What can I say? (SPOILER)

Rating: 9/10 (20 June 2002)

Being a comic fan myself, this film was a must see for me. The pre-release complaints levelled at the film did not distract me at all (and who gives a damn how Spiderman spins his webs?!?!), and I aimed to go in with noe preconcetpions. And I was stunned.
This movie illustrates how a superhero film can be made without bogging itself down in special effects and action sequences. It gives us characters we can relate to, even the (I'll admit, not the best written) Green Goblin has a human side of him. Unlike X-Men which felt more like an introduction, Spiderman stands as a story in itself. There is more to come, yes. But we now have a strong handle on Spiderman's universe.
there are some minor flaws though. the Americanisms were annoying but sparse, so I can't really complain. The Green Goblins suit still seems out of place to me, but it doesn't destory the film. Mary Jane's character seemed somewhat underdeveloped compared to the comic, but it was still wonderfully played out by Kirsten Dunst. And the Green Goblin's death- disapointing, but then again I know his career from the comics.

Sam Raimi has done a great job of reflecting what Spiderman is truly about. Even the comics have wandered off the point sometimes. Spiderman is a hero who does not have the best of lives, but he works at it. I think the ending sums it up nicely- (SPOILER) Harry Osborne's feelings towards Spiderman are something Clark Kent nor Bruce Wayne never had to face. And that ending with Mary Jane- I nearly cried my eyes out...