Amazing Spider-Man: Part 1, The

The Amazing Spider-Man Series are films that I’ve admittedly seen more than I’d like, so it’s hard figuring out how to get more mileage out of such worn out ground. Fortunately, I’d say lantern51’s Part 1 is a step in the right direction.

I’ll start by saying that the MVP of this edit is the audio/use of new songs.New music playing when Peter is at the Oscorp internship, him refining his approach to crime-fighting, or during the car thief scene really help to add energy & lightness into the movie.

I also appreciate some cuts made, like removing Peter skateboarding after he & Gwen get together (I guess?) & jumping to the ceiling of the train, very logical cuts that keep the pace going & don’t shatter suspension of disbelief.

That said, the pacing still needs work & music can only do so much. While I love the track when Peter is refining his approach to crime-fighting, it is interrupted by Captain Stacey talking about wanting to bring him in, only to then cut back to Peter deciding to make his suit. I’d much rather prefer the Captain Stacey scene removed, then we get an uninterrupted montage of Peter practicing his skills & making his suit.

Also, I’m still not a big fan of scene where Gwen treats Peter’s Lizard wounds. I love the new song, but the parts where she starts making out with him mid-cleaning feels too…wish-fullfillmenty for me, & not grounded like the rest of the film wants to be. I do like it when Gwen’s all “easy, Spider-Boy” & comparing Peter to her dad, though, just not the kissing.

Still though, I do appreciate a sad ending, if only for how unconventional it is. Though, I still have a complaint in that regard to the music: if you’re going to use “In the Arms of an Angel,” don’t just relegate it to the funeral itself. It would’ve been great if we heard it when Gwen showd up at Peter’s house afterwards, & then in turn lead us into the end credits punctuated by only the drops of rain.

Like I said though, this edit was a great step in the right direction for TASM edits. I’d love it if someone did an edit of TASM 1 that started in media res, either at the Oscorp Internship or Peter coming to Connor’s house, with flashbacks coming in when appropriate. Until then, I’m excited for lantern51’s Part 2.

2012's The Amazing Spider-Man is actually one of the better Spidey films overall, but despite that one has to admit that it's all over the place. Too much going on at the same time, too many subplots that ultimately amount to nothing, too doubtful a tone. With so much executive meddling that it suffered, it's kind of a miracle it's even this watchable.

So what it needed was some streamlining and some focus, and that is exactly what this edit provides. Doesn't waste any time in filler subplots, instead getting to the core, a very comic-booky story about a relatable hero vs. a pitiable villain. It even fixes the one thing I found off in Andrew Garfield's Spidey portrayal: I found his quips more mean-spirited than playful, and the trims they receive in this cut render it close to how I always pictured our favorite arachnid. And the new ending does indeed pack quite the emotional punch.

If you like the theatrical release, you'll love this cut. If you don't, you will likely find a new appreciation for it in this form. Excelsior!

Now, eagerly awaiting Part 2. And knowing how I feel about the theatrical TASM 2, that is quite a feat!

(Incidentally: if you're a comic book fan there's something that may make you chuckle: the lyrics of the song used for a deleted scene happen to title-drop a certain infamous arc in the comics...)

Having watched the original before watching this edit I found that it was a lot better than I remember but had some odd choices of characterisation and a revenge subplot with no proper resolution, this edit pretty much fixes those problems by eliminating said subplot and deleting or altering certain scenes to improve Andrew Garfield’s characterisation as the Webhead which is further improved thanks to the addition of the deleted scenes and though some of these deleted scenes vary in visual quality there addition to the narrative improves both pacing and clarity.

Some particular favourites of mine were the interactions between Peter Parker and Curt Connors as said scenes along with the official scenes cleverly and organically built up the bonding of scientific minds and there respective connections they had to Peter’s father along with how there mentor and pupil bond was slowly severed due to the obligation of there alter ego’s, this adaption of Curt Connors/The Lizard captures his comic self fairly well and I honestly didn’t mind the lack of snout as this was sort of what he looked like during the Ditko years so it felt like a nice little tribute to that era of ASM.

Curt represents the best aspects of a Spiderman Villain in my opinion someone who isn’t evil for the sake of being evil and who believes there doing good but ends up losing there way towards the end and the deleted scenes certainly helped to improve his development and chemistry, speaking of which the chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone is another reason why I’ve come to appreciate this movie and the manner in which there relationship is handled in this edit demonstrates further why there chemistry works so well.

That clocktower scene is both heartwarming yet haunting at the same time and I really love the way you ended Part 1 as it’s not only in keeping with how most Spiderman comics tend to end with one problem resolved only for another to arise but it removes his jarring 180 shift on his decision involving Gwen and the lack of resolution on that part now has more emotional weight to it and builds excitement ready for Part 2, the idea of having thunder and rain play throughout the first portion of the end credits sequence is both technically impressive and utter genius.

Additionally I enjoyed the music montage that begins around the time he falls into the wrestling ring as it’s got that feel good vibe to it just as this edit has a greater feeling of power and responsibility as a friendly neighbourhood Spiderman would have.

I very much enjoyed this new version of ASM and I very much look forward to part 2.