Movie Review

'Spider-Man' swings into action

by Tim Tevault
Managing Editor

Stan Lee would be proud.

The mastermind behind some of Marvel Comics' biggest super heroes-X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four-should be impressed by the latest of his creations to hit the big screen.

"Spider-Man" shattered box office records last weekend, as it became the first picture to break the $100 million mark in its first three days.

It also broke the record for the best single-day gross in history for its run on Saturday, taking in $43.6 million, as well as the biggest per-screen average with $31,769.

Money aside, the movie actually works quite well. It remains true more-or-less to the comic book's form. At the same time the movie changes things around to no doubt appeal to a broader audience by offering explanations and making things more believable.

Early on in the film, high school photographer Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is bit by a genetically enhanced spider during a field trip to a university laboratory. The venom from the spider then latches on to Parker's DNA, strengthening his physique, heightening his senses and most importantly, giving him the ability to shoot webs and crawl on walls. The rest is history, as the new Spider-Man watches over New York City, keeping its citizens safe.

Meanwhile, Parker's best friend's dad, played by an uncannily evil Willem Dafoe, is on the verge of making a major deal for his aerodynamic inventions, including a gliding device.

However, a freak accident in his laboratory turns him into a mad man, torn between his regular self and his new evil persona, the Green Goblin.

Both Spider-Man and Green Goblin catch the attention of J. Jonah Jameson, the editor of the Daily Bugle, New York City's major newspaper.

Jameson's idea to publish pictures of Spider-Man gains the wall-crawler major popularity throughout the city as its new-found masked hero.

The damsel in distress this time around- you couldn't have an action flick without one-is Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), Parker's next-door neighbor for more than 10 years. The two become increasingly close throughout the movie, building up to the infamous upside-down kissing scene in which Watson peels Parker's mask off and proceeds to lock lips with him.

The story takes the typical and obvious action comic book route. Although pretty predictable, the movie's uncommonly prevalent romantic storyline is what keeps this movie afloat and interesting.

Maguire and Dunst have definite on-screen chemistry, which is essential to keeping comic book fans happy, as Parker and Watson have been a romantic pair for years.

Also helping propel the movie forward are the fast-paced computer graphics that blanket the movie. Many of the images were no doubt computer-generated, especially during fight and chase scenes. These effects helped keep the movie stay true to the comic book's form, a must in order to keep the super hero's core fans happy.

Dafoe puts on the performance most deserving of recognition, though Dunst and Maguire also do an admirable job. However, it is J.K. Simmons as Jameson the editor who steals the show, with quirky one-liners and his no-holds-barred comments to his employees.

Casting must have been tedious for the producers and director in order to please comic book fans' needs. However, the movie's team did a great job picking the actors to play characters who have been around for over 40 years.

Accompanying Sam Raimi's breathtaking direction in the fight, chase and web-slinging scenes are sounds from acclaimed composer Danny Elfman, best known for his works on Tim Burton films such as "Batman" and "Beetlejuice."

"Spider-Man" comes together quite well, showing that everyone involved in the production pulled their weight.

Despite being quite predictable-as most summer movies are-this is a great one to help kick off the summer movie season, as well as please a few comic book fans.

All things said, not only should Stan Lee be proud, Raimi, the director, should definitely be proud too.