Brilliant Family Film

Rating: 10/10 (10 June 2004)

Spider-man was a brilliant movie. Sam Rami (director), being a spider-fan from the beginning helped the franchise superbly. The crossover from comic to film was done in the best way I could have imagined as it introduced the villain on a more emotional level as peter parkers best friends father. The story was well paced and developed well through to the end. The characterisation of comic characters were perfectly portrayed, especially that of J. Jonah Jameson by the wonderfully talented J.K Simmons. One of the best moves I think, contrary to many fans, was the updating and realism they gave to the Green Goblins costume, incorporating Normans military and machine background and collection of tribal masks. Willem Dafoe as the green goblin, I think stole the show and outdone the superbly talented Toby Maguire. The scene where he has a delusional discussion with his alter ego through the mirror is wonderfully portrayed in a psychotic manner and adds to the realism of Dafoe's schizophrenia. I also think the end paved perfectly for the 2nd film leaving Harry a bitter man, and a shadow of his departed father. Spider-man in close league with 'X-men' is definitely the best comic turned film we have seen. With the arrival of spider-man 2 however it will crush 'X-men' to dust!