In 2012, 'The Amazing Spider-Man' hit theaters. It is my opinion that 'The Amazing Spider-Man' didn't do anything better than 'Spider-Man' did back in 2002. There is a vocal minority out there, that would have you believe that 'The Amazing Spider-Man' is a more faithful adaption than 'Spider-Man' was. That is simply not true. 'Spider-Man' was more recognizable as traditional "Spider-Man" storytelling than 'The Amazing Spider-Man'. Sorry, but mechanical web-shooters and asinine quips do NOT make for a more faithful adaption.
2002's 'Spider-Man' had heart, something that it's 2012 reboot lacked. That heart was provided by Sam Raimi, one of the most talented and in my opinion under-appreciated directors of today. He is a popular and well-known director, but I still feel he is under-appreciated by a substantial amount of movie fans. From 'The Evil Dead' trilogy, to 'For Love of The Game', obviously the 'Spider-Man' trilogy and even 'Oz the Great and Powerful', there isn't a director with more heart behind his pictures than Sam Raimi.
The acting was also superior in the 2002 film. Andrew Garfield may be an adequate replacement, but he fails to capture the character (The WHOLE CHARACTER, not just quipping) of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker/Spider-Man may not be the class clown a few expect, but he is a responsible character, that you believe in. Willem Dafoe is a superior villain to Rhys Ifans' Lizard, which is among the series worst portrayals. Rosemary Harris and Cliff Robertson easily best Sally Field and Martin Sheen as the more likable Aunt May and Uncle Ben, not to mention Cliff Robertson's death scene was far more emotional and impacting. Kirsten Dunst is inferior to Emma Stone as a love interest when you compare her performance in all three 'Spider-Man' movies versus Emma's performance in both 'Amazing' movies. I will argue that Kirsten Dunst in first 'Spider-Man' is every bit as good as Emma Stone in 'The Amazing Spider-Man'.
The Score. There isn't much to write here. Comparing Danny Elfman to James Horner is just plain not fair to Horner. Elfman is simply a genius. 'The Simpsons', 'Beetlejuice', 'Batman', 'Tales From The Crypt', 'Fable' and obviously 'Spider-Man'. He's done it all, and he's done it well. Sorry future composers of 'Spider-Man' films, you won't do any better than Mr. Elfman.
In May 2014, 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' was released and was... interesting. Discarding the atrocious Spider-Man costume from the 2012 film, upgrading the musical score with the talent of Hans Zimmer and adding fan-favorite villain Green Goblin to the mix. The film was mixed at best. Being blasted by critics, praised by fans, but ultimately failing as it is the lowest grossing 'Spider-Man' film to date.
While I regard 'The Amazing Spider-Man' as a pretty bad movie, I do consider 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' to be kinda sorta better. At the end of the day, there is no doubt in this Spider-Man fan's mind which of the franchises is more likable and more like Spider-Man as I know him. 'Spider-Man 1 & 2' are masterpieces of "Super-Hero" film and 'Spider-Man 3' is a masterpiece compared to the "amazing" reboot and it's sequel.
