SYNOPSIS: When his parents are forced to go into hiding, a young Peter Parker is forced to stay with his uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and his aunt May (Sally Field). Years later, he goes to high school (played by Andrew Garfield) but despite his amateur photography, he seeks to become involved in science. But when he is bitten by a mutated spider, he begins to develop strange powers which allow him to be more athletic and to use webs as well. He looks to use these powers to bring good to the people of New York City even after he suffers a family tragedy and also manages to develop a relationship with his classmate Gwen Stacey (Emma Stone). But he soon finds himself having to stop fellow scientist Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans) from creating havoc after he uses a special genetic device to transform into The Lizard.

It is hard to try and separate Marvel’s newest take of Spider-Man from Sam Raimi’s 2002 original especially since both are similar apart from the different directions they take with the story. Eyebrows were raised when 500 Days of Summer filmmaker Marc Webb was chosen to helm the reboot but despite his different style to Raimi, he manages to stay more faithful to the comic-books and also chooses to slowly develop Peter Parker’s story. One problem with Raimi’s version was that it brushed aside the parents sub-plot whereas here we get more background about their significance in the narrative right from the start. Though it takes an hour for Peter Parker to finally don the Spider-Man costume, it is worth exploring the events that go on in that time especially his tough school life and his relationships with his Uncle and Aunt.

The film also relies on the humour which was a key aspect of the Raimi trilogy particularly when Peter first discovers his new powers whether it be his accidental fight with a group of goons on a subway train or breaking a basketball hoop at school. The action sequences are still there too although they are a little limited to the predecessors with the highlight being the fights between Spidey and Lizard. But given the lower budget, it was probably to be expected despite lacking in comparison to the action in The Avengers.

However as with most of Marvel’s recent films, the casting is effective again with Andrew Garfield an inspired choice as the web-slinging hero. Since his phenomenal BAFTA-winning performance in Boy A (2007), his career has sky-rocketed and being the new face of one of our favourite superheroes proves just why. His charming and cocky portrayal is the Peter Parker we’ve come to expect which is a shame given that Tobey Maguire’s interpretation was also heartfelt though Garfield looks more suited as a teenager than Maguire did. His female co-star Emma Stone also shines as Parker’s love interest Gwen Stacey and brings intelligence and wit to the role which was sadly lacking from a wasted Bryce Dallas Howard (her co-star from The Help) in Spiderman 3. Significantly with both young actors is their real-life relationship which is clear to see from their on-screen chemistry especially in a scene where Peter shows the first sign of his secret to her before they passionately kiss.

The more experienced supporting actors are on form too with Martin Sheen a firm choice as Peter’s kind-hearted uncle while the sorely missed Oscar-winning actress Sally Field makes a welcome return to mainstream films as Peter’s concerned Aunt. It almost makes you forget how great the castings of Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris were in the original roles. Finally Denis Leary gives a stern and authoritative performance as Gwen’s protective father who becomes determined in his law-abiding duty to stop Spider-Man from trying to save the day.

Though Webb does well to take the Spider-Man tale down a different route, there is the likely backlash from Raimi fans who will notice a lot of familiar moments which make this new film a bit too samey. We get the same situations of Peter being bitten by the spider and learning to use his new powers as well as the fallout from Uncle Ben’s death which unfortunately lacks the emotional depth that was seen in the 2002 version. Even the final scene where Spidey swings through New York to help the police is a very predictable way to finish a film that clearly shares a lot in common with its older relatives. It also fails to be inspired by James Horner’s score which doesn’t stand out as one of his best compared to the more patriotic score composed by Danny Elfman. Another factor which made Raimi’s Spiderman more memorable was the choice of villain. While Rhys Ifans is assuring as the humane Dr. Connors, his alter-ego The Lizard lacks the intimidation and threat which made Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin so sinister. The lack of development in having Connors suddenly go from being calm to evil just because he’s the Lizard is also rushed and unnecessary.

VERDICT: It isn’t quite The ‘Amazing Spider-Man’ when it comes to a lot of familiarity to its predecessor but Spidey swings back onto our screens in a surprisingly fresh return to form with Garfield and Stone being immaculate castings.