Audiences expecting a new and improved Spiderman movie may be disappointed. The new Spiderman movie, “The Amazing Spider-Man," came out July 3, but seemed too similar to the 2002 Spider-Man film. With a similar plot, graphics and closing sequence, the film appeared as if Columbia Pictures was trying too hard to recreate the old movie’s magic.

Peter Parker, played by Andrew Garfield, is a typical high school student until he finds his missing father’s briefcase which leads him to Oscorp, a laboratory specializing in cross-species genetics. Parker sneaks into Oscorp and gets bit by a mutant spider, leaving him with incredible spider-like superpowers. 

These superpowers help him battle Dr. Connors, played by Rhys Ifans, who has turned into a lizard due to cross-species genetics. Dr. Connors’ lizard persona wants to turn all of New York into mutant lizards. The only man that can stop him is Spider-Man. 

The back story is exactly the same as the 2002 film. However, this wasn’t a huge issue for me because who doesn’t love Uncle Ben and Aunt May? What did seem a bit redundant was the shot-for-shot sequences from the old movie. Spider-Man flying around shooting webs and the end sequence with him on top of a building seemed too similar and cheesy. 

These little reminders of the old movie were sprinkled throughout the film, including Dr. Connors’ split personalities talking to each other. The graphics of Dr. Connors as a lizard were also not very impressive. I felt like he came straight out of a video game with his bright yellow eyes and too fluid movement. 

Overall, it was highly entertaining. The new cast felt like a better fit for younger audiences. Andrew Garfield does a great job of portraying a sarcastic high school teenager, and Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone, continues to be a quirky and lovable female counterpart. Although their chemistry wasn’t completely developed, I feel like it was realistic and will continue in future films. 

Denis Leary’s performance was also impressive as the portrayal of Gwen Stacy’s strict police chief father. The film is definitely a must-see for all comic book lovers or people who simply love a good action film.