- Film Review
- Reviewed By Stella Papamichael
-
3 out of 5
Apart from Marvel's wish to mark (or capitalise on) the 50th anniversary of Spider-Man, there seems little point to this hasty movie re-spin, which boasts plenty of action, excitement and humour but lacks the refreshing charm of Sam Raimi's 2002 film. Home-grown talent Andrew Garfield delivers a moodier version of Peter Parker, but his incarnation also borders on the smug when he discovers superpowers bestowed on him by a genetically modified arachnid. The story covers familiar ground as our hero fails to prevent a family tragedy and becomes hellbent on cleaning up the streets in clingy spandex. Martin Sheen and Sally Field offer seasoned support as his uncle and aunt, while Emma Stone provides another steadying influence as girlfriend Gwen Stacy - who also happens to be the protégé of conflicted scientist (and part-time lizard) Dr Connors (a creepy Rhys Ifans) and daughter of the cop hot on Spidey's heels (the delightfully churlish Denis Leary). Newcomers may enjoy the novelty, but it's less involving for those who know where it's all headed, making this not so much amazing entertainment, but more of a passing amusement.
Plot Summary
A gifted teenager investigates his dead parents' past, leading to a mysterious corporation and an incident that leaves him with superhuman powers. A personal tragedy drives him to use his abilities to fight crime, and he soon faces a scientist colleague of his father's, who has undergone a deadly transformation of his own. Superhero adventure reboot, starring Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Peter Parker / Spider-Man
- Andrew Garfield
- Gwen Stacy
- Emma Stone
- Dr Curt Connors / The Lizard
- Rhys Ifans
- George Stacy
- Denis Leary
- Uncle Ben
- Martin Sheen
- Aunt May
- Sally Field
- Flash Thompson
- Chris Zylka
- Richard Parker
- Campbell Scott
- Mary Parker
- Embeth Davidtz
- Ratha
- Irrfan Khan
- School librarian
- Stan Lee
- Jack's father
- C Thomas Howell
- Jack
- Jake Ryan Keiffer
- Man in the shadows
- Michael Massee
Crew
- Director
- Marc Webb
- Share this episode
-