The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Last updated:
October 20, 2024

Detailed Summary

Peter Parker’s Discovery

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), a socially awkward high school student, discovers his father’s briefcase in his aunt and uncle’s attic. This discovery leads him to Oscorp and his father’s former partner, Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), who is researching cross-species genetics.

The Spider Bite

While sneaking around Oscorp, Peter is bitten by a genetically engineered spider. He soon begins to notice changes in his body, gaining spider-like abilities, including super strength, agility, and the ability to cling to surfaces.

The Death of Uncle Ben

Peter’s newfound powers lead to an altercation with a bully at school. Following this, he neglects to stop a thief, who later kills his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) during a robbery. Driven by guilt, Peter vows to use his powers to fight crime.

Becoming Spider-Man

Peter creates a suit and web shooters, embracing his new identity as Spider-Man. He begins to patrol the city, searching for his uncle’s killer and stopping various crimes, catching the attention of both the public and the police.

The Lizard Emerges

Dr. Curt Connors tests a serum on himself to regenerate his missing arm, but it transforms him into a giant lizard. As the Lizard, he plans to spread the serum throughout the city to transform everyone into reptilian creatures, believing it to be the next step in human evolution.

The Bridge Rescue

Spider-Man saves several people, including a young boy, from cars dangling off a bridge, solidifying his role as a hero in the eyes of the public. This act also puts him directly at odds with the Lizard.

The Battle at Oscorp

Spider-Man confronts the Lizard at Oscorp, where Connors plans to release the serum into the air using the building’s tower. With the help of Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), Peter manages to develop an antidote.

The Final Confrontation

In a climactic battle atop Oscorp Tower, Spider-Man manages to disperse the antidote, reverting the Lizard back to Connors. Captain Stacy (Denis Leary), Gwen’s father, helps Peter but is fatally wounded in the process. Before dying, he makes Peter promise to keep Gwen out of his dangerous life.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Peter deciding to honor Captain Stacy’s dying wish, breaking up with Gwen despite their mutual feelings. However, in a hint at the future, Peter hints that he may not keep that promise, setting up potential developments for their relationship.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, there is a mid-credits scene where Dr. Connors, now in prison, is visited by a mysterious figure who asks if Connors revealed Peter’s father’s secrets. Connors denies it, warning Peter should be left alone.

Type of Movie

This film is a superhero action movie with elements of romance and science fiction, providing a fresh take on the Spider-Man origin story.

Cast

Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy
Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors / The Lizard
Denis Leary as Captain George Stacy
Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben
Sally Field as Aunt May
Irrfan Khan as Dr. Rajit Ratha
Chris Zylka as Flash Thompson

Film Music and Composer

The score for “The Amazing Spider-Man” was composed by James Horner, known for creating emotionally resonant and adventurous musical themes.

Filming Locations

Los Angeles, California: Various scenes, including high school and city scenes.
New York City, New York: Iconic locations like Oscorp Tower and street scenes were filmed in New York to capture the authentic setting of Spider-Man’s hometown.

These locations provided the urban backdrop essential for Spider-Man’s adventures and identity.

Awards and Nominations

Teen Choice Awards: Won for Choice Summer Movie Star: Male (Andrew Garfield) and Female (Emma Stone).
BMI Film & TV Awards: Won for Best Film Music (James Horner).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Andrew Garfield performed many of his stunts and insisted on doing them to bring authenticity to the character.
Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield began dating during the filming, enhancing their on-screen chemistry.
Rhys Ifans wore a green suit with markers for his transformation scenes into the Lizard, which were later enhanced with CGI.

Inspirations and References

Comic Books: The film is inspired by the early “Spider-Man” comics by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Ultimate Spider-Man: The film draws elements from the “Ultimate Spider-Man” comic series, particularly in Peter Parker’s characterization and relationships.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

A deleted scene shows Dr. Connors meeting Peter at the end, hinting more about Peter’s parents and their mysterious past, adding depth to the storyline.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Faithful Yet Modernized: The film stays true to the core origin story but modernizes elements, such as Peter’s use of technology and web shooters instead of organic webs.
Character Relationships: The film places greater emphasis on Peter’s relationship with Gwen Stacy, diverging from the original comics where Mary Jane Watson was his main love interest.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Peter’s Transformation: The sequence of Peter discovering his powers after the spider bite.
Uncle Ben’s Death: The emotional scene that sets Peter on his path as Spider-Man.
Bridge Rescue: Spider-Man saving a child and several people from falling cars.
Final Battle: The climactic fight between Spider-Man and the Lizard at Oscorp Tower.

Iconic Quotes

“With great power comes great responsibility.” – Uncle Ben (paraphrased in the film)
“You found my weakness. It’s small knives!” – Spider-Man
“I’m just trying to help!” – Peter Parker

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Stan Lee Cameo: Stan Lee appears as a librarian obliviously listening to music while Spider-Man and the Lizard fight behind him.
Oscorp Logos: References to the Oscorp company, hinting at future villains and storylines.
Daily Bugle: Newspapers and billboards refer to the Daily Bugle, Peter Parker’s future workplace.

Trivia

Andrew Garfield trained in yoga and parkour to prepare for the role.
The film’s production involved extensive use of practical effects combined with CGI to create Spider-Man’s web-slinging.
The mechanical web shooters were a nod to the original comics, differing from the organic webbing seen in the Sam Raimi trilogy.

Why Watch?

“The Amazing Spider-Man” offers a fresh and modern take on the beloved superhero, featuring strong performances, particularly from Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, along with impressive visual effects and action sequences.

Director’s Other Movies

(500) Days of Summer (2009)
Gifted (2017)