this character so much. I suppose Peter's journey works best as a high school student after all.

The special effects were beautiful to watch. Previews gave away that surprise factor, yet there were subtle moments that still wowed me. Spidey being unable to use his webbing under water and that entire struggle was just one example. We all know technology has improved greatly since 2002 so comparing these films in this aspect would be unfair. I assume this is where most of the pretty hefty budget went. I loved the first person views and hated that there weren't enough. The one where he's falling from Oscorp building, shoots web and lands on the side of the building…Wow. Truly Spider-man like in terms of his movement and poses.

We also know by now there were parts in the trailer that were edited out of the final version of the film. I didn't expect a resolution with regards to the mysterious disappearance of Peter's parents. I was fine with that. I like the idea of keeping people guessing for a few movies. It sparks speculation and interest. However,
I would've put in a couple more teasers towards the end to keep the audience guessing, like the Dr. Ratha quotes in the previews.

I've heard some complaints regarding the editing. The only example I can think of where I thought, "Where's the rest of this scene" is when Conners goes through this debate with himself on how to take care of Peter in his sewer lab. He decides he will search for him then attack. I felt like some dialogue in the Midtown High halls with Peter and Gwen would've helped the transition when Lizard entered through the bathroom. I think that could have added some sense of danger. That felt a bit rushed. It reminded me a lot of the scene when Peter is riding home from Aunt May's apt and Harry (New Goblin) attacks him in Spider-Man 3. Other than that, I felt the transitions were smooth.

I know a lot of other complaints were concerning Peter dropping the whole search for Uncle Ben or that he didn't learn his sense of responsibility and it felt rushed. Like many others reviewing the film here, this didn't bother me for a couple of reasons. 1. During the dinner scene with Peter and the Stacy family, the Captain calls Spider-Man out for who he is and what he stands for at that very moment. He seems like just a guy with a vendetta, which Spider-Man was at the moment. Peter realizes Captain is right and that becomes a turning point for him.
2. Shortly after that is the battle scene at the Williamsburg Bridge when he saves the child. When the father asks who he is, we see Spider-Man stare for a while and states who he is. It's a big moment. Maybe one where he doesn't literally say 'I know what I should be doing' (which he does at the stands in the football field with Gwen anyway) but this moment speaks volumes, especially when it's followed by a quick shot of Peter sitting on the floor in his room staring at his mask. That was the IT moment for this version of the character. That revelation that he could mean so much more than a guy looking for one killer.
3. We see the sketch of the killer at the end of the movie hanging in this room. This clearly shows he hasn't simply forgotten about the crime, just that he's part of a bigger job, protecting the city.

There may be movies of this genre with more flare, that are darker, and have longer action sequences. But there are very few with this much heart that pay attention to the little things that make their heroes worth caring for. This is one of them. All my anger, my reservations regarding the reboot washed away. Both interpretations can be loved. Sony having the rights to this character may be troublesome to some, but with this director and cast, your friendly neighborhood is once again in good hands.

9/10

 

[Radioactive]

Spoiler

I'm a huge, HUGE fan of the Raimi films. They really created my passion for Spider-Man that I hold to this day. I was a senior in high school when the first one came out. It was the first movie in years that left me excited once the credits rolled. Then the 2nd one raised the bar and still is one of my favorite films of all time. I could go on and on why but that's for another time. Let's just say the stars aligned and it clicked on all cylinders.
As disappointing as the 3rd one was to the general public, I found the good in it even though it didn't match up to the quality of the first two films. It was fun. But i admit at the time, I expected more than just comic book movie fun. Anyway, I was thrilled when the news came out that Sam and Tobey would return for a 4th and possible 5th film. I thought, 'great, a chance for 'redemption'. It was bold. It was taking the hard road. Trying to reinvent themselves three films deep after using lots of arcs. Hiring writer after writer until they got it right. Taking 4 years instead of the usual 2-3. This was going to be great. Then the news on a winter day that the franchise would be rebooted. I was livid. Back to high school? Sony blew it big time! is what I said. Taking the easy way out and not accepting the challenge to find a script that utilized the talents available. Then Marc Webb was hired. I loved 500 Days of Summer and admittedly knew nothing about Andrew Garfield, so although it interested me when the pieces came together, i was still skeptical and upset.

