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Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), a likable but socially inept senior at Woodhaven, Queens, goes on a
field trip to Columbia University and gets bitten by a radioactive, genetically altered spider. He discovers changes in his physique and is amazed at his superhuman strength
and new extraordinary powers. Among others, he can spin giant webs and climb walls. Like a child who has found a new toy, he joins a wrestling match; with the prize money, he
can buy a used sports car to catch the attention of his neighbor, Mary Jane Watson. But when his beloved Uncle Ben gets killed, he resolves to use his powers to fight crime.
So at times, the high school nerd Peter becomes Spider-Man, superhero who vanquishes criminals and helps people. Meanwhile, an ambitious scientist, Norman Osborn, experiments
on himself. Usually the respected father of Harry, Peter's best friend, the scientist Osborn acquires a dark side which surfaces as the Green Goblin. This creature flies the
skies on a rocket propelled surfboard and wreaks havoc on New York. The Green Goblin and Spider-Man become natural enemies and fight to the finish.
As Marvel Comics superhero, Spider-Man has built a solid reputation and a huge following in the
last 40 years. When he finally explodes on the screen in this fantastic production showcasing his awesome feats, his film reportedly outgrosses all other superhero movies in
history. His fans get their fill of spectacular computer generated images, action, fight and rescue scenes most of which happen in space. But perhaps another reason for its
popularity is the fact that a lot of people can identify with someone who is inept, insecure, fallible and very human, rather than with an interplanetary exile (Superman) or a
reclusive millionaire (Batman). The casting of Maguire as the reinvented Peter Parker is inspired. Character development goes hand in hand with the unfolding of the story.
Aside from Peter who undergoes change, Osborn's character becomes more complex. Some scenes are dramatic and creatively presented like the conversation between the urbane
Osborn's "Dr. Jekyll" and his dark alter ego, the cackling psychopath "Mr. Hyde". Though their scenes are brief, the rest of the cast act commendably, like J.K. Simmons as the
volatile cigar smoking publisher and Kirsten Dunst who awakens gradually to her feelings of affection for Peter.
"With great power comes great responsibility," thus Peter sums up the rationale of his life.
Peter realizes he has a great "gift" that must be used for good, for service, but which can become a "curse" when used for evil or destruction. For the proper use of this gift
of awesome powers, he decides to deny himself even the thing he wants most. A man for others must make sacrifices. The movie can help us forget or "escape" reality, especially
if it is full of problems. But this entertaining action picture can also give us something to think about after the excitement has subsided.
(Date reviewed: May 10, 2002)
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