Well cast-- Kirsten Dunst and Toby McGuire are very good. "Batmanish" overkill present, but kept to a minimum

Rating: 6/10 (3 May 2002)

How could anyone resist the charms of sweet little Kirsten Dunst? Although she's now 6-foot eight, and is 47 years old. No wait--- she's still young, and a delightful actor. Her dramatic work in "Crazy/Beautiful," as well as her extensive and marvelous comedy work prior to that ("Drop Dead Gorgeous," and "Dick" are two under-appreciated modern classics)have proven her to be a major talent. She is definitely the Real Deal--- not just some poof-in-the-pan passing fad. In "Spiderman" she does the obligatory "Oooing" and "aaahing" at the hero--- but funnily, she also brings a realness to her role that goes beyond what previous comic-book-movie actresses have done. She brings an innocence and an excitement to her on-screen behaviors that is disarming and engaging for the audience. Yaay Kirsten!
Toby McGuire is well matched for the role--- "Spiderman" comic have always been a bit on the underdog side. The movie is no exception. But I was very happy to see that this movie avoided (mostly) the bizarre and depressing "dark side" vibe that somehow seduced the makers of the tedious and self-absorbed "Batman," the pretty good "Mask," and even the horrid "Monkey Bone" (from an otherwise brilliant Brendan Fraser. What happened with THAT, dood?). Spidie's world seemed virtually normal, and the sci-fi overkill was only hinted at with Willem DeFoe's space-scooter thingy that could evidently run around the sky forever on a single, invisible, tank of gas.
Over all, much more good hearted than previous movie-cartoons of comic books. WAY brighter, way better all around. Still not a masterpiece--- but entertaining enough.