6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Skip Work to go see it
Date of Review: May 3, 2002
The Bottom Line: Good for dates, good for action, not fit for 7 or under.
First lets clear things up: I am a lifelong Spider Man fan (I'm 40 and remember having a Spiderman hand puppet when I was 5). I am a movie purist - I like for movies to follow the author's intent when based on a book.
I was NOT disappointed seeing Spider Man. I watched the old cartoon, the new cartoons (from FOX), read the syndicated comics, owned the old comic books and I believe I have witnessed the best adaptation of a superhero origin ever. If you liked Superman, You will love Spider Man. Although Peter is not bitten by a radioactive spider, the origin of the genetically mutated spider that bites him is better.
The movie's special effects are awesome and do not deter from the story line.
In this movie, Spidey is challenged by his Arch Rival the Green Goblin.
In the movie, the action centers around the conflict of Peter Parker and the love of his life, Mary Jane.
Without going into to many details (somebody else will write them elsewhere), the movie does generate an-edge-of-your-seat excitement combined with a teary eyed moment or two.
I counted five cuss words (a*s and p**s) which would be an issue with parents of young boys.
The fights are violent and there is a close-up of a death scene that may traumatize small ones. However, the movie is not nearly as dark or violent as any of the Batman movies.
Overall, the movie is a nice package which is wrapped cleanly.
I would anticipate several sequels. Maybe, they will have one with Dr. Octopus.
