2002 just may have been Stan Lee's annus mirabilis

Rating: 10/10 (26 April 2006)

I'll admit that I've never really been into comic books (or do people like to call them "graphic novels"?). But whether you're into them or not, "Spider-Man" is sure to blow you away. More than just a superhero story, it shows how, as the title character reminds us: "With great power comes great responsibility." As Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire brings to the screen a superhero with whom we can all identify: misunderstood and searching for his goal in life. And Willem Dafoe makes one nasty, but cool, Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. Other cast members include Kirsten Dunst as Peter's love interest Mary Jane Watson; James Franco as Peter's friend (and Norman's son) Harry; Cliff Robertson as Peter's uncle Ben; and Rosemary Harris as Peter's aunt May.
I also have to admit that around the time when this movie came out was the first time that I'd ever heard of Stan Lee (who appears in the movie briefly). Right before the release, he made a guest appearance on "The Simpsons" (the episode where Bart creates an online cartoon about Homer's mishaps). Two thousand two must have been a great year for Lee.
All in all, you're sure to love this movie. I also recommend "Weird" Al Yankovic's song "Ode to a Superhero" (parodying "Piano Man"), about the movie. Just great. I guess that Rosemary Harris is probably the only actress who can lay claim to starring in a movie about Hungary's history ("Sunshine") and a superhero movie.