Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man Movies: A Surprising Re-Evaluation

Spider-Man’s Garfield Era Gets a Second Look

Andrew Garfield’s time as Spider-Man might not have been the most popular when it first hit theaters, but revisiting 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man and its 2014 sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, reveals a lot to like. These films, starring Garfield as Peter Parker, are getting a fresh look as fans prepare for future Marvel Cinematic Universe events like Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. It’s widely expected that Garfield’s Spider-Man will swing back into action for these major crossovers.

In the latest episode of the New Rockstars podcast, ‘Road to Doomsday,’ hosts Jessica Clemens and Alex Berg dive deep into these two Sony-produced Spider-Man films. They explore what made them work, what didn’t, and how they fit into the larger Marvel tapestry, especially with the upcoming multiversal adventures.

The Amazing Spider-Man: A Fresh Start

Released on July 3, 2012, The Amazing Spider-Man aimed to reboot the franchise after the Sam Raimi trilogy. Directed by Marc Webb, the film introduced Andrew Garfield as a more effortlessly cool, skateboarding Peter Parker. The story follows a teenage Peter Parker who discovers his father’s research, leading him to Oscorp and Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans). After being bitten by a genetically modified spider, Peter develops superpowers.

The movie also focuses on Peter’s budding romance with Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone. Their chemistry is a standout element, and it’s no surprise they began dating in real life during production. The film grapples with Peter’s guilt over his Uncle Ben’s (Martin Sheen) death, which fuels his drive to become Spider-Man. The villain, Dr. Connors, transforms into the Lizard, creating a climactic showdown that tests Peter’s resolve.

Despite some initial criticisms about the pacing and Garfield’s ‘too cool’ persona, the podcast hosts found the film holds up surprisingly well. Alex Berg, who hadn’t seen the movie in theaters, was pleasantly surprised by its quality upon rewatching. Jessica Clemens, a self-proclaimed Oscorp enthusiast, also enjoyed the film, highlighting the strong performances from the cast, including Sally Field as Aunt May and Denis Leary as Captain Stacy.

One common point of discussion was whether Garfield’s inherent coolness detracted from his portrayal of the nerdy Peter Parker. While some felt he leaned too much into being a ‘hottie,’ others argued that this interpretation worked for the time and that Spider-Man could indeed look that way in the 2010s. The film’s visual effects, particularly the web-swinging sequences, were praised for their realism, achieved through practical rigs and stunt coordination inspired by Olympic gymnasts. Andrew Garfield’s dedication to physical training, including yoga and Pilates, was evident in his fluid movements.

The Amazing Spider-Man was a commercial success, grossing over $758 million worldwide on a budget of $200-230 million. It received generally positive reviews, with a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 66/100 on Metacritic. The film is also remembered for a memorable Stan Lee cameo, where the Marvel icon plays a librarian oblivious to the superhero battle happening around him.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2: More Action, More Heartbreak

Released on April 17, 2014, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 aimed to expand the universe and deliver even more action. Directed again by Marc Webb, the film sees Peter Parker struggling to balance his life as Spider-Man with his relationship with Gwen Stacy. The movie introduces new villains, including Electro (Jamie Foxx) and the return of Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) as the Green Goblin.

The film is known for its ambitious scope and its heartbreaking climax. While the action sequences were praised, the movie faced criticism for its convoluted plot and the sheer number of villains introduced. The podcast hosts acknowledged that the film might have tried to do too much, leading to a less cohesive story compared to the first installment.

Despite its mixed reception, both hosts agreed that the chemistry between Garfield and Stone remained a strong point. The movie’s visual effects, particularly Electro’s powers and the overall design, were also noted. The film’s budget was estimated between $200-250 million, and it earned over $709 million globally, making it another box office success for Sony, though its critical reception was lower than the first film, with a 51% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Legacy and Future Potential

Revisiting these films on ‘Road to Doomsday’ highlights their unique place in the Spider-Man legacy. While they may not have reached the iconic status of some other Marvel iterations, they offered a distinct take on Peter Parker and his world. The hosts emphasize the importance of Garfield’s performance and the emotional depth he brought to the character.

As the MCU looks towards major crossover events, the return of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man is a highly anticipated prospect. The podcast episode suggests that these earlier films provide valuable context and character development that could enrich his role in future multiverse stories. The idea that Garfield’s Peter Parker could appear in Avengers: Doomsday or Secret Wars is not just fan service; it’s a way to bring a beloved, albeit sometimes overlooked, version of the hero back into the spotlight.

The discussion also touched upon the evolution of superhero origins in film, noting that audiences are often more interested in the ‘why’ of being a hero than the ‘how’ of getting powers, a sentiment that makes the Uncle Ben tragedy in The Amazing Spider-Man particularly resonant. Ultimately, the re-evaluation suggests that Garfield’s Spider-Man movies, despite their flaws, offer a compelling and worthwhile experience for fans, especially as the multiverse opens up new possibilities.

Source: Andrew Garfield SPIDER-MAN Movies Revisited! | Road to Doomsday Ep. 17 (YouTube)