*** 1/2 / ****
Dir: Sam Raimi
2004 Color English 127 Min
Rated PG-13 for stylized action violence
IMDB Site
I am not a big Spider-Man fan, though it was one of my favorite parts of “The Electric Company” back in the 70’s. Having said that, the first movie was nothing special, but this one is a great flick. It is rare to find a movie (especially comic based ones) that is well balanced with good acting and such. Was it cheesy in spots? Sure was, but it was all great fun. I think Tobey Maguire is a great actor and it helps overcome Kirsten Dunst (sorry guys, but she was terrible in this). Actually Donna Murphy seems to be channeling her Anij role from Star Trek Insurrection so its about a toss-up for bad acting in the movie. Well, at least it is better than the ride at Islands of Adventure.