Spider-man Review
After the dearth of storytelling in 'Clones', how reassuring to see a mainstream blockbuster movie where the characters are more prominent than the effects.
From the thoughtful and well paced opening through the final decision scene at the climax, this is a film about ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
More than Superman or Batman, Peter Parker is every-guy, a high school nerd who can't talk to girls and is bullied by the jocks.
His insecurity makes him instantly appealing and accessible to the audience, and makes his eventual heroism all the more affecting.
Toby Maguire was perfect casting as was Kirsten Dunst as the girl next door in the wet t-shirt. Willem Dafoe comes close to scenery chewing on occasion but for the most part gives a controlled performance as the obligatory villain.
The direction is competent rather than spectacular but Raimi manages a few shock tricks learnt in his Evil Dead days, and there are some effective and knowing nods to the comic book, notably Spider-man's upside down half-masked kiss.
The biggest disappointment is Elfman's score which never really takes off in the way it should. There is no identifiable theme for the hero which is a shame because the soaring shots of Spider-man negotiating New York's skyline deserve a fanfare.
However, in most respects this is a good, a very good, film which manages to match stirring action with a well told coming of age story.
Posted by nlvp at June 17, 2002 01:46 PM