Good Effects

Rating: 7/10 (4 December 2002)

"Spiderman" was an enjoyable movie overall. I wasn't all that familiar with the character before seeing the movie but I think it did a good job at telling the story and introducing the character. Tobey Maguire was good as the lead but Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst were somewhat wasted in their roles. Some of the effects seemed cartoonish and some of the violent scenes weren't cartoonish enough. The fight sequences, especially the punches to Spiderman's face, seemed too personal or intimate given the tone of the movie. There were these cold CGI sequences followed by a bloody punch to the mouth of Spiderman in slow motion. Was that really necessary? I think it ruined the tone of the movie. The Green Goblin was goofy. It did not seem real at all and that ridiculous mask hid the actor. Was that the point? Why have a famous name as the villain if he is hid by the costume. Save the expense by hiring an unknown and hiding him in a fancy costume. Kirsten Dunst was wasted except for the wet dress scene. Overall the cartoon tone and effects were enjoyable as escapist fare.