The web crawler returns to the big screen without being asked, needed or wanted and still he throws a super punch!
The story we all know and love returns to the silver screen, albeit earlier in the web slinger timeline than most people would know. On the cusp of manhood, Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is the nerdy kid with a camera that tries to get noticed for his photos, not his actions in front of the lens.
Born into a loving family structure that is torn away by a plane crash, Peter was forced to grow up with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Surviving in a world without real purpose Peter stumbles upon his father's work in science which leads him to a Dr. Curt Conners (Rhys Ifans). A one-armed genius that believes genetics could get a huge head start if cross human and animal genetics could only get approval by all.
Through his interest and suspicions Peter stumbles into a restricted radiation zone that leads to a small bite, but a huge destiny. Balancing himself and objects becomes no issue as his body shifts genetically closer to that of a spider, but balancing his home life, school and the love of his high school crush Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone) becomes too much weight to bear.
I know at first glance that this is just another Spider-man movie. We've had them before with casts we've loved and stories we still remember vividly. Now with that said, give this movie a chance. This Spider-man isn't about the comic world or the villains or even a couple one-liners. Much like the Batman reboots, this Spider-man is about the Peter Parker and who he has become to people who have read the comics for years. A multi-layered character with more realism than most Reality TV stars.
Andrew Garfield does an amazing job as Spider-man (Pun not intended). He employs humor, awkwardness, sarcasm and more through his version of Peter Parker and his vocals as Spider-man. Of note as well is Police Captain Stacey played by Dennis Leary, a father and police officer that fills in important parts for Peter as well as his family. In the end this web-crawler returns, not just for another round of Hasbro toys, but to create something familiar, new and entertaining all at the same time!
Note: This movie is worth the 3D and yes, there is something to see after the credits!
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field and Rhys Ifans.
