When a movie's primary motivation is a cash grab, it's hard to conceal. The Amazing Spider-Man isn't overtly cynical, but the actual substance of the film was an afterthought. The movie just isn't interested in itself. The script is lazy, the tone is inconsistent, and the production design is painfully generic. Andrew Garfield mostly comes off tired and aimless. Plus, he is too old to be a believable high schooler. Furthermore, the editing is overdone because chaotic action sequences and unnecessary jump cuts distract from the experience. Lastly, the camera techniques are minimal, and the visuals are dull.
Still, the writing and direction are the biggest issues here. The script is plagued with problems: unmotivated characters who don't grow, dead-end plot points, and a lack of themes or meaning. The story is all filler to get to a generic fight that's far from interesting. Meanwhile, the vibe of the movie shifts between hipster romcom and action schlock, somehow taking the worst of both genres and making a truly mind-numbing experience. In the end, The Amazing Spider-Man is a lifeless product rather than a piece of art or entertainment. Viewers beware.
Writing: 3/10
Direction: 3/10
Cinematography: 5/10
Acting: 5/10
Editing: 4/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10
Production Design: 4/10
Casting: 6/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 4.9/10
This movie is an unnecessary reboot to a good franchise. In an alternate timeline we could have gotten spiderman 4 by Sam Raimi.