By now Christopher Nolan’s reputation and track record are capable of marketing a movie all their own. His affinity for bombastic effects and somewhat distracting scores have become a double-edged sword. While the effects and editing in this movie are impressive, the fact that no special effects were used is something I only would have known from reading headlines, as it didn’t really seem necessary while watching the film.

It’s only been five years since director Sam Raimi wrapped his take on the Spider-Man comic book character. Still, Sony decided that was long enough to merit a complete franchise reboot. “The Amazing Spider-Man,” directed by Marc Webb, returns to the origins of the character, explaining how an average kid named Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) acquired remarkable, spider-like powers. The film also gives Peter a new love interest, the beautiful Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), daughter of New York City police captain George Stacy (Denis Leary). 

As a writing-directing team, Peter and Bobby Farrelly have been consistently inconsistent. Their filmography ranges from the sublime comedy “There’s Something About Mary” to the less enticing “Hall Pass.” Still, their films are always worth consideration because when they’re good, they’re very good.  Sadly, the Farrellys’ Three Stooges homage is a failure, although it’s hard to hold them entirely at fault.