Well the long awaited Spider-Man has finally hit theaters. Somehow I feel that when a movie trailer is shown in theaters over a year before the movie is released I feel that the movie should be exceptional and a totally outstanding film. This is not the case here. Yeah, Spider-Man has made the most money in an opening of any film ever. Yeah, the kids will love it and want to buy all the toys and articles of clothing. Yeah, Spider-Man was good...but it wasn't thaaaaaat good.

I will say one of the biggest things about this movie, and I'll say it first. The use of the camera in using the special effects is great, but I've seen these same scenes before in another movie with a guy named Neo substituted for Spiderman and a guy named Morpheus substituted for the Green Goblin. How come every movie has to copy the special effects of The Matrix. And I don't mean kinda sorta copy a little bit, but straight up copy EXACTLY! If we do this in college, we get expelled for plagerism.

Other than this LARGE detail the effects used by director Sam Raimi are good. One effect that I remember was especially good was at the end of the movie where Spiderman's mask is blown off by one of the Green Goblin's bombs, in slow motion. It's extreme.

Anyway, the plot of this movie goes a little something like this; Tobey McGuire who plays the one and only Spiderman starts off the movie as high school nerd Peter Parker and has the hots for his next-door neighbor Mary Jane Watson who is played by the beautiful Kirsten Dunst. On a trip to the local university's genetics lab Peter is bitten by a special new breed of spider.

After passing out in his room that night from the effects of the bite, Peter wakes up the next morning looking more ripped and with special senses. Enter Spiderman. Tobey McGuire couldn't have been portrayed the 8 legged hero any better.

The rest of the film, just like the comic books, is Spiderman saving the lives of civilians until the Green Goblin, played wonderfully by William Dafoe decides to take over the world. He even looks like the Green Goblin in real-life.

Peter is the opposite of Superman who, while not being Superman plays the ever suave Clark Kent. Peter on the other hand is really a wimp. It's kindof a nice change from the typical superhero stereotype. Being Spider-Man allows him to live out his fantasies of being cool

The rest of the cast itself was chosen wonderfully. The hero, villian, and innocent beautiful girl were played exceptionally by the actors. But, I have one rant. What was the need for such cameos as Macy Gray, Lucy Lawless, and Rando "Macho Man" Savage? Did the director not think that this movie would be big enough as it was. I felt that this was unnecessary. I guess, random people felt the need to earn another million simply by showing their face in a movie. For Macy Gray I can understand this...her music is horrible.

There also seems to be a lot of drama in this movie. Will Spiderman kiss the girl? Will anyone find out who Spiderman is? Will the public think that Spiderman's rescues are bad for the community? Will Spiderman save the city from the Green Goblin? Too much drama and suspense. Also the director keeps flashing back and froth between Spiderman's conflict with the Green Goblin and the love story with Mary Jane and the Green Goblin. I feel that he could have interacted the two better instead of taking the soap opera approach.

The ending to this film was also very VERY unHollywood. I liked it for a change. You'll have to see the film to see what I'm talking about. The opening sequence showing the opening credits in a nifty sort of way was nice as well. Danny Elfman will provide an exceptional score soundtrack as well as a great soundtrack as well.

Although I have a few minor rants, Spider-Man is an overall good movie. It's not all it's been hyped to be but then again what is? Take the kids, take your significant other and go see this film. If you don't watch in like myself, (an epioneer trying to find every fault I can) I promise you'll enjoy it.



Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8