Trailers piqued my interest. Clips got me excited. And I went into the theater July 3rd with pretty high expectations. And I left loving the film. I saw lots of similarities to the Spectacular Spider-Man series and that was exactly what I thought the movie needed for it to work. I knew the it would walk down familiar avenues. I had thought they should've done an Incredible Hulk and briefly go through how he became Spider-Man during an opening credits sequence. Now I know why they didn't go that route. The tone is totally different. And to accurately get the audience to feel that tone, it had to retell these stories in this particular setting. It all felt like a more realistic, modern take, whether it's Uncle Ben's death, playing with a cell phone, using his computer to research his costume (ok so he doesn't Google.) Manhattan has always been a character in these movies, but being a fellow New Yorker, this felt like the place I live in.

Although I relate to Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker more, Garfield's character is more fleshed out and is allowed to take more risks in this world. The writers of the Raimi trilogy were VERY careful with what they wanted Peter to say. He was timid and would never give a large quantity of dialogue. I loved this depiction. I thought it was smart. But here's the fundamental difference between these films. It's Peter. In Amazing… this character is more rebellious. He shrugs off security who is escorting him from the Captain's office. He violently goes after crooks. He won't put his skateboard away even when teachers tell him to. He goes inside labs he isn't supposed to. He calls Flash Eugene and sticks up for other kids that are getting picked on. He embraces the cult following he receives. He nailed this take and I loved it. You can debate whether or not a 360 on the take of Peter's personality warrants a reboot. For me, it did. He's as charming as Tobey was, just in a very different way, which reminds us that there are different ways to be a compelling hero.

Then comes Gwen. I read a review that said this version has nothing to offer that we haven't seen before. And I think Emma Stone's character proves the exact opposite. Finally, a strong female love interest. The villain isn't after her. She is as smart as Peter. She is as daring as he is. She proved that while staying at Oscorp to make sure the antidote was complete. Without her, Spider-Man fails. When else could we say that in any of these types of films? She makes Peter nervous in a way that really comes through. Most of us have felt that much angst.

The Lizard was a villain I wanted Raimi to tackle with Dylan Baker. I was shocked to hear the scrapped Spider-Man 4 plans included Vulture and not Lizard. So I thought it was a great move to include him in the reboot. To use a villain that
had yet to be used was the right call. Ifrans is great as Conners. You feel his jubilation in the scene where he grows his arm back. ANd I felt his sadness at the end. Cinematically he looked good. He matched Spider-Man blow for blow. The fight scenes between them (especially the school fight) are only second to Doc Ock and the train. I wanted the snout but got into the humanistic take. Maybe the lab coat should've stayed on, but that's a minor gripe. A more important issue for me was the film not exploring the Conners character more than it did. I wanted to see his family. I wanted to see the more human side of him. Not just the straight laced scientist. A dialogue between him and Peter where he gets caught up discussing the grief about losing his arm would have been great. Or a scene where he's consoled by his wife about his 'missing piece'. I understand scenes like this probably do exist and were left on the cutting room floor. Overall, he was a great Spider-Man villain that maintained the idea of making the bad guy a sympathetic character. If this is going where we all think it is in the sequel, expect a big change from that.

