Just misses perfection

Rating: 8/10 (21 April 2003)

It's a great movie, but the poorly developed relationship between Peter Parker and Norman Osborn weakens the impact. The emotional climax hinges on this pseudo father-son relationship, yet the film doesn't develop it well. There are moments, glimpses of it, but not enough. The first time, it didn't dawn on me that Peter's real choice was between Ben Parker and Norman. I mean, what had we been shown to indicate that he even admired Norman, aside from having read his work?
Anyway, I've always found the Green Goblin overrated, and I'm looking more forward to other villains.
That said, it's a great movie, great effects, killer first half, good second half.