---
title: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
year: 2012
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-amazing-spider-man"
fi1m_id: "the-amazing-spider-man"
imdb_id: "tt0948470"
tmdb_id: 1930
wikidata_id: "Q229808"
fi1m_score: 64
critics_score: 63
critics_reviews: 23
published: "2026-10-05T12:31:01.388733+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-05T12:31:02.255869+00:00"
region: "ES"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Directed by Marc Webb · 2h 16m · ICAA 7 · Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

## Identity

The Amazing Spider-Man

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-amazing-spider-man
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-amazing-spider-man
- **IMDb ID:** tt0948470
- **TMDB ID:** 1930
- **Wikidata ID:** Q229808
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1930, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q229808

**Fi1m score: 64** · Critics 63 from 23 reviews

*In a sentence:* Garfield and Stone flirt so well that the giant lizard feels like an interruption

> Marc Webb retells an origin story the cinema finished with five years earlier, and gets away with it on the strength of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. The romance is lovely; the villain is a lizard in a lab coat, and the plot barely troubles to explain him.

## Synopsis

New York. Four-year-old Peter Parker (Max Charles) wakes to find his parents, Richard (Campbell Scott) and Mary (Embeth Davidtz), packing a briefcase in the night and leaving him with Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). Years later Peter (Andrew Garfield) is a skinny high-school outsider with a skateboard and a camera, shoved about by Flash Thompson (Chris Zylka) and tongue-tied around Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), the cleverest girl in the class. He finds his father’s old case, follows a name in it to Dr Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), a one-armed geneticist trying to regrow limbs, and in the laboratory where Connors works he is bitten by a spider. By morning he can stick to ceilings and break a bathroom tap. Gwen’s father, Captain Stacy (Denis Leary), is the policeman who will soon want to know who the masked man is.

## Review

Ten years after Sam Raimi’s [*Spider-Man*](https://film.one/film/spider-man), and five after his third film closed the series, Sony has started again from the beginning. Marc Webb’s *The Amazing Spider-Man* retells the origin: the orphaned boy, the bite, the uncle, the mask. The question the film cannot escape is whether anyone needed to hear it again so soon, and the honest answer is no. What saves it is that the two people telling it are Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, and they are good enough company that for long stretches we stopped minding.

Garfield plays Peter Parker as a stammering boy on a skateboard who talks too fast when he is nervous and cannot look at a girl without rearranging his hair. He is funny long before he is heroic. Stone’s Gwen Stacy is top of the class and knows it, and she gives Peter nothing he has not earned. Their scene in a school corridor, where he tries to ask her out and never finishes a sentence, is the best thing in the film and would be the best thing in most films of this size.

John Schwartzman shoots New York at dusk and after dark, in ambers and deep blues, and when Peter swings the camera goes with him, sometimes to the point of looking out through the mask, so the street rushes up and drops away. It is the first time the swinging has had weight: he misjudges, he hits things, he is sore the next morning. Kym Barrett’s suit is darker and narrower than Raimi’s, with smaller eyes and a texture like a basketball, and it hangs on Garfield’s thin frame like something a teenager made in his bedroom, which is what it is meant to be.

Sheen is the film’s conscience, and he plays Ben as a man who says the right thing slightly too late and knows it. Denis Leary’s Captain Stacy, a police captain who regards the masked man as a vigilante, gets the film’s one good dinner-table argument, with Peter defending Spider-Man to a man with a badge while Gwen watches him dig the hole.

The trouble is the plot, and the plot is Rhys Ifans. Dr Curt Connors, a one-armed geneticist who once worked with Peter’s father, is a decent man who becomes a monster, and Ifans plays the decent man well: tired, courteous, hungry for a cure. But the Lizard he becomes is a smooth, snouted, faintly human thing that never once frightened us, and its scheme, when it finally arrives, is the kind a screenwriter settles for at the end of a long week. The screenplay, by James Vanderbilt, Steve Kloves and Alvin Sargent, opens a mystery about Peter’s parents and then forgets it for an hour. Irrfan Khan turns up as a corporate menace, threatens Connors twice and leaves the film. We can name the moment, roughly ninety minutes in, when the love story stopped and the lizard story started, because it was the moment we stopped leaning forward.

