Screenplay by David Koepp.

Directed by Sam Raimi.

Going back to my young comic-book geek days, Spider-Man was always my favorite superhero.  Unlike all the hard jawed millionaire heroes out there like Batman, Superman and the Fantastic Four.  Peter Parker and his alter-ego Spider-Man was a recognizable teenager, with all the insecurity and trepidation that go with that.  Even he was never certain if his superpowers were a blessing or a curse.  So I had great hope, but not a little fear when they finally were able to get a movie version off the ground.  I shouldn't have worried.  I would go so far to say that this is the best comic book superhero film since Superman II in 1980.   

Tobey Maguire is impossibly good at nailing... inhabiting... Peter Parker.  A book-smart boy who is so in love with his beautiful neighbor M.J. (Kirsten Dunst) but completely unable to express his needs, Peter starts to learn a certain amount of self-respect from his new powers, while at the same time he learns the huge responsibilities they demand of him.  A scene where Spider-Man saves M.J. and she kisses him is super-charged with sexual tension. 

The special effects are giddy fun, giving the scenes where Peter learns to use his new powers a jolt of good-natured fun.  Willem Dafoe is fine as his nemesis, the Green Goblin, but in the long run the scenes with him are less interesting than the rest of the film.  But that's okay, too, Spider-Man is a terrific introduction to what looks like it will be a fascinating series for years to come.  (5/02)

Jay S. Jacobs