Great fun

Rating: 8/10 (7 July 2004)

I wasn't overly hyped by the release this movie as I was by other recent releases. I figured it would be a safe and fun movie to watch with my girlfriend and her son; along with my friends' daughter and her sister. I have to say that I left the theater very pleased. Not only was the movie never boring, but it was also very good as a movie to watch with the kids.
Much like Batman, the strength/weakness of the movie can depend on the ability of the actors portraying the villains. Molina was fantastic as Doctor Otto Octavius. I was also pleased to see Willem Dafoe return for a brief appearance. I was glad the focus was never on the fight scenes, rather on the inner struggle Peter Parker has with himself. The fight scenes were secondary, but always added excitement. I also liked the growth of the Spiderman character. He is still kept as a regular person, unlike the Bruce Wayne-type in Batman who is somehow a superior physical specimen and a multi-millionaire.
For once I have to say the CGI was excellent. I am a fan of old-school special effects, but this time I'll say the CGI used added to the plot and overall enjoyment rather than taking over and becoming the abstract star of the movie.
Also, the J. Jonah Jameson character is FANTASTIC! I can't believe how perfectly they have captured the look and attitude of the character from the comic book! It was simply amazing! He steals the film whenever he's onscreen.
As a former avid comicbook reader I have to admit to being a bit disappointed in the exclusion of Parker's romances with Felicia (The Black Cat), Betty Brant, and Gwen Stacey, but I always must remember that this is a movie for general FILM VIEWERS, not for already-existing fans of the character. My mother would have no clue about those characters. I use her as my example of a general viewer.
This is THE movie hit of the summer. It is the one movie that I feel everyone, as a family, should go see. You won't be disappointed. The Spiderman franchise is the best of the superhero genre, in my opinion -- and that includes Batman, Superman, The Crow, Blade, Daredevil, Hellboy and Spawn. Not the best movie of all-time, but definitely a must-see.