Welcome to
the thinking man's blockbuster. The first scene grabs our attention without even
a hint of pyrotechnics and gives us instead a story soaked in science. A small
boy is playing hide and seek with his father when something goes wrong. The
house is quiet; the tension grows. We like this boy (Max Charles) who grows up
in moments to be Peter Parker, Spider-Man, played by Andrew Garfield in a
memorable performance. With fine support from first rate actors, Garfield
carries the movie from beginning to end.
The first
half paints Peter's background from the moment of the hide and seek to the
spider bite that bestows extraordinary powers on the enchantingly nerdy high
school kid (yes, he's too old for high school, but that's irrelevant). We learn
that after his parents had to leave home - triggering a compelling mystery about
why - he was raised by Aunt May (Sally Field) and Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen).
These veterans contribute mightily to the fun of the movie - Sheen with
affectionate sternness, Field with unqualified love for Peter despite the
unexplained adventures that bring him home at night bloodied and bruised. While
it's no surprise that Peter becomes both gentle and humble, what is striking is
Garfield's ability to convey those qualities so consistently and winningly even
when doing battle with the bad guys.
After
riveting us with a family mystery without violence or special effects, the movie
plunges headlong into Spider-Man's special gifts, all of which he applies only
to deserving villains. Enjoy Peter's pure joy as he learns that he can fly on
spun webs and climb buildings with his sticky hands. The fun of the second half
special effects springs from the real story so carefully laid at the beginning.
By the time
Gwen and Peter engage in the coolest declaration of love I've seen in years, the
audience is rooting for them. The casting department got this pair right. Emma
Stone and Andrew Garfield have the magical touch of mystery that all great
actors seem to keep in reserve. We believe them.
Enter Rhys
Ifans as Dr. Curtis Connors, former business partner of Peter's father Richard
(Campbell Scott.) He is guardian of the secrets they were exploring in Cross
Species Genetics. Curtis is an appropriate villain for our time - a man who
loses sight of the good his discovery might do, and becomes intoxicated instead
by its inherent power. He is the antithesis of Peter Parker.
In a
spectacular tribute to New York, we follow Spider-Man as he spins and navigates
and swings gleefully through the city landmarks on his tensile webs. The boy who
loved skateboarding is in love again - with social justice, with the bright
nighttime lights of his city, and with the wonderful Gwen. The story closes with
a joyful whoop and holler from an appreciative audience. When did you last have
this much fun in a movie?
Copyright (c) Illusion