There is a motif of missing parts throughout the summer’s newest super hero flick “The Amazing Spiderman.”
First, we are introduced to Peter Parker, an angsty high school outcast of sorts. Parker’s missing part is relayed through the mysterious disappearance of his parents when he was a child.
And then there is Dr. Curt Connors, a former research partner with Parker’s father, Connors main scientific goal is to regenerate his missing arm.
Both of these characters are relentless for solutions or answers to their missing parts and it’s from the overlapping of these two fevered searches that “The Amazing Spiderman” borrows its compelling (and, of course, action-packed) storyline.
As one of Marvel’s most successful franchises, Andrew Garfield, who plays the titles character in the film, must have felt a world of pressure on his shoulders to reprise the role that many can’t see anyone but Tobey Maguire playing.
However, most of “The Amazing Spiderman’s” best moments come not through the stunning visual effects or CGI cityscapes but instead from Garfield’s organic, honest portrayal of Peter Parker.
Garfield comes across on screen as vulnerable, relatable and, something usually not seen in superhero movies, surprisingly human.
Complementing Garfield’s superb acting is Emma Stone’s portrayal of Parker’s first love, Gwen Stacey.
To say that Stone and Garfield’s on-screen chemistry is spot-on would be an understatement. In fact, the two actors mesh so well on the silver screen that it comes as no surprise that rumors are rampant about their real-life romance formed on the set of the film. Stone and Garfield particularly shine as a couple during their rooftop first kiss moment. Garfield’s vulnerability combines with Stone’s clumsy nerd-in-love persona to make for one of the best first kiss scenes since Tobey Mcguire and Kirsten Dunst perfected the on-screen smooch in 2002’s “Spiderman.”
Of course, considering that at its roots “The Amazing Spiderman” is a superhero movie, showy effects and cutting-edge cinematography come together to form a more-than-entertaining viewing experience.
While “The Amazing Spiderman” delivers on its public promise to be an action-packed summer tent-pole feature, the film’s real surprise comes in its ability to make you genuinely care for every last character on screen.
“The Amazing Spiderman” opens nationwide on July 3. (Note: spend the extra money, see the movie in IMAX.)