We cover movies based on comics here at PrintReady, and I collected The Amazing Spider-Man comics as a kid, so yes I MUST write up my thoughts concerning the new movie The Amazing Spider-Man by Marc Webb in response to the latest released trailer via YouTube by Sony.

What I like so far…

First, I’m liking the adoption of the original comic title “The Amazing Spider-Man” matching the long lasting original (volume 1) comic book series that I read for probably a decade.

Next, I’m liking that we’re getting rid of Mary Jane. Sure, I was a big Mary Jane fan as a kid, but the last movie series has pretty much got me sick of her. No offense Kirsten Dunst. Gwen Stacey is the major love interest of Peter Parker in the early years until issue #121 in 1973 (series went on past 500), but her death was a major plot line in Spider-man’s history. Is Emma Stone, who plays Stacey, in trouble? Maybe. In issue #125, a doctor confirms that it was Spidey’s webbing that killed her which makes for a great tragedy. It’s especially noteworthy since Ben Parker seems to be alive and well in the movie.

I am also looking forward to a darker movie with a more complicated storyline. Although Spider-Man and Peter Parker were properly represented in the original Spider-man series, there is guilt, sense of responsibility, anger, and resentment not captured since the movies were targeting a much younger crowd. In the days after The Dark Knight Rises, and the dismal failure of Spider-man 3, this series absolutely must take the writing and storytelling to the next level.

I’m glad to see that Peter Parker does not shoot his webs created from his body. This was a major failure in the first series. Apparently, they didn’t want to complicate the storyline with details, but even Stan Lee in the early sixties knew spinning web naturally sounded pretty dumb. Not to mention, the character fully embraces his new powers and uses his vast knowledge (the nerdy side of him) to develop webbing fluid of his own creation.

I’m liking the casting of Andrew Garfield (The Social Network) as Peter Parker, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacey, Rhys Ifans as Dr. Connors (The Lizard) and Martin Sheen will make an awesome Ben Parker. Additions like Sally Field and Dennis Leary are also positives. No doubt, the movie hosts an outstanding ensemble.

Overall, the movie looks like it might be well done, and I’m expecting good things. My first thoughts were…

Now the for the bad news….

I don’t know if it is necessarily bad news, but the movie appears like it strays greatly from Spider-Man’s actual origin. It’s true that the new additions concerning his parents actually do occur, but this is something Peter learns later on. The origin doesn’t actually change. However; the Parker parents plot does add new perspective onto Peter’s life and origin (it’s much more complex and I don’t want to even start talking about clones).

The Lizard is an interesting choice, but a safe choice. Usage of this villain was probably inevitable and would likely have been next-in-line if a “Spider-Man 4″ existed. The movie’s story and connections will dictate whether this character is an audience pleaser since the “Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde” scenario is tired.

I hate 3D movies. I only like 3-D movies at places such as Universal Studios when they last for about ten minutes.

And one final yet major point – So far, it appears like Uncle Ben doesn’t bite the dust. This could be problematic since Peter’s unwillingness to stop a criminal later murders Uncle Ben and becomes the pivotal point in the creation of Spider-Man and “Great power comes great responsibility.” Without this, the character is not the Spider-man we all know and love.

Conclusion

Variations of Spider-Man are nothing new in the comic universe, so I will try to enjoy a hopefully refreshing new tale involving my favorite super hero of all time, The Amazing Spider-Man.

The Story of The Amazing Spider-Man Movie

Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy, and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr Curt Connors, his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.