enjoyable comic book retread

Rating: Null/10 (8 November 2002)

While Kirsten Dunst isn't as feisty as Margot Kidder from the Superman franchise, Tobey Mcguire is right on target as the meek nerd who soon becomes the web weaving title hero. He offers a very complex and conflicted performance, especially the final scene at the cemetary where he must choose between true love and duty. JK Simmons from tv's Law and Order and Oz is hilarious in his few scenes at the crotchedty editor from the Daily Bugle and offers the best moments of comedy. Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin costume is eye popping but the actor playing his son looks and sounds like he took too much valium. A definite sleep walking job there. Overall: a fun time at the movies, whether big screen or home video/DVD. Much more emotionally moving than your average gigantic blockbuster.