- Film Review
- Reviewed By Sloan Freer
-
4 out of 5
Thanks in part to legal battles, Marvel Comics' much-loved superhero took his time to reach the big screen. This fantasy action adventure was initially intended as a James Cameron vehicle, but the project finally went to Darkman director - and self-confessed Spider-Man fan - Sam Raimi. His vision sticks close to the character's comic-book roots with the creation of a colourful, visually striking frolic that's bubbling with energy and gleefully tongue-in-cheek, yet edged with pathos. Lead actor Tobey Maguire is unusual but inspired casting, exuding boy-next-door charm as the clandestine teen avenger (Kirsten Dunst is good, too, as love interest Mary Jane Watson). Indeed, it's Maguire's intense likeability that helps paper over potential weaknesses such as the odd disappointing set piece. As for the all-important villain, Willem Dafoe not only looks the part as the Green Goblin - equalling Jack Nicholson's Joker - he brings some welcome gravitas to an already credible venture. Spider-Man is an effortless, intelligent entertainment, and a fabulous, fun-filled start to the hugely lucrative franchise.
Plot Summary
Fantasy action adventure based on the Marvel comic, starring Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst. During a school trip to a New York laboratory, Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically modified spider and develops extraordinary powers. Then a series of events convinces Peter that he should use his new physical abilities to wage war on crime - a decision that takes him away from his school sweetheart, Mary Jane Watson, and pits him against the evil Green Goblin.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Peter Parker / Spider-Man
- Tobey Maguire
- Green Goblin / Norman Osborn
- Willem Dafoe
- Mary Jane Watson
- Kirsten Dunst
- Harry Osborn
- James Franco
- Ben Parker
- Cliff Robertson
- May Parker
- Rosemary Harris
- J Jonah Jameson
- J K Simmons
- Maximilian Fargas
- Gerry Becker
- Joseph "Robbie" Robertson
- Bill Nunn
- Henry Balkan
- Jack Betts
- General Slocum
- Stanley Anderson
- Dr Mendel Stromm
- Ron Perkins
- Eugene "Flash" Thompson
- Joe Manganiello
- Hoffman
- Ted Raimi
- Ring announcer
- Bruce Campbell
- Macy Gray
- Macy Gray
- Punk rock girl
- Lucy Lawless
- The Burglar
- Michael Papajohn
- Bone Saw McGraw
- Randy Poffo
- Man shielding child
- Stan Lee
Crew
- Director
- Sam Raimi
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