Had been caught in a web of low expectations...

Rating: 10/10 (5 May 2002)

Well, to be honest, I had been caught in a web of low expectations from the moment that I heard Peter Parker would be played by Toby Maguire. What a relief to see that his boyish qualities played into the role of Peter Parker so well! I loved watching as Peter Parker, with his newly found powers, swing from building to building in such an inexperienced quality to it. Arms and leg flailing, while screaming at the top of his lungs. All in all, I give Toby Maguire two thumbs up for the proportion of the character that he filled with such ease.
Kirsten Dunst, a beautiful young actress who portrayed the never forgotten comic book character Mary Jane Watson, also did a superb job playing her character. I felt that with Toby Maguire playing Peter Parker, who I felt he did not resemble at all until I saw him acting the part, Kirsten Dunst can certainly pass as Mary Jane Watson, who I had originally felt also failed to resemble the character all that much. I now feel she played the role well and just hope that her character is not changed in the sequel, like in the majority of past movie sequels.
William Dafoe, although seemingly old and withered, was the one actor who I knew would fill the shoes of Green Goblin with ease! Through great voices and great movement, this character was complete. There is always one problem with every character, though, and this did not deal with the actor at all. I was so thrilled to see Dafoe as Green Goblin due to the simple fact that I thought his face actually looked quite similar to how the comic book character would look in real life footage. The costume was simply horrendous, although it did work in with the character seeing how he worked in a company that revolved around science and mechanics, such as the hover board. Dafoe played the part with excellence.
All of the characters, from J.K. Simmons role of J. Jonah Jameson to the mere part of the burglar played by Michael Papajohn, were remarkable through great acting, as well as great directing by Sam Raimi.
SPOILER (in some aspects) - One last problem, in my opinion, is the simple fact that Harry Osborn, James Franco, now holds a severe grudge against Spider-Man! I pray to God that he is not going to be the next villain, yet if the next villain or any in the future are to be Harry Osborn, he should play the part! Never change actors in sequels no matter how small the part!
Rob Ron gives this movie two big thumbs up! Big thumbs due to the simple fact that I was so into the movie I actually began sucking at them for the whole length of the movie...