The Amazing Spider-Man strikes again.

Rating: Null/10 (12 May 2002)

Tobey Maguire may have been an unusual choice for an action hero, but for showing the gawky Peter Parker side of the web-slinging arachnoid, he was clearly the right man for the job. When not amid a hail of action and explosions, Tobey Maguire gives such life to Mr. Parker as to give much satisfaction to those of us who grew up watching countless episodes of the animated Spider-Man. Kirsten Dunst as Mary-Jane Watson was a clear winner, as the writers remembered to bring back such wonderful tidbits as her calling Peter "Tiger," and those wonderful eyes added so much to the character. For long-time fans, it's a great piece, and is sure to make new long-time fans. Finally, Willem Dafoe, in a villainous part that surprisingly upstages even the hero, gives an excellent performance, with emotion and vitality. I've never seen any actor give such a chilling performance. Want to see an incredible sequence? Keep an eye out for Dafoe's mirror scene. He succeeds very well in bringing out the maniacal nature of the Green Goblin, as he descends into madness right before the audience. Most of the credit for the incredible adaptation of this classic tale should go to the casting director. The writers had a rich history to draw from, and the director had to be careful not to tread too heavily on the existing legacy, but the casting director quite honestly kicked major butt. All of the actors and actresses fit like a glove, and the movie is a must-see for any age. Definitely a classic in my book.