First Hit: This was a fun-filled action fantasy film.
Sometimes a franchise film finds new legs and sets a new mark on what might become a new base for a new set of movies. This film does this.
Not taking away from Tobey Maguire and Kristen Dunst but Andrew Garfield (as Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man) and Emma Stone (as Gwen Stone) have a great start on creating a new set of adventures with the Spider-Man franchise.
In this film we go back to the beginning and discover the more about how Peter’s father and mother died, how he was raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben (played by Sally Field and Martin Sheen respectively). We learn how Peter’s father Richard (played by Campbell Scott) worked with Dr. Curt Connors (played by Rhys Ifans) to discover how to mix species for the betterment of humankind.
Parker in his curiosity of Connors’ lab gets bitten by a spider and we all know what happens from here. It is the way Parker discovers his talents that make this film fresh and fun; and this film is fun.
Even in the darkness of what will happen; while Parker is being hunted by the police or the Lizard (Connors’ alter ego) this film is enjoyable in all ways.
Garfield is very good as Parker/Spider-Man, my only criticism is that he’s just a little old to be playing a high school student. Outside of this small criticism, he’s great in this role and I know he’ll be wonderful for this franchise. Stone is very good and this film is about Spider-Man. Ifans is creepy enough to carry the transition between Connors and the Lizard. Field is good as the mostly fretting Aunt. Sheen is excellent as Parker’s caring uncle. James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent wrote a great script. Marc Webb did an excellent job of bringing new life to this wonderful story.
Overall: This was a very well made and enjoyable film.