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Rating: - The Superhero Film That Started It All
In 2002, when this film was released, the two other major superhero franchises were sputtering to say the least. The Superman character hadn't been portrayed on the big screen since Christopher Reeve did his last fly-over, while the Batman franchise had left off with the farcical Batman and Robin, one of the worst films ever produced. Only the fantasy-based Lord of the Rings trilogy had transformed a literary character into a popular film icon, but that was based on a novel, not a comic franchise. Thus, this first Spiderman film really paved the way for us comic book and superhero geeks to get more of the heroes we so desperately wanted.

Of course, in order to set this standard, the film had to be good, which it is. The special effects are incredible (especially Spidey swinging through the skyscrapers), the acting is by-and-large very good, and the entire plot gives subtle nods to Spidey fans while bringing the rest of us up to speed on how/why Peter Parker becomes the web-slinging hero.

For a quick plot synopsis, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is a high school science nerd who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered radioactive spider, starts developing spider-like attributes, such as web-slinging, a sort of pre-cognition (known as spider-sense), and the ability to climb on any and all surfaces. While dealing with those newfound abilities, Parker's relationship to childhood sweetheart and girl-next-door Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) is also explored. Finally, a superhero movie would not be complete without a menacing villain, in this case the brilliantly insane Green Goblin (William Dafoe) of Spidey comic lore.

The film does a great job establishing the Spiderman character, his relationship with "MJ", and the action scenes are gripping. The only possible downside of the film might be its overly simplistic themes. It's not anywhere near Christopher Nolan's take on the Dark Knight (very dark and complex) or even Bryan Singer's dramatic Superman Returns. Instead, it is a much more light-hearted film that, when it does get dramatic, just deals with the simple good guy/bad guy conflict. Some will like this approach, others may not.

To conclude, Spiderman is a very entertaining film that, while it may not leave you pondering the very essence of life like The Dark Knight, will hold your full interest for two whole hours. Upon its conclusion, you will be more than ready for the sequel!

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