When I first read about Spider-man 4 being canceled, I was ecstatic. Not that I hated Raimi's version of the web-head (and it was a very good first try that led the way in how to create a great superhero movie - with respect and dedication), but it was just that it wasn't true to the heart and soul of what Spider-man is. Sure, it had the angst of Peter Parker, but Raimi did not bring the absolute exhilaration and freedom that Peter felt when becoming Spider-man - especially the "humor" of Spidey's quips. My slight disappointment aside, Raimi's trilogy was a good one, but it is time to move on.

However, the fact that they're 'rebooting' the franchise isn't the problem; the problem is is that they're doing it so soon. Let us compare the Spider-man movie franchise to that of the Batman franchise. Both started off with relatively well received movies, but then ended with rather lackluster films that made people question whether or not the film series should continue. What's the difference between the beginning film series'? While Spider-man had really only one true weak link in the chain (Spider-man 3) with some relative flaws in a competent movie, Batman had regurgitated films that contributed to the idea that superheros films are nothing more than campy pieces of drivel - Batman has created one of the worst superhero movies of all time, while Spider-man just made a mild one. If Spider-man had become bogged down with quality on the horrid level of Batman and Robin, then an immediate reboot might seem like a god-send, however, it seems just more like a ploy to squeeze more money out of the pockets of Spidey-fans everywhere.

Instead of just waiting for the effects of the most recent trilogy to pass, Sony wants to jump on it NOW. Like most studios, understandably, they want money and they want it as soon as they can get it. The problem is however, with such limited time to hammer details and work on a Spider-man reboot with care, they're fast tracking the movie asap. What does that mean for us? Most likely, we'll get a rushed product, and except for a couple of rare occasions, rushed products tend to find their quality amongst the trashcans. With Batman, time had passed. Ideas were formulated and crafted over a long period of time with the creative team. Warner bros. even had the sense to not rush a Batman Begins sequel after its success and what we got out of that wait was The Dark Knight. And similarly, while a third Batman movie is underway, studios were wise not to push out the product too soon and let Nolan have some time off to work on other projects to not be overwhelmed with another Batman film so soon.

In short, I have a feeling we're going to get gypped on the deal. While the inclusion of famed scriptwriter James Vanderbilt gives me a glimmer of hope, I have a feeling that the executives at Sony are thinking "with great unrestrained enthusiasm comes great profit".

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