Look out, here comes the Spider-Man!

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2009)

"Spider-Man" was one of the movies that really got the ball rolling for superheroes on film. Kicked around Hollywood for years, Spider-Man finally hit the big screen in the summer of 2002 and became a huge hit. It has spawned two sequels so far and has helped to pave the way for a bevy of comic book films (most of which pale in comparison).
The story begins with teenage social outcast Peter Parker, who, following a bite from a genetically enhanced spider, gains super powers and is presented with the question of what he is going to do with his newfound abilities. The story sticks close to the comic book origin and does a fine job of setting up the character's personal struggles. These struggles have always been integral to the character because they help to make Spider-Man more human and therefore more identifiable.
Thankfully, the producers assembled an enviable cast to populate this story. Tobey McGuire, Kirsten Dunst & James Franco, despite their relative youth, already had some fine performances to their credit and do not disappoint here. Then there's two-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe, who really sinks his teeth into his villainous dual role. The film also features Oscar winner Cliff Robertson as Peter's uncle Ben and Oscar nominee Rosemary Harris as his aunt May. J.K. Simmons is also memorable in his role as cigar-chomping newspaper editor J. Jonah Jameson.
Director Sam Raimi does a good job of bringing the story to life, ably handling both the dramatic elements and the action set-pieces. The special effects are well handled, as is Danny Elfman's score.
I could nitpick and say that a few things are perhaps a little too comic book-ish but that seems inappropriate. Overall, the film's mix of action and drama is a cut above the usual superhero fare. In any case, I've seen the movie at least four or five times, including twice in theatres, so that should give an idea of the film's lasting appeal.