[murdoog]

Still, it all comes down to Maguire, who is flat-out terrific. A lot of fuss surrounded his casting: What's the sensitive kid from "The Ice Storm" and "The Cider House Rules" doing as a beloved comic-book hero? But Raimi said he didn't need to look for Spider-Man; he needed to find Peter Parker.

Haven't seen the movie yet, but I have no doubt McGuire is terrific in the movie. This is a good time to recommend another McGuire movie, the little-seen gem Ride With The Devil

[MarkWar]

>I have no doubt McGuire is terrific in the movie.

McGuire IS very good in Spider-Man, and so are Defoe and Dunst (and I usually think she has a face that's about a half size too big), but my pick for the outstanding performance was the actor -- whoever the heck it was -- who played the Green Goblin's son. Does anyone know who it was? He had to play friendly, but not pushy; rich and empowered but not obnoxious; attractive to gals, but not a winner... And he carried off the part great.

Mark W.