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Notes:
On a school trip, during which Peter and his classmates are given a science demonstration on arachnids, Peter is bitten by a genetically-altered spider. Soon after, he discovers that he has unusual powers: he is endowed with the strength and agility of a spider along with a keen, ESP-like "spider sense."
Action Sci-Fi Adventure - Comic book readers and non-readers, men and women, young and old,
should enjoy this exciting and faithful adaptation of the long-
running Marvel comic. The film delivers on all possible levels:
action, drama, and romance for a start. The film is generally
appropriate for all age levels though the action scenes can get a
little rough and one fleeting moment of almost-nudity.
PROFANITY: Occasional use of mild profanity. SEX/NUDITY: A woman in wet clothing. VIOLENCE: Comic book-style fights. DRUGS/ALCOHOL: Some alcohol. ACTION: Comic book-style fights, chases, explosions. COMEDY: Some wisecracks and physical gags.
The above rating is an average of the critic reviews below.
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Entertainment Weekly
Full
Review Good "Spider-Man is a canny franchise escapade; it gets the
job done. But it also leaves you hungry for something more, and I don't
necessarily mean the next episode.''
Roger EbertFull
Review Above Average "The origin story is well told, and the characters
will not disappoint anyone who values the original comic books. It's in the
action scenes that things fall apart. ''
USA TODAYFull
Review Very Good "...you know a movie has succeeded
when you're looking toward the sequel that Spider-Man's wrap-up strongly
portends. This is a rare twisted crowd-pleaser for longtime fans as well as
novices — or for those that don't know an arachnid from an insect.''
TV Guide OnlineFull
Review Very Good "...this fast-paced entertainment is a surprisingly
successful mix of spectacle and human-scale drama. The extensive CGI work
isn't always convincing, but the movie's real Achilles heel is the Green Goblin.
Dafoe's best efforts to dramatize Osborn's inner struggle with his worst
impulses can't quite overcome his character's clunky costume and rigid fright
mask.''
Note: The rating
above is our interpretation of what the critic would give this movie based on their review.
We are not affiliated with these critic's in any way.
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DETAILED OPINIONS
The positive and negative comments made by moviegoers are very
helpful when selecting a movie that's appropriate for you and your family.
OPINION OVERVIEW The following is the original "What's Worth
Watching" write-up for this movie.
Moviegoer Opinions:
These are some INCREDIBLY HIGH OPINIONS! Everyone loved "Spider-Man!" With so many very high opinions and so few low opinions it's very easy to HIGHLY RECOMMEND "SPIDER-MAN." IT'S DEFINITELY A "MUST SEE" MOVIE!
Cinema Review Opinion: (before moviegoer opinions are collected)
Very cool and action packed. A great comic book adventure. I believe it
will certainly please Spider-Man fans. I have little doubt that those who wouldn't consider themselves Spider-Man fans will also enjoy this movie.
Orphaned at an early age, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) lived in Queens, New
York with his beloved Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and Uncle Ben (Cliff
Robertson). Peter leads the life of a normal student, working as a photography
at the Daily Bugle under the tutelage of publisher J. Jonah James (J.K.
Simmons), pining after the beautiful Mary Jan Watson (Kirsten Dunst) and hanging
out with buddy Harry Osborn (James Franco).
On a school trip, during which Peter and his classmates are given a science
demonstration on spiders, Peter is bitten by a genetically altered spider. Soon
after, he discovers that he has unusual powers: he is endowed with the strength
and agility of a spider along with a keen, ESP-liked "spider sense."
After discovering these powers, Peter appears in a televised wrestling match
and, armed with his new spider strength, wins the match in record time. But the
wrestling match promoter refuses to award Peter the $3,000 prize money, alleging
that Peter won too quickly. Soon afterwards, Peter has the opportunity to catch
a burglar fleeing from the promoter's office, but because he wants revenge, he
refuses to stop him. Moments later, the same burglar kills his beloved Uncle
Ben.
As Spider-Man, Peter apprehends the burglar but is plagued with guilt for not
being a hero sooner. During this time of turmoil, Peter remembers something
Uncle Gen once told him: "With great power, there must also come great
responsibility." Peter takes this to heart and decides to use his
extraordinary powers to fight crime.
Meanwhile, megalomaniacal businessman Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), Harry's
father, is undergoing some changes of his own. An experimental formula has blown
up in his face, increasing his intelligence and strength but also driving him
insane. He is now the Green Goblin, Spider-Man's arch-enemy, who will put young
Peter Parker's vow to fight crime and help innocent people to the ultimate test.