Like all Spider-Man films, it's the story's heart that always won me over. The action and special effects were usually top notch but it's those warm scenes that made me care about the fights. This one included some of the best the franchise has seen. When Uncle Ben tells Peter to be a man and apologize to his Aunt, it set up for a very touching and heartbreaking scene. There are tears but they never feel forced or whiney. This Aunt May is terrific, but I do miss Rosemary Harris. Martin Sheen? What a job. One of the film's strongest points. The scenes where he's included shine the most for me. The rapport Peter and him is terrific.
This time around, a touching scene is included in an action one. Some may have found it hokey, but the crane scene gave me goosebumps. Perhaps the circumstances were too coincidental. And for all the complaints the score has gotten, it really added to this particular moment. Spider-Man is portrayed as an underdog type, struggling due to a gunshot wound but running furiously on this rooftop. The helicopter light shines on him and it felt magical. Dennis Leary's addition is short and very sweet. We needed more of him. Regardless, his shining moment at the end of the film is a huge emotional payoff.
The whole eggs scene was a great touch. It confirmed why I love this character so much. I suppose Peter's journey works best as a high school student after all.

The special effects were beautiful to watch. Previews gave away that surprise factor, yet there were subtle moments that still wowed me. Spidey being unable to use his webbing under water and that entire struggle was just one example. We all know technology has improved greatly since 2002 so comparing these films in this aspect would be unfair. I assume this is where most of the pretty hefty budget went. I loved the first person views and hated that there weren't enough. The one where he's falling from Oscorp building, shoots web and lands on the side of the building…Wow. Truly Spider-man like in terms of his movement and poses.

We also know by now there were parts in the trailer that were edited out of the final version of the film. I didn't expect a resolution with regards to the mysterious disappearance of Peter's parents. I was fine with that. I like the idea of keeping people guessing for a few movies. It sparks speculation and interest. However,
I would've put in a couple more teasers towards the end to keep the audience guessing, like the Dr. Ratha quotes in the previews.

I've heard some complaints regarding the editing. The only example I can think of where I thought, "Where's the rest of this scene" is when Conners goes through this debate with himself on how to take care of Peter in his sewer lab. He decides he will search for him then attack. I felt like some dialogue in the Midtown High halls with Peter and Gwen would've helped the transition when Lizard entered through the bathroom. I think that could have added some sense of danger. That felt a bit rushed. It reminded me a lot of the scene when Peter is riding home from Aunt May's apt and Harry (New Goblin) attacks him in Spider-Man 3. Other than that, I felt the transitions were smooth.

I know a lot of other complaints were concerning Peter dropping the whole search for Uncle Ben or that he didn't learn his sense of responsibility and it felt rushed. Like many others reviewing the film here, this didn't bother me for a couple of reasons. 1. During the dinner scene with Peter and the Stacy family, the Captain calls Spider-Man out for who he is and what he stands for at that very moment. He seems like just a guy with a vendetta, which Spider-Man was at the moment. Peter realizes Captain is right and that becomes a turning point for him.
2. Shortly after that is the battle scene at the Williamsburg Bridge when he saves the child. When the father asks who he is, we see Spider-Man stare for a while and states who he is. It's a big moment. Maybe one where he doesn't literally say 'I know what I should be doing' (which he does at the stands in the football field with Gwen anyway) but this moment speaks volumes, especially when it's followed by a quick shot of Peter sitting on the floor in his room staring at his mask. That was the IT moment for this version of the character. That revelation that he could mean so much more than a guy looking for one killer.
3. We see the sketch of the killer at the end of the movie hanging in this room. This clearly shows he hasn't simply forgotten about the crime, just that he's part of a bigger job, protecting the city.

There may be movies of this genre with more flare, that are darker, and have longer action sequences. But there are very few with this much heart that pay attention to the little things that make their heroes worth caring for. This is one of them. All my anger, my reservations regarding the reboot washed away. Both interpretations can be loved. Sony having the rights to this character may be troublesome to some, but with this director and cast, your friendly neighborhood is once again in good hands.

9/10

Pretty much agree with everything you've said.

 

[Matt Mortem]

My friends and I went and saw it on Saturday. It was my third showing and after seeing it that many times, I definitely find the plot to be pretty weak. Sure, it was an origin story so I can forgive some formulaic whatnot, but in the future they'll have to up the ante.