Pietro Scalia and Alan Edward Bell cut 136 minutes, and the middle hour feels every one of them, because the film must stop for each beat the origin demands: the bite, the fight at school, the night Peter walks out on his uncle. We know the beats; the film knows we know them; it does them anyway, carefully, like a student showing working. J. Michael Riva’s Oscorp is a glass tower of white light with the laboratory at the top, and the sewers beneath the city are the usual sewers.

Raimi’s [*Spider-Man 2*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-2) (2004) understood that this is the story of a boy who cannot have the life he wants, and it put the villain second. Webb’s film has the same understanding for an hour and then hands the last forty minutes to the monster.

See it for Garfield and Stone, who are better than the film around them. It carries a 12A, and the Lizard is loud rather than scary, so older children will be fine. If you have seen the earlier films you will know where every scene is going; if you have not, this is a kinder, funnier place to start.

*Fi1m score 64, published 5 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics find this reboot entertaining and better acted than it needed to be, and the praise clusters on Andrew Garfield. His gawkier, moodier Peter Parker is called sharp, funny and convincing, and his rapport with Emma Stone is the thing most reviews single out. Several say the quieter scenes, the romance and the home life with Uncle Ben, work better than the set-pieces, though Webb’s grounded, fluid action also has its admirers.

The reservations are about necessity. Even the warm reviews ask why the origin story is being told again so soon after Raimi’s trilogy, and the cooler ones call it a paraphrase of films we have already seen. The Lizard is widely judged a weak villain, with The Guardian a rare voice finding Rhys Ifans sympathetic. The spread is wide, from four-star notices to the Evening Standard, which finds it slow, angsty and of limited appeal to adults.

## Straight answers

**Is The Amazing Spider-Man worth watching?**

*The Amazing Spider-Man* is worth watching for Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, whose romance is the best thing in it, and we scored it 64. The retold origin story is one the cinema finished with five years earlier, and the Lizard villain never frightened us, so the last forty minutes are a long way down from the first hour.

**How long is The Amazing Spider-Man, and what is it rated?**

*The Amazing Spider-Man* runs 2h 16m and is rated 7 by the ICAA in Spain. It is an action and adventure film.

**Where can I watch The Amazing Spider-Man in Spain?**

*The Amazing Spider-Man* is streaming on Netflix and Disney+ in Spain, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is The Amazing Spider-Man, and is it suitable for children?**

*The Amazing Spider-Man* carries a 12A certificate, and the Lizard is loud rather than scary, so older children will be fine with it. The violence is comic-book action with little to disturb anyone over ten, and the film spends more of its 136 minutes on a school-corridor romance than on the monster.

**How does The Amazing Spider-Man compare to Spider-Man 2?**

*The Amazing Spider-Man* is the kinder, funnier place to start, but [*Spider-Man 2*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-2) is the better film. Raimi's sequel understood that Peter Parker's unhappiness mattered more than the villain's plan and kept the monster second; Webb's film has the same understanding for an hour and then hands the ending to a lizard in a lab coat.

**What should I watch after The Amazing Spider-Man?**

After *The Amazing Spider-Man*, try [*Spider-Man 2*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-2) (2004, Fi1m 85): The version that knew the boy’s unhappiness mattered more than the villain’s plan. Then [*The Fly*](https://film.one/film/the-fly) (1986, Fi1m 88): A kind scientist becomes something else, and Cronenberg makes you feel every stage of it; and [*Attack the Block*](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block) (2011, Fi1m 84): South London teenagers against monsters, with more wit per minute than most superhero films.

