Spider-Man
What an excellent movie. Tobey Maguire has just the right mix of geekiness to pull off a convincing performance as Peter Parker as well as Spider-Man. Unlike most 'super-hero' movies, Spider-Man doesn't just dive right into the action but tells the story of how Peter Parker became to be Spider-Man, which gives this movie its necessary depth. Kirsten Dunst performs quite well as Mary Jane Watson. The acting overall in the movie is casual and down to earth, which lets the viewer connect with it or even identify with it more easily.
Even though Spider-Man's abilities are out of this world, the way the viewer is introduced to them — watching Peter Parker struggle and experiment with his new abilities — just works really well. The movie deviates from the comic by outfitting Peter Parker with organic rather than mechanical web shooters, a change that was introduced by James Cameron.
The Green Goblin, however (and to no fault of Willem Dafoe), does not quite fit the picture so gracefully. The somewhat Bat-Man'esque villain seems to feature far-fetched and much less believable powers, only to be topped by a slightly rediculous costume.
The movie is enjoyable for most ages, and highly recommended. Viewers familiar with the Spider-Man comic may recognise subtle hints at possible future characters, the Hob Goblin, and Dr. Connors (Lizard), who fired Peter for being late so many times.
Posted: May 3rd, 2002 under Movies.