fight sequences win -- recast Topher as Parker?...

Rating: 6/10 (12 May 2007)

I'm giving this one a 6 with several criticisms along the way. Quick Summary: Definite date/chick flick. If you want to get your action fix on and still go see it with your significant other, then this is the one.
I tolerated Toby's quivering lip in other roles, but sh*t, it's like an un-repaired cleft palette in this one. If he or anyone else cried any longer in the film, I would have expected a walk-on from Meryl Streep(sp?).
My wife and I were laughing out loud at the scenes when Spidey/Parker "bared his soul" to M.J. and had the lip quiver/tear roll going. Also, the prance-skip the unmasked Spiderman did when he rushed to the side of his fallen foe/friend was so satirical that it almost seemed like a Saturday Night Live Parody of the whole crybaby attitude Parker had in the whole movie. Now, before I get flamed on this, The movie was indeed very entertaining. I loved seeing Spiderman return to the screen (especially in DLP). All of my cinematic Marvel fantasies are coming to fruition as I creep into middle age. But let's tune in a little tighter to the comic personae not represented in the Marvel movies of late. I'm not going to geek-out on this review, but some readers will know what I mean-- heck, even my 15-year-old sympathized with me. Spidey was soft...too soft.
OK, my Topher reference in the Summary header: I've admired this guy's work since the "70's Show." He even favors the Peter Parker representation in the movies. I have to wonder if it's not a nod to a previous consideration for the lead role. BTW, Kirstin Dunst should have stopped after "Interview with the Vampire." Toper has a promising future in film, so long as his agent casts him properly and springboards on this role departure. This film is a good start -- he definitely broke the 70's Show stereotype.
Despite the harsh words, this film is fun. The actors do as they're told, so the film plays as directed. Surprising, but again, I love seeing these characters on the big screen--and so do my kids.
Just remember, recognize and respect the content source beyond a Stan Lee cameo.