### Reviews we read (23)

- **Little White Lies**, Matt Bochenski (3/4/4): The critic calls the film a major success that creates its own mythology and future. He praises Webb’s grounded, fluid action and Andrew Garfield’s sympathetic performance, while noting some stale story elements and an underwritten female role. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/the-amazing-spider-man)
- **Time Out**, Dave Calhoun (4/5): Time Out gives the film a positive four-star review. The available page metadata does not reveal what the critic specifically praises or criticizes. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-amazing-spider-man)
- **Total Film**, Kevin Harley (4/5): Harley finds the reboot bumpy but ultimately stylish and engaging enough to earn a sequel. He praises Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone’s chemistry, as well as the visceral action set-pieces. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/the-amazing-spider-man-review/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Jordan Mintzer (76/100, inferred): Mintzer finds the reboot satisfying, with a darker take on Spider-Man balanced by humor and a convincing origin story. He especially praises the witty, realistic chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, while noting that the 3D feels unnecessary. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/amazing-spider-man-film-review-340662/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (75/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the reboot potent and entertaining, with Andrew Garfield convincing as Spider-Man and the story more emotionally literate. He particularly praises Rhys Ifans as a compelling, sympathetic adversary. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/jul/04/the-amazing-spiderman-review)
- **Variety**, Boyd van Hoeij (70/100, inferred): The critic finds it an entertaining, emotionally involving reboot that favors character drama over nonstop action. He praises the chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, while finding the Lizard less compelling than the human story. [Read](https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/the-amazing-spider-man-1117947790/)
- **Vulture**, David Edelstein (70/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the reboot unnecessary but surprisingly good and fresher than the previous series’ third film. He particularly praises Emma Stone’s intelligence and screen presence, which he says makes the romance sparkle. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2012/06/movie-review-the-amazing-spider-man.html)
- **Empire**, Ian Freer (68/100, inferred): Freer finds the reboot enjoyable and fresh, though uneven and less spectacular than its predecessor. He especially praises the believable central relationship and the performances of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/amazing-spider-man-review/)
- **RogerEbert.com** (64/100, inferred): The review’s verdict cannot be determined because the page is blocked. Its specific praise or criticism is likewise unavailable. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-amazing-spider-man-2012)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but the critic’s verdict is unavailable in the accessible text. No specific praise or complaint can be determined from the page shown. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/the-amazing-spider-man/5043705.article)
- **Radio Times**, Stella Papamichael (3/5): The review finds the film a hasty re-spin that covers familiar ground. It praises Andrew Garfield’s moodier take on Peter Parker, though it says he can seem smug. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-qk8jy2/the-amazing-spiderman/)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (50/100, inferred): Dargis finds the reboot enjoyable but largely unnecessary. She singles out Andrew Garfield’s performance as a bright spot. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/03/movies/review-the-amazing-spider-man-with-andrew-garfield.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Andy Klein (40/100, inferred): Klein finds the film entertaining but ultimately superfluous, especially for viewers familiar with Raimi’s trilogy. He praises the more compelling romantic chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, while criticizing the familiar action and story. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/socal/burbank-leader/entertainment/tn-pas-0708-film-review-latest-spiderman-is-diverting-but-not-amazing-story.html)
- **The New Yorker** (40/100, inferred): The critic finds the film occasionally charming but ultimately too heavy and lacking in stakes. Garfield’s helpless, newly powered Peter Parker is singled out as entertaining, while the film’s ponderousness draws complaint. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/the-amazing-spider-man)
- **Evening Standard** (30/100, inferred): The review finds the reboot slow and overly angsty, with limited appeal for adults. It praises Andrew Garfield’s performance as gawky and nervous yet appealing. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/the-amazing-spiderman-3d-review-7917599.html)
