Spider-Man
Sony, 2002
Directed by Sam Raimi

$$$$

Finally, they got one right.

Time and again, we've seen studios take popular comic book characters and run them into the ground with inane, misguided film adaptations. But with the new Spider-Man, it's a different story. For once, we're not disappointed. The action scenes are great and the special effects are impressive, but most of all, the movie is -- get this -- fun.

And one reason for that is simple: the movie stays true to the character. Sure, there are a few changes here and there (the spider webs actually shoot out of the hero's body rather than from strapped-on web shooters). But they're pretty faithful when it comes to everything else. And they didn't mess with the costume.

That's why this movie will remind you more of the Saturday morning cartoons you used to watch than the Tim Burtonesque dark comic adaptations we've been victimized by the last decade and a half. In fact, the film is close to perfect.

Much of the credit for that goes to the director, Sam Raimi. More than ten years ago, he made Darkman, the best comic book movie not actually based on a comic book. Now he's given us, dare I say, perhaps the best comic book movie period. In fact, I think Hollywood should collectively decree that all future superhero movies be directed by Sam Raimi.

He has a perfect feel for what a comic book movie should look like. The scenery and costumes look like they all sprang from the pens of Marvel artists. But at the same time, they don't look cartoonish. I'm not sure how he does this, but he does . Raimi also does a marvelous job with the action. When Spider-man swings through the city, it's a thrilling sight. And when Spider-man fights, we have no trouble following his every move. Some directors would feel compelled to shake the camera, or resort to other stylistic tricks. But Raimi seems to know the best way to make an action sequence exciting is by making the action easy to follow.

Raimi's best decision by far, though, was casting Tobey Maguire. He brings a wonderful, ordinary everyman quality to Peter Parker. As the film opens, the teenaged Parker is a shy, social outcast. When he's bitten by a genetically engineered spider, he's suddenly starts changing. And vicariously, we change with him. If this nerdy kid can climb walls and shoot spiderwebs, then so can we. If only we were bitten by some mutant bug. It sounds corny, but it's that spirit that makes the movie such a fun ride.

The rest of the cast is terrific, too. Willem Dafoe is fantastically over-the-top as Spidey's nemesis, the Green Goblin. It's been said before -- these movies are only as good as their villains. And Dafoe makes a great villain. The brooding James Franco comes in nicely under the radar as Peter's brooding friend, Harry. And as for Kirsten Dunst, who plays Mary Jane (or "M.J." as she's called for a more modern spin) well, she's just plain sweet and gorgeous.

It also helps that the script is fantastic. First of all, it's focused. There's only one bad guy (this was a major flaw in the last several Batman sequels). They also do a good job moving us through the hero's origin. But more significantly, the writers actually give us a compelling romance. Who knew Spider-man could be the source of such a genuine heart-felt tale of unrequited love? The story of an awkward misfit who's in love with the popular girl-next-door. It's something everyone can relate to -- well, every comic book nerd anyway.
(c) Copyright 2002