Spider-Man: Critic Reviews

It's got appealing performers as the leads.

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.

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

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.

A fun movie; may be too intense for younger kids.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Practically pitch-perfect summer entertainment.

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

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.

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.

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

Director Sam Raimi was right. Tobey Maguire was the right choice for Spider-Man.

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Let the gauntlet be thrown: Spider-Man may be the best comic adaptation of all time.

Will have any 12-year-old trying to perfect that trick of hoisting themselves up between walls using their legs.

The final sequence . . . will have you leaving the theater feeling both dizzy and giddy, and looking up at the top of the nearest building wishing you could shoot a web at it.

This is not a good movie, but a mediocre means of passing a few hours. It is a classic example of money and special effects diluting artistic vision and talent.