Spider-Man Reviews

Captures the high-energy, pulpy effervescence of Marvel when it was young and feisty... whatever imperfections the film picks up along the way, they practically demand to be hand-waved aside.

Full Review | Original Score: 9/10

It's got all that you'd want from superhero movie and more. A truly enjoyable film.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Fun movie, but may be too intense for younger kids.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

In emphasizing angst over energy, the movie is much like its hero -- not the dashing crime fighter in a red-and-black bodysuit but the introspective nerd who both endears and exasperates.

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Sam Raimi has gotten the exact mix right to create certainly one of the best superhero films ever made.

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Spider-Man is funny, poignant and true to form with Tobey Maguire and company fleshing out the famed comic-book characters with aplomb.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Finally, a fully faithful adaptation to a comic book icon, save for some bumps along the road. It's a fun movie.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

A vibrant piece of pop entertainment that serves as the perfect start to the summer season.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5

An adaptation of the Marvel Comics superhero adventures that effectively takes time between exhilarating digital effects to develop character and motivation.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

Colourful, energetic and well-cast, Spider-Man is a good-quality, highly-entertaining action movie.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5

A perfectly serviceable early-summer popcorn picture that will satisfy its core teen constituency and not displease general viewers looking for some disposable entertainment.

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[Sam] Raimi captures the ineffable quality that makes this misfit with muscles New York's own blue-collar, working-man's hero.

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Spider-man flows as smoothly from scene to scene, catching the audience in its charming web and setting us up for a sequel which, for once, will be welcome.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Unfortunately the film, like many of its ilk, is driven by special effects, and there's a serious disconnect between Maguire's sweet-natured dialogue and Spider-Man's pounding violence and stunning acrobatic work.

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Practically pitch-perfect summer entertainment.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5

This accomplished blockbuster announces itself as a stylish piece of pop myth-spinning.

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At its best, it's action packed fantasy, grounded in reality by a talented cast who pack a real emotional wallop. At its worst, it's over the top, and more than a little sappy.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4

Spider-Man was the first really alienated guy to swoop around fighting crime in a funny outfit. His strange powers made this teenage outsider into even more of an outsider -- and Spider-Man... stays true to that idea, thanks mostly to Maguire.

Count on Sam Raimi ... to deliver a Spider-Man movie that recaptures the wonder of those first-generation comics.

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This is one of those rare adventure movies in which character, not violence, is the backbone of the film.

Full Review | Original Score: B