Spinning a web

Rating: 8/10 (25 July 2004)

Sam Raimi in his second installment about the comics hero, Spiderman, outdoes himself. The film is not only pleasant to the eye, but it's fun to watch. The technical details are incredible. The movie will keep the viewer entertained with all the high acrobatics and daredevil tricks.
The only thing that bothered me, is that this Spiderman is bicoastal, or maybe bicitizen. I'll explain: During the elevated train scene we are given a view of Second City, Chicago, as those trains only circulate in that city, but not in New York, and that's been so for many years. It's incredible that we're watching something taking place in Gotham and suddenly we're in the Loop with danger to fall into Lake Michigan if Spiderman doesn't stop that train. Maybe it was only me, but since I couldn't stay to check the credits, I've no idea if it's indicated in them.
Toby Maguire does a tremendous job as the hero who spins webs all over the city. Kirsten Dunst is also appealing as M.J., the woman that Peter Parker adores. Alfredo Molina is excellent, as always, as the bad scientist who is a monster. Rosemary Harris as the aunt is perfect and James Franco is also good.
A fun time at the movies.