It's been just five years since the very disappointing finale of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy was released. This reboot more accurately depicts the beginnings of the hero, and sticks closer to the original comics than does the previous set of movies. The movie opens with our protagonist, Peter Parker, when his parents were still alive. Peter sees little snippets of his fathers work, including the very important decay rate algorithm, before he is forced to leave with his mother. Peter is left in the care of his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Peter is now a teenager, attending Midtown Science High School in Queens. He takes photographs for the school papers, groups, etc. He also becomes interested in Gwen Stacy, his primary love interest from the early days of the comics. While cleaning out his basement, Peter discovers a suitcase that belonged to his father, which he recognizes from his youth. In it, he finds the documents that have the correct decay rate algorithm, along with a picture of his father and another scientist, who his uncle reveals is Dr. Kurt Connors. Peter does some research, and discovers that Dr. Connors and his father worked together with cross-species genetics, in order to create a way for humans to be able to heal themselves. Peter then travels to Oscorp, where Dr. Connors works, and discovers a project where spiders create a "super-web", a very strong web material that is near indestructible and can hold a lot of weight. Dr. Connors is still working on cross-species genetics, but is still unsuccessful because he can not prodguce the correct decay rate algorithm. Peter, having the correct equation, gives it to Dr. Connors, who then produces a formula that is successful in regenerating limbs on mice. He decides to then try it on human, due to mounting pressure from Oscorp (the formula is supposed to heal Norman Osborne, a name familiar to Spider-Man familiars). When he injects himself with the formula, he becomes The Lizard, a super strong reptilian-human crossbreed. So the plot finds Peter still trying to get used to his powers, becoming Spider-Man, falling in love with Gwen (and her falling back), and stopping Dr. Connor's evil plan. I will not reveal anymore, as I don't want to spoil it for those who are going to see it.
This reboot, to me, seems a more accessible, entertaining, and accurate depiction of the hero than previously portrayed. Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield, is shown in this adaptation as a coming of age story. He learns the meaning of responsibility and control of power, along with becoming a masked vigilante who fights crime and tries to stop a crazed madman bent on power. Emma Stone delivers another great performance as Gwen Stacy, who grows along with Parker throughout the film. One of the standout roles to me was Rhys Ifans as Dr. Connors/The Lizard. He portrays the character very well, switching between calm, mild mannered scientist to crazed genetic giant Lizard. The plot was solid, and the movie never seemed to drag. The look of the film, including the bright city of New York, was well done. The redesigned costume was a win from the costume department. And the special effects used to create The Lizard was great. It was, overall, a great reboot, and a new beginning for the popular franchise (the ending and after credits scene set up for a guaranteed sequel). One of the better summer blockbusters so far.
Rating: A
As always, there is a Stan Lee cameo. Be on the lookout.
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