Adaptations from a comic series to a feature film can be tough, especially for a series as beloved as The Amazing Spider-Man, but Marc Webb seems to be flying high in the directing world after the first installment of the Amazing series was released this weekend. The aptly-named director has received some harsh criticisms from avid fans of the 1960s Marvel comic, but changes have to be expected 50 years after the original comic's release. This adaptation of Stan Lee's iconic teenage superhero was exactly that, an adaptation. For those of you who aren't comic buffs: this film is a fast paced thriller that has captured audiences around the world and left them wanting more of the smart-mouthed Peter Parker, especially when played by Andrew Garfield. His lanky build and awkward charm make him an easy cast as the leading man and Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy was not a leap to believe either. Both young stars proved themselves worthy of their respective characters through their awesome chemistry and lovable affability, possibly more so than that of Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, but of course only time will tell as the Amazing series continues. The sole weakness of the film fell on the shoulders of Spidey's foe, The Lizard / Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), but the blame is mostly the writers'. Ifans's performance was menacing and violent, however, the film lacked motivation for the good doctor to become so despicable in the first place. Redemption could be found in the promising sequel through a villain like Norman Osbourne, Elektro, or Mysterio as long as the writers remember Stan Lee's philosophy that made him a superhero in the comic universe: make the characters relatable. Even the super-villain has to be a little likable at the beginning, so give him a backstory and don't rush it. If the next production team remembers that, then all of our Spidey senses will be tingling with anticipation for the next truly amazing Spider-Man.
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