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Kirsten Dunst is unfortunately lumbered with the most uninteresting
character - Mary Jane Watson. Dunst is sadly consigned to be the damsel in
distress throughout the movie, although occassional scenes between her
and Maguire have strong resonance and even some depth - particularly in
a backyard conversation between the pair, and in the moving final scene.
The supporting cast is excellent, with Cliff Robertson the embodiment of
"fatherly" love - who has an emotionally charged death scene that almost
surpasses the death of Clark Kent's dad in "Superman". Rosemary Harris
as Aunt May is also very good, although given less meaty scenes with
Maguire. However, it's J.K Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson - the Editor of
the Daily Bugle - who makes the best impression. Simmons not only
resembles his comic book character exactly, but has great fun with the
more overtly OTT role, even getting some of the best lines. Perfect
casting, but I hope he's given more to do in the inevitable sequel.
David Koepp's screenplay is very faithful to the comic book, yet with
added twists that improve on the original's ideas - such as Peter
Parker's ability to shoot web from his wrists and not with silly
"web-shooter" arm gadgets. The screenplay is effective, well paced, with
some clever lines and humorous dialogue. The plot unfolds in a linear
fashion, and while there are no real surprises along the way (especially
for fans of the comic), it's so pleasing to watch you don't especially
care. The saving grace of the script's fairly limp plot is the strong
characterisation and development - aspects usually forgotten in
superhero movies.
Obviously the special effects of Spider-Man are what will draw the
crowds in, and the film certainly doesn't shirk away from spectacle.
Early use of a CGI Peter Parker leaping around New York rooftops is
worryingly poor, but things quickly improve as the movie progresses. The
frequent shots of Spidey swinging around New York are jaw dropping in
their fluidity and believability. As always, some scenes still don't
quite work, but most are fantastic pieces of CGI "stuntwork" that become
more photo-realistic with each passing minute.
The Green Goblin is similarly impressive when in flight, although both
superheroes look a little limp and ridiculous once grounded. The most
disappointing aspect to the movie is the annoying design of the Goblin -
with its gangly frame and face-obscuring mask. Willem Dafoe deserved a
better suit to excentuate with his expressive features and devilish
laugh... not a shoddy "Power Rangers" variant. That said, the sequences
with the Goblin on his glider are still very memorable and visually
arresting - and he thankfully stays on it for most of the duration.
In conclusion, Spider-Man is easily the best superhero movie of the
last 10 years. Yes, it lacks the epic scope of
Superman
and the brave edge of Batman, but it more than makes up for this with its strong
emphasis on characters. The cast are on top form, the plot (though
fundamentally weak) is enjoyably lively, the characters memorable, and
Sam Raimi's direction sparky and totally at ease with the visual
requirements. A perfect marriage of director and obviously beloved
subject matter.
What's most telling about Spider-Man is that you leave the movie
impressed that the it wasn't as hokey as you'd first expected. It has
real heart behind the effects, and makes you invest some emotion in the
characters' lives. Plus, they were so assured of themselves they didn't
even use Spidey's best adversary in this one! Roll on the sequel!
FILM CONTENT DIRECTION SCREENPLAY PERFORMANCES SOUND/MUSIC SPECIAL FX
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