 

[spider-neil]

My review is almost done! I've been taking my time because I really want to do the most accurate review I can (mainly because I felt some others haven't, comparing the tone to TDK or saying that the romance is like Twilight)

it's also very detailed, almost a study of the movie in a way

Look forward to it

 

[grieven]

...
There may be movies of this genre with more flare, that are darker, and have longer action sequences. But there are very few with this much heart that pay attention to the little things that make their heroes worth caring for. This is one of them. All my anger, my reservations regarding the reboot washed away. Both interpretations can be loved. Sony having the rights to this character may be troublesome to some, but with this director and cast, your friendly neighborhood is once again in good hands.

9/10

Wow, I really loved reading your review, Heyparker. Much more impactful than a majority (maybe all) of the reviews I've read from professional critics.

Your affinity and love for the Spider-Man character and films really shines through in what you wrote, and I agree with most everything you say. And I really want to echo your last point. So often (mostly on sites like imdb and AICN) I read what I consider unintelligent posts to the effect of "boycott The Amazing Spider-Man so it will fail and the rights will go back to Marvel!" Sony has done a bang up job bringing us fantastic cinematic Spider-Man stories, and you said it best. Spidey is in good hands with Sony, and I can't wait to see what they give us next with TAS2. I'm willing to bet it will up the ante again and be the best Spidey if not best cbm yet.

 

[onDgrind]

Saw it saturday, good movie, only a few things i didnt like was Lizards CGI,he was too big and his face looked to cartoonish.

 

[TheWallCrawler]

redlettermedia.com poster their video review of TASM... they mainly say that this movie doesn't have heart and that Andrew doesn't know how to portray Peter

not only that but they make totally unfair points in it too... here, watch it people: http://redlettermedia.com/

 

[Nathan]

Doesn't have heart my ass. And Andrew portrayed a better Peter than the awkward, wooden plank, Tobey portrayed. What was the problem? That he skated? At least this Peter was funny and, oh my god, actually intelligent.

 

[TheWallCrawler]

Doesn't have heart my ass. And Andrew portrayed a better Peter than the awkward, wooden plank, Tobey portrayed. What was the problem? That he skated? At least this Peter was funny and, oh my god, actually intelligent.

agreed. Also, they complained that Peter was stupid because he didn't get that the lizard creature was Connors on the bridge Peter thought that it was an animal, not a cross species, and that's not dumb considering how big reptiles actually exist on this planet

Not saying that he thought it was just a normal reptile, but even if he thought it was mutated or something, a man turned into a giant lizard is far fetched enough for me to believe that Peter didn't get it right then

 

[Nathan]

Have you all listened to the Spill Review already? It's too bad that 3/4 of the group don't like it, but it's fun to listen to the bickering.

 

[Easter Lily]

redlettermedia.com poster their video review of TASM... they mainly say that this movie doesn't have heart and that Andrew doesn't know how to portray Peter

not only that but they make totally unfair points in it too... here, watch it people: http://redlettermedia.com/

I have trouble with reviews like that. What else can I say, it's like we've been watching two different films.
I respect their right to an opinion but it'll be hard to have a conversation about TASM.

 

[spider-neil]

redlettermedia.com poster their video review of TASM... they mainly say that this movie doesn't have heart and that Andrew doesn't know how to portray Peter

not only that but they make totally unfair points in it too... here, watch it people: http://redlettermedia.com/

When you mention that you were a fan of Dunst in the original trilogy is when I stop the video and disregard everything you've just said.

 

[Spider-Fan]

redlettermedia.com poster their video review of TASM... they mainly say that this movie doesn't have heart and that Andrew doesn't know how to portray Peter

not only that but they make totally unfair points in it too... here, watch it people: http://redlettermedia.com/

Isn't this the guy who did the Star Wars reviews that are like over an hour each? If it is, that guy is actually a good critic. Did good videos on Indy 4, Star Wars prequels, and Avatar (if this is the same guy I am thinking of).