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SALT LAKE CITY — Five years ago audiences around the country were disappointed as they walked out of the theater following a showing on "Spider-Man 3." Many people let it slide; however, considering its two predecessors were such solid films and had hope a fourth installment would get the franchise back on track. But fans would never get the fourth Spider-Man they were hoping for.
Now "The Amazing Spider-Man" has been released with a new cast, a new storyline and a new director. So it's now time to answer some questions: How does the new film stack up against the earlier entries? How's the new cast? Was a reboot five years later really necessary?
#poll
Let me answer those questions quick: Very well, fantastic and yes.
You have to see the new Spider-Man for yourself before you can give it a thumbs up or down, but here are five reasons why the new franchise out does the old one.
Warning: Mild Spoilers Ahead:
Better Back Story
This has a lot to do with the different comic book story line it follows, but none the less, the back story is much better in "The Amazing Spider-Man" than Sam Raimi's films.
Amazing Spider-Man actually gives us a glimpse into the young Peter Parker's life and how difficult losing his parents was on him. Unlike the earlier films Peter's parents play a huge role in his transformation into the web-slinger. Solving the mystery of why his parents disappeared fuels the story and our interest.
Super Power Genesis
How Peter gets spider venom in him is pretty identical to the Raimi films. The dude gets bit by a spider, but this new film better explains why this spider gave him super powers.
Amazing Spider-Man manages to interconnect the mutant spider and Peter's father, making it that much more intriguing. It's easier to believe that a teenager can climb walls and jump buildings after being bit by this spider than the spider that sunk its fangs into Tobey Maguire.
Special Effects
Now this one isn't totally fair considering the time difference, but the effects in Amazing Spider-Man are more seamless than those in "Spider-Man."
It's not really fair to compare those two considering Amazing has five years of technology on its side, but regardless, the effects, especially when Spidey is fighting and swinging from building to building, are far superior.
Emma Stone
There's no Mary Jane Watson in this new film, but don't worry, Peter has a love interest and her name is Gwen Stacy. Now the fact that it's Gwen and not Mary Jane isn't what makes the film better, but rather that it's Emma Stone in the role and not Kirsten Dunst.
Stone brings a humor and heart to Peter Parker's better half that Dunst missed. While Dunst is a fine actress she managed to miss the mark as Mary Jane.
Stone is a breath of fresh air and an addition that helps elevate this new Spidey-flick above the old franchise.
Andrew Garfield
No disrespect to Tobey Maguire who starred in a billion dollar franchise, but Andrew Garfield is Spider-Man. Garfield is believable, lovable, funny and interesting.
Garfield fits the part and is a more confident and likable Peter Parker and Spider-Man. In one film Garfield managed to connect with the character on a level that Maguire couldn't accomplish with three films.
While watching the film you won't find yourself longing for Maguire's nerdy Parker, but rather be thankful that we have a new Parker that we can get behind and cheer for.
If there's one reason to see "The Amazing Spider-Man" it would be Andrew Garfield. The young actor captured our attention in "The Social Network" and now he's about to become a super star.
On top of the solid performances from Stone and Garfield the chemistry between the two is believable and endearing, something that seemed to be missing with Maguire and Dunst.
Bonus Reason: Best Stan Lee Cameo
Stan Lee is known for making cameos in all the Marvel films and they are usually super clever and fun to see. His moment in "The Amazing Spider-Man" not only doesn't disappoint, but it's likely the best cameo he's had yet.
Have you seen "The Amazing Spider-Man" yet? What did you think? Was it better than Sam Raimi's trilogy, or does it fall short? Tell us your take on the new film on the comment boards and on Facebook.
