8/10
This is a re-boot of the Spider-Man franchise that goes back to the beginning of Peter Parker's tale (from his childhood days) and the genesis of his alter-ego.
First-up, I loved the casting; Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone were believable, smart, thoughtful, sweet and clearly well cast. What I liked BEST about the scripting of their relationship (and the film in general) is that there are no secrets between them; she know's he's Spider-Man fairly on in the film and this helps give the film a fresh feel that separates it from the Tobey Maguire franchise.
I wasn't too convinced by Rhys Ifans' portrayal of Dr. Curt Connors - I understand he is meant to feel ambivalent about Parker, but surely he's meant to feel something for (against) him? The Lizard is much more entertaining - he's big (twice the size of Spidey!), bad and nasty to boot. I can't believe that some parents had taken their small children to see this! If I had taken my 5 year-old boy I don't think he would have slept for week...
The film improves as it proceeds and we become more comfortable with the new set-up. The effects are excellent, the fight scenes are superb - it's great to see Spidey enjoying his fights like he does in the comics! - and there's a particularly entertaining fight scene containing a cameo from Stan Lee.
Excellent film and hopefully the start of a successful franchise! I didn't see the film in 3D but I understand that it's superb.
