Off The Wall!

Rating: Null/10 (5 May 2002)

Good show! Raimi's not a blockbuster director, but then "Spiderman" isn't a blockbuster film, no matter what the release date implies. It is, however, a great *comic book* film and a model for other directors (who often equate comic book films with stuff that blows up real good) to follow.
BTW, if you're the type of "film"-goer who wants to see stuff blow up real good to a Mystikal soundtrack, skip "Spiderman" and wait for the next excretion from Michael Bay. This film's virtues will be lost on you.
I agree with NY Times' A.O. Scott that the most interesting parts of the movie are the intimate ones. "Spiderman" is an oddball insofar as the human drama is often more thrilling than the action setpieces. The special effect feel a little detached from the main story, which is really a tug of war between Ben and Norman for guardianship status with Peter and a tug of war between Peter and Harry for boyfriend status with Mary Jane. It's a neat interpersonal setup; the dialog is clunky, but Raimi and his actors do a fantastic job of selling it. The resolution between MJ and Parker at the end was both inspired and appropriate; it's a great counterpoint to his earlier selfishness ("You forgot to mention the part where I care") to have him turn his back on the thing he wants the most to answer the call of duty.
The performances are excellent all around. No one here is counting his or her paycheck. Maguire is perfectly cast and really works as a vehicle for the wish fulfillment of everyone's inner geeky teen. Willem Dafoe adopts an effective less-is-more approach to Norman Osborne; there are moments when you cringe in anticipation of him suddenly lashing out. (The Green Goblin perf, though, is what you'd expect: a comic book caricature.) James Franco, as Norman Osborn's troubled son, is also in great form.
I liked the Raimi-isms, too (the montage sequences and neat screen wipes). Anyone worried about Evil Dead-ish camera freakouts should come away pleased. They're infrequent and tastefully deployed.
My grade: a solid A. Looks like 2002 is the year Marvel finally gets its act together.