Spider-man (***)
review by Jon Waterman

What better way to start off the summer movie season than with a good superhero flick?  And “Spider-man” actually is good.  It’s better than good.  It’s pretty good.  Sure, it’s formulaic, but that’s okay, because it’s summer and it’s a comic book movie.  Here’s the plot (in case someone actually hasn’t seen it yet):  Spiderman has to save the city and himself from the likes of the Green Goblin.

We got director Sam Raimi and music by Danny Elfman.  Two credits I love to see.  Sam gets his biggest budget yet and makes use of it.  Sam knows film.  He knows what works and what doesn’t.  He knows what makes a good story (hell, he writes enough of them).

However, he didn’t write this one.  That honor goes to David Koepp (“Jurassic Park,” “Mission:  Impossible”).  He’s had quite a year.  He wrote the surprisingly good script for “Panic Room.”

Now, the negative.  There are a lot of computer-animated movements (people and camera), which I think look dumb and fake.  All of the in-your-face, swooping, disorienting shots following Spidey from building to building were just that and I didn’t much care for them.  On an unrelated note, I wish we could have seen how Peter got his final costume.  Where’d the money come from?  Also, who built the Green Goblin suit?  Inquiring minds want to know.  Finally, I hate dumb blatant product placements.

Also negative – the acting.  Kirstin Dunst has never been a good choice for anything in my opinion.  I find it hilarious that her character (Mary Jane, aspiring actress) was told to get acting lessons.  Tobey Maguire (Spidey/Peter Parker) is a damn fine actor who just didn’t give it his all this time around.  I guess he really didn’t have to, but he could have put some effort into those fake tears.  Willem Dafoe (Greeney Gobbly/Norman Osborn) made me feel for his character, which is more than I can say for the rest.  However, my favorite performances in the film go to James Franco (Harry Osborn) for being so understated, yet very clear in what he was all about, and to J.K. Simmons (J. Jonah Jameson) for being so fun to watch as the cynical, fast-paced, quick-witted newspaper editor.  And, of course, what’s a Sam Raimi film without Bruce Campbell.

“Spider-man” was fun.  A good mix of action, plot, romance and humor to keep the audience from being bored.  It’s a simple device, but an effective one.

My suggestion for the sequel…more J. Jonah.  But until then, drink Dr. Pepper.

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