This is how to adapt comic books to film

Rating: Null/10 (23 June 2003)

Dorky teenager Peter Parker gets bitten by a radioactive spider, and suddenly he has the strength and agility of a spider, plus the ability to stick to walls and shoot webbing. Then he has to juggle his secret superhero exploits with his complex personal life and job. "Spider-Man" is a very good film, thanks to three people. First, Stan Lee, who created the character, came up with a wonderful concept that --unlike Superman or Batman -- presented a very real, human, sympathetic superhero. Second, Sam Raimi, the director of this film, understands comic books and was the perfect filmmaker to adapt the saga; he didn't let special effects overshadow the story and characters here. Third, Tobey Maguire is terrific as Peter Parker/Spiderman, capturing the essence of a science nerd coming to grips with both his new superpowers and his the responsibilities they bring. It's fun, funny, a little tense in parts, and even has its truly touching moments.