Dramatic tension, suspense depends on imperilment, uncertainty of outcomes. The flaw in the super-hero genre which this Spiderman suffers from more than most, is that because the impossible can be convincingly depicted, outcomes are either certain, therefore predictable; or unconvincingly plotted to tidy up a poorly conceived, lazily developed and badly written narrative.

The other essential component of suspense is cadence: dramatic sequences must build towards a climax with at least some element of uncertainty, doubt as to successful outcome. The action sequences in Spiderman are breathtaking in their technical expertise and utterly vapid in their contribution to narrative cadence or dramatic tension: one is gobsmacked at the frentic, one-speed (super-fast) pace. But gobsmacked fatigue soon sets in as the law of diminishing returns inexorably unwinds - very quickly.

This Spiderman is nothing more than a second rate video-game without the merit of interactivity. Zero chemistry between Stone and Garfield at least generates the right result.

A waste of time, money and hype.

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Thanks for this useful review. I only just now figured out that there was a whole new re-boot of the franchise! The posters did intrigue me, but now I'm no longer intrigued (not that I'd have the time to go anyway - I haven't been to the cinema in years). 

It's so frustrating when film makers forget that it's the story that really makes people want to keep on watching. The effects may be very special but for the viewer to have gained something from the film there has to be more than mere technical wizardry.

I agree Teika.

You might give Transcendence a look - not as good as it might have been but intriguing idea reasonably well developed. Certainly worth the time andmoney than Spidey.

best

Z

Thanks Zettel. I just now had a look at the trailer and I think it looks interesting. My husband (who knows a lot more about sci-fi then I do) thinks the story not particularly original, but seeing as neither of us knows how it ends it may well be fantastic! One for us to watch, when we get a blessed spare moment to relax :-)