Steve Ditko, Steve Ditko, Steve Ditko, Steve Ditko

Rating: Null/10 (5 May 2002)

Even though we don't hear from the original artist of the comic you can bet he probably likes this film; I know I do and I'm sure most fans of the book will too. So much is true to the idea and original look [ stance, acrobatics, ] and so little changed for the sake of change that even the stupid Goblin mask couldn't ruin it. Once again Elfman's score perfectly displays the superhero nuance.
And yes, J. Jonah Jamison is quite well cast. References abound, Aunt May serving the turkey in particular, proving once and for all Sam Raimi's talent. It's no surprize that Willem Dafoe steals the show from Tobey who couldn't be a better choice, especially after hearing who the others were [Leonardo?? please...] Of course I had to go my first chance and as usual the matinee crowd is the most annoying bunch complete with fathers explaining to 3 year olds through the whole film, the jerk behind me on his cell phone twice!! [I'm ready to declare death penalty for phone and pager use during first-run movies ] and crinkling candy paper. Television has destroyed sensibilities for group appreciation of public art.
Two more Spideys as good as this one will be just fine by me. Raimi says the next one won't be Doc Octopus so what will that leave? And please, make the DVD release full of cut scenes, excerpts that haven't been on TV, and something from Ditko. Read the books too, they are beautiful, even in reprint!