- **HeyUGuys**, Ben Mortimer (4/5): The critic finds the film entertaining and a more satisfying Spider-Man adaptation, despite pacing problems and a weak villain. They especially praise Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker as sharp, funny, and true to the character. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/the-amazing-spider-man-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the reboot thrilling and well handled despite questioning whether another Spider-Man film was needed so soon. The spectacular Manhattan-swinging sequences stand out, while some action feels overly choreographed. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/amazing-spider-man-review-refurbished-runs-new-46196/)
- **/Film**, Angie Han (7.25/10): Han finds the reboot good but not compelling enough to justify retelling Spider-Man’s origin so soon. She praises Andrew Garfield’s performance and the film’s heartfelt character relationships, while faulting its familiar superhero plot and unimpressive action. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/521864/the-amazing-spiderman-review-short-spectacle-big-heart/)
- **Eye for Film**, Stephen Carty (68/100, inferred): Carty finds the reboot worthwhile despite its familiar story, weak villain, and frustrating plot issues. He especially praises Andrew Garfield’s performance as a convincing, definitive Peter Parker. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/the-amazing-spider-man-2012-film-review-by-stephen-carty)
- **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (3/5): The critic finds the film entertaining but less memorable and emotionally effective than Sam Raimi’s original. They praise the lively rapport between Garfield and Stone, while faulting the weaker emotional punch. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a389799/the-amazing-spider-man-review/)
- **NME**, Owen Nicholls (60/100, inferred): The review finds the reboot adequate but too repetitive to establish its own identity, while recommending it. It praises Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, whose performances and chemistry make a sequel appealing. [Read](https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/the-amazing-spider-man-film-review-767643)
- **Paste**, Michael Burgin (5.9/10): Burgin argues that the reboot is an inferior paraphrase of the earlier Spider-Man films and is also weakened by contrived plot developments. He praises Andrew Garfield as the film’s strongest asset, finding him more convincing as an angsty teenager than Tobey Maguire. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/the-amazing/the-amazing-spider-man)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (2/5): Brew finds the reboot disappointing, overly cautious, and lacking excitement. He praises Andrew Garfield’s performance and the scenes focused on Peter Parker’s relationships, especially with Gwen Stacy and Uncle Ben. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-amazing-spider-man-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Marc Webb
- **Director:** Marc Webb
- **Screenplay:** James Vanderbilt, Alvin Sargent, Steve Kloves
- **Story:** James Vanderbilt
- **Cinematography:** John Schwartzman
- **Editor:** Pietro Scalia, Alan Edward Bell
- **Music:** James Horner
- **Production design:** J. Michael Riva
- **Costume design:** Kym Barrett
- **Producer:** Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach
- **Cast:** Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man / Peter Parker; Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy; Rhys Ifans as The Lizard / Dr. Curt Connors; Denis Leary as Captain Stacy; Martin Sheen as Uncle Ben; Sally Field as Aunt May; Irrfan Khan as Rajit Ratha; Campbell Scott as Richard Parker
- **Runtime:** 2h 16m
- **Certificate (ICAA):** 7
- **Release (Spain):** 6 July 2012
- **Genres:** Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
- **Budget:** $215 million
- **Box office:** $759 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLxul0Vzuhk

## Where to watch in Spain

- Netflix: streaming
- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy €5.99, sd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €5.99, sd

*Checked 2026-10-05.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2013: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Spider-Man 2* (2004), Fi1m 85: The version that knew the boy’s unhappiness mattered more than the villain’s plan. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spider-man-2.md)
- *(500) Days of Summer* (2009): Webb’s first film, and the clearest sign of where Peter and Gwen’s scenes came from.
- *Chronicle* (2012): Three teenagers get powers and film themselves; cheaper, nastier and more honest about it.
- *The Fly* (1986), Fi1m 88: A kind scientist becomes something else, and Cronenberg makes you feel every stage of it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-fly.md)
- *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: South London teenagers against monsters, with more wit per minute than most superhero films. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-amazing-spider-man