By John Frame (2 June, 2002)

Spiderman (2002)

Director: Jessie Nelson

Writer: Kristine Johnson & Jessie Nelson

Actors: Sean Penn as Sam Dawson, Michelle Pfeiffer as Rita Harrison, Dakota Fanning as Lucy Dawson. 

I found Sean Penn's performance to be convincing throughout and all the supporting actors were wonderful.

I know a man who's very similar to Sam, in that he holds down a regular job, and obsesses about particular '70's music groups. He knows he's loud and a bit of a strain at times in company. More importantly he knows he's different, that it's not his fault and that there's nothing he can do about it.

Sam shows the extraordinary bravery and honesty required for all people with a disability to insist on living a full life as part of society.

He has respect from his co-workers and enjoys unquestioning acceptance from his personal support network, yet he is forced by circumstance to test the limit of his life skills.