New ‘Spider-Man’ takes a nice, refreshing leap

By Rene Rodriguez

McClatchy Newspapers

We’ve been here before with Peter Parker, the bright but socially awkward teenager who gets bitten by a radioactive spider and develops extraordinary powers. The last time was 10 years ago, when Tobey Maguire played Parker for director Sam Raimi. But filmmaking technology has made tremendous leaps over the ensuing decade, while the genre of comic-book superhero movies has grown ridiculously cluttered.

Part of the reason “The Amazing Spider-Man” feels so fresh and invigorating is that its story is so simple — anyone remember exactly what the deal was with Loki and that cube? — and its protagonist so relatable. Instead of a billionaire playboy or a Norse God who can beckon thunder, you get a teenager trying to survive adolescence just like everyone else, except his hormones aren’t entirely human, and his puberty will be more torturous than most.

As Parker, Andrew Garfield (“The Social Network”) looks just young enough to pass for 17, and he sells the illusion with a terrific physical performance: He’s all wild-arm movements and impatient leg twitches, constantly thrumming with a pent-up energy that will serve him well in short time.

The screenplay, by James Vanderbilt (“Zodiac”), Alvin Sargent (“Ordinary People”) and Steve Kloves (the “Harry Potter” series), refashions Peter from endearing square to a brainy, self-aware outcast who has never gotten over being abandoned by his parents. He doesn’t let anyone get emotionally close other than the uncle (Martin Sheen) and aunt (Sally Field) who have raised him. So when Peter falls for the beautiful Gwen Stacy (a hugely appealing Emma Stone), and she seems to reciprocate his interest, you share his enthusiasm and excitement, the sugary thrill of that ever-important First Love.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” was directed by Marc Webb, whose previous film “(500) Days of Summer” turned out to be a perfect practice run for the Peter-Gwen romance.

The movie takes its time gradually hooking you on an emotional level. It draws you close: Then, mayhem.

Webb shot “The Amazing Spider-Man” using 3D cameras, and he has composed his images with the giant IMAX screen in mind.

The question that’s been hanging over “The Amazing Spider-Man” since the cameras started rolling was whether it was too soon to reboot the franchise. Did we really need another one? As long as it’s this much fun — yes, yes, we do.