Box office: Amazing Spider-Man

Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” was a real treat for fans of the genre. 

I personally loved seeing Spidey swinging through New York City and Doctor Octopus in “Spider-Man 2” was one of the best super villains I’ve ever seen. Sadly, “Spider-Man 3” was a poor continuation of the series, with too many characters and a poor storyline, not to mention the quite bizarre emo incarnation of Peter Parker disco-dancing in the streets. 

There was talk of a fourth film with Raimi and Toby Maguire attached, but instead the superhero has been reinvented as “The Amazing Spider-Man” directed by Marc Webb, with Brit Andrew Garfield as the web slinger himself. 

Whereas Raimi’s “Spider-Man” focused predominantly on the tribulations of an adult Peter Parker, Webb’s film is taking a look at Parker’s past and his struggle over his missing parents. 

“The Amazing Spider-Man” shows Peter Parker’s rise from nerdy teenager to superhero after he gains the super strength and agility of a spider. 

However, it turns out that this event might not have been an accident. His fate appears connected with that of Dr. Curt Connors, who is transformed into The Lizard. As well as Andrew Garlfield, Emma Stone plays love interest Gwen Stacy, Rhys Ifans is Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard, and Sally Field and Martin Sheen play Aunt May and Uncle Ben, respectively. One of the biggest changes from the first set of films is the look of the Spider-Man costume. I think the new look, which has taken its inspiration from the “ultimate” version of Spider-Man comic books, looks great. Another difference from Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” is that they have gone back to using artificial web shooters rather than webs flying from his wrists. 

Another big decision taken in the reboot was to film the movie in 3D and to shoot a lot of the action from Spider-Man’s point of view. 

It’s a risky choice, as the POV footage from the first trailer reminded me of being in one of those cheap 4D rides you find in shopping malls and fairgrounds. 

Most of the footage released since that first trailer looks awesome, and it’s important to note that while there may be some CGI POV shots, the director tried to do most of the action in camera to give it more of a “real world” feel. 

While it might not turn out to be the best superhero film of the summer, my spidey sense is tingling and I can’t wait to see the web slinger in action.