Andrew Garfield rules! I have only one minor quibble with this exciting, funny, satisfying, special-effects laden, and ultimately heart-wrenching film. It should be called "Spider-Boy: The Genesis" because the most appealing elements are the scenes where our hero blunders into his spider-like abilities, learns how to use them, and then matures as he comes to grasp the heavy responsibilities that go with them.
Andrew Garfield ("The Social Network") is Peter Parker/Spider- Man, left by his parents with an aunt and uncle who must raise him when, for some mysterious reason, Mom and Dad never return. Naturally, he wants to know why.
Emma Stone ("The Help") is Gwen Stacy, a very bright classmate who intercedes when Peter is bullied. Turns out she is not only smart, she is also resourceful, brave and clearly likes him.
Rhys Ifans ("Anonymous") is Dr. Curt Conners, a former partner who had worked with Peter's father on cross-species genetics research.
Denis Leary ("Rescue Me") is Captain Stacy, Gwen's father, out to catch that oddly dressed vigilante who is complicating things on the streets for the police department.
Sally Field ("Brothers and Sisters") is Aunt May, a practical soul who keeps the home fires burning, even when Peter forgets to buy eggs.
Martin Sheen ("The West Wing") is Uncle Ben, who should write the book on child rearing. He is the right balance of strict, funny and loving. Peter Parker is a lucky boy.
C. Thomas Howell ("Southland" remember him in "E.T."?) is Jack's Father who watches that oddly dressed vigilante rescue his son Jack from certain drowning. He starts the heart-warming bit. ...smile...
This charming and involving PG-13 version has far more aerial battles than I like, but hey! It's "Spider-Man!" The final act would never work with an actor of lesser calibre than Garfield. As far as I'm concerned, he can sell anything.
When the film ended, we hung back, knowing how Marvel likes to add teasers, and sure enough, there IS one. That means we can look forward to a second installment. That makes ME happy!
Here is a link to a preview:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2178784281/
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