The Amazing Spider-Man - 9 stars out of 10

The Amazing Spider-Man - 9 stars out of 10

"The Amazing Spider-Man" is everything that the original Spider-Man trilogy longed to be.  Unlike its hokey predecessor, this reboot takes a much darker, more realistic approach.  The film does have its comedic moments, but they are only there to break up the action and generally serve a purpose, enhancing the idea that Peter Parker is still just a sarcastic teenager.  The interesting thin about this film is that, since it is the second time that they have done a Spider-Man origin story in the past 10 years, many of the same things happen.  And yet, it doesn't matter because they are done differently and often improve upon the way that they were interpreted in the first. The reboot puts a greater emphasis on the disappearance of Parker's parents and its impact on his life, rather than just focusing on his acquisition of super powers.  It follows in the footsteps of "Batman Begins" and "X-Men: First Class" by using a character-based script that resembles a drama more than an action film.  The expert acting of this cast creates so much depth that it is easy to get lost in the film.  Perhaps the best casting decision was Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben.  The entire Spider-Man universe hinges on the fact that Ben teaches his nephew about a moral responsibility to help others and Sheen's characterization is perfect.  He interprets Ben as a lovable father-figure that is playful but teaches responsibility and accountability, and I think that we all learn something from him during this film.  I was unsure of the casting of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man at first, but he has created a multi-faceted character (whereas Toby Maguire was one-sided).  Between his high school insecurities, new-found abilities, feelings of abandonment, love for Gwen, motivation from anger, and others, there are many sides to this spider.  I also like that he is human, taking on damage and struggling to hide it from the people around him.  A great new change is that he uses his intellect to design the web-slinging devices, instead of being a magic spider with web coming out of his wrists.  I'm excited to see Garfield reprise this role - his abilities provide endless possibilities for this character as he creates chemistry with everyone that he interacts with on screen.  His best chemistry is with Emma Stone, developing a heartwarming not-so-hard-to-get relationship through their awkward hallway interaction, playfulness at her apartment, etc.  The Gwen character is pretty deep on its own, being an integral part of the plot as the chief intern at OsCorp while struggling with her father's dangerous career.  Stone adds a spunky side that makes her  into the smart, attractive blonde that we all want.  Denis Leary is really awesome in this movie, Sally Field gives Aunt May that concerned and helpless feel as her nephew drifts away from her, and Rhys Ifans is excellent as Dr. Connors, simultaneously a hero and a villain.  I miss J.K. Simmons at The Daily Bugle, but that comedy wouldn't fit in with this darker version.  More than anything, I've heard criticism about the crane operators helping Spider-Man, but isn't this the entire point of the film?  Having a moral responsibility for those in need when you can help and paying it forward after someone has helped you?  Yes, it was cheesey.  But the theme of the film is right there in a nutshell.  Not to mention that one of the most incredible moments of the film is earlier when Spider-Man saves the kid ("Wear this.  It will make you stronger.")  After that amazing sequence, I'll gladly allow the dad to contribute a cheesy moment!  The action sequences are amazing, the villain is terrifying, and James Horner's score portrays every emotion from heroic to creepy.  If you liked the original Spider-Man franchise, you will love this superior incarnation.