Spider-Man Victorious

Rating: Null/10 (6 May 2002)

One thing I appreciated was the honest treatment of the original tale. If you are looking for a vast departure and a new-wave perspective on Spider-Man (tho I can't think of why) don't see this film. Although the scenery is contemporary the concept of Spider-Man is totally consistent with Stan Lee's original story. Maybe I am gushing too much but I think that Raimi did an outstanding job and made a tale as familiar as Spider-Man exciting to see.
The casting was perfect and the movie is extremely efficient with no absurd scenes made-up to display some new effect or director's fancy. Two hours seem like one.
I have noticed that movie critics while praising the film also have reservations about lauding it completely and they may be correct in their view. One critic stated that while it is a fun movie and a great ride it does not have the epic feel that Superman had. I would agree with that since that isn't what the story is about. Spider-Man has always centered on one guys dilemma and the tough choices he will make. The story is a morality-play with action and adventure.
Anyone familiar with the tale of Spider-Man will rejoice in its faithful adherence to the story and be wowed by the action and the performances. Make no misconception this film has been made by fans of Spider-Man but holds universal appeal to all audiences.
Spider-Man, of course, has sequel written all over it by introducing characters that the fans will recognize and leaving enough plot lines dangling to be taken up by the sequels. However that is not news to anyone familiar with this film project and sequels are already in the works. What I meant to intimate and what I hope is true that from what I saw Friday night is the outlook for the web-slinger is exceptionally strong and I don't think I have to worry about them Batman-izing the Spider-Man Saga. You know what I mean...Remember Batman and how strong the original movie was...well the concept of the series and the plotlines degenerated into a cheesy franchise that became painful to watch. I think the powers behind Spider-Man acknowledged that and left PLENTY of room for growth and are not going to rely on how impressive the effects and how cool looking the Spider-mobile (joke...there is no such thing) is to carry the movie.