A nerdy high school student (Maquire) obtains spider-like abilities after being bitten by a genetically altered spider. Based on the comic book hero created by Stan Lee.

The first of the 2002 summer blockbusters is here in the form of a web-slinging acrobat called Spider-Man. Sam Raimi deserves much of the credit for this film. His direction is well received and enjoyable.

We know Toby Maquire is one of the finest young actors to come along in quite a while. But a role like this may have been a bit out of his reach. He does play both sides of the part well, but somehow, I didn't LOVE him in the role. No, I have no idea what other young actor could've played it better, however. The supporting characters of The Green Goblin and Mary Jane Watson, played by Dafoe and Dunst respectively, are well written and portrayed nicely. J.K. Simmons nearly steals the show as Peter's gruff newspaper boss, Mr. Jameson

Raimi's past achievements include A Simple Plan and The Gift. The pace of these films and Spider-Man is perhaps not-so oddly similar. He has a great hand for plot and character development and the melding of the two.

Spider-Man is very entertaining. A solid script (that was years in development), sweeping special effects, rich characters and some smirking laughs deliver just what you were hoping for.

Directed by Sam Raimi.