Spider-Man is master of spin

Spider-man today opened to a rapturous welcome after making the leap from comic book to screen.

The £110 million film, which had its premiere in Los Angeles, is about student Peter Parker, who acquires superhuman strength when he is bitten by a genetically modified spider.

Tobey Maguire, 26, who plays the hero, studied yoga, martial arts, fight choreography and weightlifting for the role. At the premiere, he described his enjoyment at working with director Sam Raimi. He said: "He is a huge Spider-Man fan himself and I thought he would handle the 40 years of history of this pop icon with great responsibility."

Maguire's on-screen love interest Kirsten Dunst, who denies reports of an offscreen romance with her costar, looked delighted as fans sang Happy Birthday to celebrate her 20th birthday.

The actress, who has already signed with Raimi and Maguire to make two sequels, said: "It's a great role, but Tobey's the star of the film. He's the man behind the mask. The film has great heart."

As well as winning the approval of the critics, the movie has been welcomed by Spider-Man creator Stan Lee, 79, who has a cameo role. "The film embodies all of what I think are the great qualities of the comic and so much more," he said. The screening was also attended by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Will Smith and Matthew Perry.