Spider-Man (2002)

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Director: Sam Raimi

Writers: David Koepp, based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Stars: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons



Director Sam Raimi and screenwriter David Koepp got it just about right.

 


The story of high school nerd Peter Parker's (Toby Maguire) transformation into the powerful, crime-fighting Spider-Man is light, humorous, and filled with action and thrills.

 


The major characters from the comic are brought to life by the fine cast.

 


Unlike many, I thought that the CGI effects worked well. 



The one disappointment in this film--and it was a big one--was the design of the Green Goblin's costume. 



Why did they put that blank Power Rangers-type helmet on him when they had such a fine actor playing the role? 



The Goblin's mask should have been malleable, just as it is in the comics so that we could have seen Willem Dafoe's acting.

 


As he demonstrated in the laboratory scene, he is capable of projecting frightening rage.



















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