Good movie with scenes connected by flawed and boring links

Rating: 8/10 (10 August 2007)

Since the 80's, I believe, Spider-Man has been trying over and over again to hit the silver screen. James Cameron got close, writing a script for the movie but the idea was thrown out. Spidey material sat silent in the dust for 8 years before Sam Raimi picked it up.
The first 45 minutes are near flawless. There were some forgettable scenes (GG attacking some air force base), and the whole wrestling scene was ridiculous, but it was all a build-up to the defining moment in Peter Parker's history; his Uncle Ben gets shot, and he seeks revenge immediately. And through this he learns the true meaning of "With great power comes great responsibility".
The second act begins right after he avenges his uncle's death. He soon becomes Spider-Man and begins to pursue the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane. Spider-Man has given him confidence, but things aren't so great for the hero for long. A new menace is on the scene, going by the moniker Green Goblin, and he has a fight- actually three- to pick with Spider-Man. His first fight is entertaining, his second a bore, and his third a cinematic marvel. He is played by the cunning Willem Dafoe, who gives a very credible role in this film.
All the performances of course, are good. Tobey Maguire does a great job as the heroic webslinger, doing justice for the emotional scenes and giving a sense of triumph in the red tights. James Franco is equally good, although he only has a couple of cameos as Peter's best friend. His final scene is promising. Kirsten Dunst does a good job as well as Rosemary Harris and Cliff Roberston. Every character is believable and fun to watch, whether it be on the silver screen or on your TV.
This movie is flawed though. While still managing greatly on the entertainment level, some of the bigger scenes can only be shown by introducing a new storyline, and it is usually done through a boring scene (Spidey's second fight with GG leads to something I don't want to say as to not spoil the film). There are plenty of scenes that are entirely forgettable, but each one leads to something more important, something bigger.
The main highlight, though, is the final battle at the end, composed of two major scenes. Both are spectacular (the Queensboro Bridge and GG vs. Spidey in the old warehouse) and do wonders for the film's presentation and credibility. And it is only followed by a great ending, leaving you wanting to watch it again.
Spider-Man is the promising opening of a good trilogy (would've said great if Spider-Man 3 wasn't part of that trilogy), and I give it a 7.2/10.