SPIDERMAN (2001)

SAM RAIMI

Action/Adventure Family Viewing Recommended Will's Stamp of Approval Superheroes Media/Journalism

Cast

TOBEY MAGUIRE WILLEM DAFOE KIRSTEN DUNST JAMES FRANCO CLIFF ROBERTSON ROSEMARY HARRIS JOE MANGANIELLO GERRY BECKER BILL NUNN JACK BETTS STANLEY ANDERSON RON PERKINS MICHAEL PAPAJOHN ELIZABETH BANKS DANNY ELFMAN

Plot

Tobey Maguire is up there with Michael Keaton as the perfect casting choice for a super hero, diminutive and unassuming in their day wear, but utterly convincing once they donned the kitsch lycra. After a mutant spider bites Peter Parker he suddenly gains the most incredible powers. At first Peter uses these gifts for his own benefit but after tragedy strikes he resolves himself to fighting evil (in particular the rather wasted talents of Dafoe as the Green Goblin) and defending the good people of his fair city. Spider-Man is one of the best comic book adaptations there has been, but though this is a rip-roaring adventure, once again you can't help wishing there were a little less camp and a little more dark. Ho Hum.