A Web Of Intrigue

Rating: Null/10 (3 May 2002)

A perfect movie and a great movie are not the same thing. Meeting the standards of storytelling and adhering to structural guidelines reflects no more inspiration than does a flawed but heartfelt experiment. But I didn't expect artistic genius as I attended the midnight showing of SPIDER-MAN last night. That being said, I feel I should give the theatre proprietors more money. For to have so much fun for a reasonable fee must surely be unfair.

Charming? Thrilling? Take your pick. Well written? Splendidly crafted? Take those too. While you're at it, throw in a couple of your own. The story is sweet and the action is exciting. The pace is exhilarating, the visuals striking and atmospheric. I'll let somebody else comment on the effects because I don't know the technical language. But they sure looked good to me.
The delightfully simple story flies through three chapters of Peter Parker's life as fast as his strangely acquired powers carry him from building to building. Writer David Koepp wastes not a second in the transition from laughable geek to athlete of the year. Century?
Once Peter gets the hang of his new talents and sets out to defend the innocent against their natural predators, things begin to move even faster. An unspoken love bursts from a lifelong restraint. A super villain appears to challenge the dashing adventurer. Koepp even manages to explore a few relationships, not easy in a slam-bang slugfest. Peter and his surrogate parents; Peter and his would be paramour; and hero and bad-guy all make connections as we watch gleefully from aside.
As in most tales of this nature, the first act is by far the best part. The introduction of the characters, the set-up of the plot and the establishment of conflict are bound to be more interesting than a lot of smashing and crashing. To see this movie is to witness the best example of comic book table setting available.
The action scenes are entertaining, such as they are. It has been said that they happen too fast. That Spidey's web swinging should be a notch slower so we can follow more successfully. I deny neither the point nor that it occurred to me once or twice while viewing. But nothing was ambiguous. Nothing was overlooked. It was handled so much better than most offerings in this venue that I can't complain in good conscience.
Quirky Tobey Maguire is a natural fit as the misunderstood hero. The rest of the players are equally well cast. Sam Raimi's staging reveals not only skilled filmmaking but an admirable reverence for the materiel. No other movie of this type has so efficiently captured the 1960's comic book flavor and format.
With the tragic events of last year forever stamped on the national consciousness, it is a little creepy to see New York City terrorized by the maniacal Green Goblin. But that reservation is quickly alleviated by Raimi's respect for the situation. Besides, what better time for a fantasy about a modern day knight in red and blue armor who protects us from all things evil?
Who am I? Sure you want to know?