Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis
Leary, Sally Field, Martin Sheen
Director: Marc Webb
Running Time: 2 hours, 13 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Director: Marc Webb
Running Time: 2 hours, 13 minutes
Rating: PG-13
I was 14 when I saw Tobey Maguire portray Spider-Man. The
movie didn’t have a large impact on me. (The Tobey Maguire movie that hit me
like a ton of bricks was “Brothers” – seriously, if you haven’t seen it, get
ready to be shaken to your core.) I admit I was skeptical about this Spider-Man
remake – does this story really need to be retold every 10 years? And Andrew
Garfield of all people, to star as this iconic character? Ten minutes into the
film, I was totally blown away by the spot-on casting, modern storyline and
special effects. It most definitely exceeded my expectations.
We’re introduced to Peter Parker as a child, whose parents leave
him to be raised by his aunt and uncle (veteran favorites Sally Field and
Martin Sheen.) As a teen, Peter is a brainy outcast, though not a total social
reject. His flirtation with Gwen Stacy (the lovely Emma Stone) consumes him,
though it’s one fateful afternoon in a science lab that brings about the real
plot of the film.
Rhys Ifans is wonderful and sensitive as Dr. Curt Connors (a
far cry from his memorable comedic role in “Notting Hill”), yet we sense that
something about him is just a little bit off. His disgust and obsession with
his crippled arm, and his interest in science becomes a dangerous combination. Meanwhile,
Peter masters his spider-like qualities and woos Gwen, who happens to be the
daughter of the police chief (Denis Leary.) When Dr. Connors’ alter-ego, The
Lizard, makes his appearance to the world, Spider-Man and the police chief must
join forces to save humanity. The graphics in the last twenty minutes are
outrageous.
Andrew Garfield portrays both the superhero and normal
teenager effortlessly. Seriously, where did this kid come from? Though he was a
standout in “The Social Network,” I’ll admit that I doubted him for this role, but
he kind of had that Leo in “Titanic” thing - it’s hard not to fall in love with
him. The chemistry between Garfield and Emma Stone is obvious; the two are in
fact a real-life item! (I happened to be in the audience of the Late Show with David Letterman when Emma was a guest last month, and she is very quick-witted.
And thin.)
The romance and real-life teenage scenarios definitely make
this movie worthwhile for girls, and the sick graphics should definitely
suffice for guys. Hollywood, if you can continue to raise the bar like this,
keep remaking whatever you want.
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