Think that a super hero movie based on a comic-book series about some guy who shoots spider webs out of his wrists would be flat out stupid? Well, don't be too sure. Spider-Man is one of the funnest and coolest action movies of the year.
The story is about Peter Parker, a high-school student who is the infamous nerd at his school. One day, Peter is bitten by one heck of a spider. The next day, Peter has spiderish strength, reflexes, and abilities. At first, Peter only uses his powers for self-centered reasons; but when a selfish and irresponsible act of his leads to the death of his uncle, he takes seriously the last advice his uncle gave him: "With great power comes great responsibility". From then on, he devotes the use of his powers to fighting evil and protecting the good. The rest of the movie focuses on the struggle between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin (actually his best friend's father who has become a sort of Jekyll-and-Hyde as a result of a dangerous lab experiment).
Although the love story between Peter and Mary Jane Watson (the girl he's been in love with since he was six) is at times rather corny, the ending has a pleasantly surprising twist. I won't ruin it for those of you who haven't yet seen it; but I will say that, although it's a little sad, it leaves us with a more commendable and almost sacrificial kind of love than most movies.
Spider-Man also contains some religious elements. For example, a small picture of St. Teresa of Avila is hanging up in a school bus, and Peter's aunt and uncle's house has a holy water font. There is also a good scene during which Peter's aunt is praying the Our Father. None of these have any special significance to the story, but it's still nice to see them there.
This movie had a good story, cool special effects, and even some positive themes. Even if you think it looks stupid, put aside any anti-comic-book notions you may have and see Spider-Man. You may be surprised. (Hey, my mother and sister both enjoyed it; and believe me, that's saying an awful lot.)
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