Right film, right time

Rating: Null/10 (13 June 2002)

Slick special effects hung over a simple plot don't always make for a good film. Fortunately, 'Spider-Man' is saved from being just another big-budget Hollywood blowout by the utterly guileless performance of Tobey Maguire and the humorous touch of Sam Raimi and the writers. A darker tone might have made it more interesting, but than can wait for one of the many sequels which are undoubtedly in pre-production. The choices they made this time were the right ones: America needs a hero right now, and any film which has a bridge full New Yorkers rallying behind an everyday guy as he fights a villainous mastermind is going to rock at the US box-office  especially after that oh-so-unfortunate teaser trailer involving the WTC towers.