Admirable

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2002)

Spider-Man is easily one of the best comics-to-screen adaptation ever. After the not-so-good attempts by Batman, Spawn (very underrated), X-Men and other superheroes (Superman did quite well), Spider-Man does, what no other has. It is an ultimate thrill-ride, with good computer generated scenes, the humor, the villain, the atmosphere and most of all - the action. All of it makes this movie a wonderful experience.
Tobey Maguire is wonderful in the role of Peter Parker and with his sort-of "loser" character approaches everyone of us. When he becomes Spider-Man, everyone of us somehow does too. He relates to us, as he is shown completely human, troubled and has gone through great loss of his loved ones. His adapting to his strengths is very funny. His character is very-well developed, something, we could not say for the rest of the characters.

Mary Jane was well portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, but her character lacked in depth. Her attraction towards Peter was baffling, as she hadn't noticed him for six years since they've moved next to him. The best character, however, is Harry Osborn (Willem Dafoe), who acts as a desperate man, who realizes that family is more important too late and is haunted by his dementia in the form of the Green Goblin. Great casting.
All in all, the movie forms a much clearer message than its predecessors in superhero movies - with great power comes great responsibility. Compliments to Sam Raimi for this great portrayal of this great superhero.
Highly recommended.
Leo Zingy
*****/*****