Spiderman (2002)
Spiderman (2002) 7/10
As far as comic book adaptations go, Sam Raimi’s Spiderman is a winner. Because its the first film that started off the trilogy, it necessarily has to begin with the origin story which sets up the backdrop for the more fulfilling and generally superior Spiderman 2.
Tobey Maguire is excellent as the nerdy timid Peter Parker while Dunst is picture perfect as MJ. My quibble here is that the film progresses on a typical and generic story arc and the main weakness is the villian-can-kill-the-hero-but-chooses -not -to-do-it-syndrome, which is one of the worst comic book cliches to employ. William Dafoe is solid as Green Goblin, but nowhere near the gold standard set by Nicholson’s Joker.
Still, as popcorn entertainment and as the prelude to the excellent Spiderman 2, Spiderman 1 thrills and entertains in equal measure. It also boasts of some magical moments like the upside-down kiss. Overall, its great summer entertainment.
