hmmmm - was good but coulda been a whole lot better.

Rating: Null/10 (8 June 2002)

There was always gonna be a lot of pressure on any director who took this film aboard. Sam Raimi had a lot to contend with - and even more to achieve. When I first heard that Tobey Maguire had been cast as Peter Parker, I did have my doubts - but in hindsight and after watching Tobey in action, I can't imagine anyone else playing a better Peter Parker. Maguire successfully brings across the teenage angst, isolation and comedy associated with the Peter Parker character. His 'lost in space' persona, boy-ish grins and mannerisms are ideal. Kirsten Dunst is so-so. She isn't
bad, but could have pushed her character just the bit further. We, or I at least, felt very little sympathy her character where it was due - living in a poor, dysfunctional family - her constant harrassment, use and abuse merely as a trophy figure for jocks (Flash Thompson) and wealthy rich kids like Harry Osbourn. JK Simmons was entertaining as a more comical J. Jonah Jameson character than portrayed in the comic-books or cartoons - but it suited the character well in this film at least.
Cliff Robertson was neither here-nor-there as Uncle Ben. Aunt May's portrayl was poor and lacking in parts where emotion was needed. However, my biggest character disappointment was Willem Dafoe's portrayl of the Green Goblin. Granted, the story between Norman and Harry was a welcome and interesting insight - but Dafoe could have brought so much more depth and menace and madness and black comedy to his lunatic alter-ego, as Jack Nicholson did with The Joker in the first Batman.
David Koepp's script was adequate, though I did feel much of the movie was rushed in scenes where it should not have been, and vice-versa - as well as many plot holes and inappropriacies (eg. Uncle Ben shot on a NYC street as opposed to at home) - it may be forgiven, because this movie had a lot to establish and serve up within a reasonable (2hr) amount of time. I believe Sam Raimi was aware of this requirement and hence, did have to allow for some unavoidable inadequacies as a result.
However, Spiderman has superb possibilities as a franchise, but it has to be handled very carefully - not like Warner Bros Batman or Superman series. It shouldn't lose the vital human story to action and dual villans. The reason Spiderman works is because it is a human story first and foremost - the audience relates to this. There is a great romantic element which should be delicately exploited. People have to feel for this character. PLEASE SONY, DON'T DESTROY WHAT COULD BE THE BIGGEST JEWEL IN YOUR CROWN. Spiderman has to be rooted in reality with fantastical elements. Raimi can do this. Now Spiderman has an established plot-base, this has to be developed and explored.
Spiderman could be a great movie power - intelligent, emotional and always exciting. I hope writers, Raimi, Ziskin and Bryce will learn from their own lessons in Spiderman. With great power, comes great responsibility.