Do NOT miss this one!

Rating: 10/10 (8 June 2002)

I grew up with all the COOL superheroes - Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The Green Hornet. Love those dark souls to death. So, when I heard they chose baby-faced Toby Maguire as the twilight lead in "Spiderman", I cringed and vowed not to see it. Well, I couldn't take it anymore, especially after hearing "Hero" (why do they ALWAYS wait until the last of the credits to play the best songs?). The dark possibilities drew me against my will, and I saw Spiderman today. Wow! WOW!
Mom always said to watch out for the quiet ones as still waters run deep, and Maquire's performance as dear dark Spidey was no exception. He may appear cherubic, but there's definitely more going on than meets the eye. He was a wonderful surprise, and I live now for the sequel when an older, wiser Maguire takes on more evil in our world. His performance was powerful without being overpowering or over-the-top. He's an actor to be reckoned with.
I've loved Kirsten Dunst's performances since I first laid eyes on her in "Interview With A Vampire" (as Claudia). She magically makes each role her own, and she's shown great range in her brief career. My only complaint with her role as MJ in "Spiderman" is superficial - she looks nearly asleep in many of her close-ups. (Perhaps pretty boy Maguire has her under his spell?)
Willem Defoe let's it all hang out as Gobby (don't you just love Spidey's pet name for the nasty Green Goblin?) and he's a blast. He's completely convincing as the schizophrenic madman who tries to destroy Spidey and everyone he loves. I almost forgot he was the bad man a couple of times and felt sorry for him.
This film would never have worked had it not been for the genius of Sam Raimi (another selling point for getting me to the theatre). He's shows more subtlety in "Spiderman" but his trademark slo-mo's are still there, and he takes what could have been another boring superhero flick and adds his unique brand of excitement (can you imagine "The Quick and The Dead" without Raimi's influence?)
All in all, the film is a great afternoon romp, and I may go see it again (to hold me until the sequel). There are a couple of scenes that will bewilder the very young, though there were some in the audience and they didn't seem to be too disturbed. Still, I wouldn't chance it with anyone under 10. The Green Gob is pretty scary.