Stars (out of 5): 4 and a half

The summer blockbusters have begun with the May 3rd release of a long awaited comic book classic, Spider-man. Spider man, originally created by Stan Lee of Marvel Comics back in 1977, has been one of the top super hero creations in history along with others such as Superman, Batman, Incredible Hulk and the X-Men (all of which have or will have been made into blockbuster movies as well).

With the events of September 11th delaying the release of Spider-Man, the excitement surrounding the movie grew, creating a movie that in its opening weekend ranked as the top grossing opening weekend movie of all-time bringing in over $114 million. As for the hype could the movie live up to it? Other such comic/movie creations have done well in the past, but the hype surrounding them was nowhere near the level as it was with Spider-Man.

Questions and Concerns surrounded every decision made in the movie like could Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst bring to life these comic book personalities and was removing the twin towers from the movie the right thing to do. All of these questions were put to rest as the movie lived up to all the hype and in my opinion surpassed most of my expectations.

The story line not only was able to give the history of Spider-Man in a way that it wasn't a lesson for those whose knowledge of the comic hero was not strong, but was able to tell a story of a person, a hero and a love that was so strong it could not succeed in a way true to most romantics.

"With great power, there must also come great responsibility," said Spider-Man's Uncle the day of his death. This saying was by far the theme to the movie and to Spider-Man's existence. This quote from Uncle Ben was not only a lesson for Spider-Man but became his motto in life as he realizes throughout the movie that his gift was not only a gift, but also a responsibility to help those who need it most.

The story line and themes that were set up and examined throughout the movie kept the attention of every age group and gender. There was something in this movie for all. As for the movie making itself, I could not have been more impressed as the creation of Spider-Man's character through computer animation and also the choreography presented in the fight scenes was perfect.

For a super hero that in reality could not exist the makers and actors involved with Spider-man sure created a movie that one could leave the theatre looking up at the buildings waiting for a masked man to sore from ledge to ledge. The movie was so realistic that at no time did the thought of make believe or comic hero cross my mind.

As for the future of Spider-Man, the writers and director set up the saga of this comic legend perfectly as they ended the first of probably many sequels to come in a way that no other comic hero movie has been able to do. It ended in a way that you look forward to next week when a new episode will air, but this is not television. Moviegoers will have to wait for a time period to break box-office records.

Of course do not expect this record to stand much longer as in a few weeks, Star Wars Episode II is released and next summer the next comic hero is portrayed as Hulk hits theatres. Be sure that Columbus Wired will be in the front row on opening day to bring you its thoughts on these and other blockbuster hits all summer.

Stars (out of 5): 4 and a half