Movie adaptations of comic books have come along way since Christopher Reeve flew through space. Now we get a computer-generated Spider-Man whirling through New York City at dizzying speeds.
The Computer Generated Imaging sequences that dominate “Spider-Man” are magnificent to watch, but this is also their downfall. They are too perfect for belief, and while this is a by-product of comic books, it doesn’t always translate into a good movie. There is a lot to be said for staying true to your source, although in some cases, not always good things.
But let’s start with the positive: Sam Raimi (“Evil Dead”) sits at the helm of “Spider-Man,” and he starts the movie out on solid ground. A wonderfully cast Tobey Maguire, (“The Cider House Rules”) stars as Peter Parker, a nerdy, social outcast who gets bitten by a mutant spider on a class field trip.
The next morning, when Peter looks at himself in the mirror, he realizes something has changed. He’s gained about 50 pounds in solid muscle, doesn’t need his dorky eyeglasses, and, what’s more, has little pouches underneath his wrist which shoot out sticky, webby stuff. Yep, he’s Spider-Man all right, but he doesn’t know it yet, and the next sequences are the best in the movie as, Peter discovers his abilities.
Aptly combining surprise, joy and humor, Peter does what any of us nerdy types would do in his shoes: jump from tall buildings, beat up the school bully and try to get the pretty girl-next-door.
That pretty girl-next -door, Mary Jane, is played by Kirsten Dunst (“Bring It On”), and she isn’t given much to work with. Essentially a stock, one-dimensional character, Mary is given some life by Dunst, who brings her high school cheerleader-like charm to the part.
Of course, “with great power comes great responsibility,” and Peter can’t use his abilities solely for girls and fun. No, Peter must fight off petty criminals and thugs until his arch-nemesis appears: The Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe, “Platoon”).
This shady character is the alter-ego/crazy half of Norman Osborne, an enormously rich, slightly mad scientist, who, like all mad scientists, ends up drinking a green potion and inhaling some green smoke. Osborne is transformed into the Green Goblin, and many CGI battles ensue.
The film’s CGI sequences are pretty, but the script is unforgivable. Yes, this is a comic book adaptation and a certain amount of leeway should be allowed, but case in point: The Green Goblin and Spider-Man are about to fight in a building being consumed by flames. Goblin wants Spider-Man to join him in some type of evil crusade.
Goblin: “Are you in or out Spider-Man?” Spider-Man: “You’re the one who’s out Gobbie — out of your mind!”
Gobbie? Never fear, however, as Michael Chabon (“The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay”) is penning the script for the sequel.
All in all, this is a fun movie, definitely worth the time and money. And the DVD is absolutely loaded with special features.
The highlight of these is the in-depth look at the actual Spider-Man comics — interviews with Stan Lee and other important Spider-Man illustrators and writers, along with the evolution of Spider-Man artwork and a Rogues and Lovers Gallery (there are 13 other villains and three other love interests — we’ve got a franchise on our hands).
Also included are two different commentary tracks, one by director Sam Raimi, some “making-of” featurettes, music videos and various other et ceteras.
