Review
Spider-Man
- Director
- Sam Raimi
- Year
- 2002
- Rating
- Reviewed by
- José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris
- Review date
- Tuesday, June 04, 2002
Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is an unpopular boy who lives with his uncles (Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris) and who is in love with one of the most popular girls in school, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). He dreams of being a photographer but is also quite a scientist. His best friend (James Franco) is the son of Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), a scientist who proves one of his most dangerous experiments on himself and thus becomes insanely mad. That’s how the Green Goblin is born. Meanwhile Peter is suffering some transformations himself. He’s been bitten by a genetically-enhanced spider and thus becomes a man with some superpowers of his own. The problem is, before he starts using them he’s got to learn more about himself and about life.
As I said before, I never ever read a Spider-Man comic in my life. I knew the guy from some TV shows and because, frankly, whoever doesn’t know who Spider-Man is must certainly live under a rock. Then again, I really do like this kind of movies. I’m a fan of most of the Batman movies and I really like another Marvel adaptation, X-Men. Nothing had prepared me for this though. It simply is the best comic book adaptation I have ever seen.
And what makes it so good? Well, first of all, I know this sounds too clichéd, but the fact that Peter Parker is like any of us gives this unrealistic kind of movie a very realistic tone. We can all identify with him and with what he’s going through. Besides, his process of discovery and growing up is fascinating. Peter is a common man going through larger-than-life experiences. We root for him in more than just a superficial level and that’s what ultimately matters.
There’s also the romantic angle of the movie which is simply very well-handled. As Peter himself says at the beginning, this story is all about a girl. What’s more simple than that? No matter how big he becomes, these are all real people and these are all real feelings. I was surprised by the amount of heart this movie has. And I liked that. The relationship between Peter and Mary Jane is the highlight of the movie and certainly provides the best scenes. It’s official: that upside-down kiss in the rain has now become a classic.
The movie also has a lot to say about the difference between good and evil but not only in the way you might expect. Sure, there’s a villain and at the end it’s all about getting rid of him. But it’s very interesting to note how Peter could never give up that guilty feeling about his uncle’s death. Not only did he say things he really didn’t mean the last time they talked, but he could have prevented his death if only he had not been so selfish and would’ve cared more about doing what was right. There’s a lot of humanity in there, and I don’t want to be too repetitive, but that’s mainly what elevates this movie from any other superhero romp out there.
As for the casting, it couldn’t have been more perfect. And yes, I’m using the word perfect here because that’s how I consider the choice of having Tobey Maguire play Peter. Tobey has always shown great talent, but here he not only gives an amazing performance, but he’s also impressively suitable for the role itself. It’s all about Tobey and he comes off spectacularly good. Kirsten Dunst, as always, is also great. I love her.
Thank God for Stan Lee. And thank God for Sam Raimi, who had the vision to translate this wonderful story into a great, action-packed, profoundly human movie. Can’t wait for the sequel!
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
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Other reviews of Spider-Man (2002): Groucho
Comments
Morris wrote at 6/22/2002:
I couldn't agree more. I'm absolutely scared as well. But somehow about two days ago I calmed down a bit. Kirsten Dunst was asked about the sequel and about people's concerns that it won't top the first one. She said we sholdn't worry. She said that Peter Parker will have a new girlfriend and that she is going to have a new boyfriend. Of course, they both love each other so it will be a difficult situation... but a very interesting one for us. She definitely said she will appear even more in the sequel.Now, THAT's good news. The love story between Peter and Mary Jane is what held the movie together and it must continue to do so...
In other news, just heard that there's a rumor about Sam Neill being cast as Dr. Octopus (if that's how he's called). I think it would be cool indeed.
Groucho wrote at 6/22/2002:
Some news!!! Thanks for sharing, buddy.Well, first of all: Sam Neill. He's no Dr. Octopus at first. Then you put on some makeup and probably a bit of body shaping and some shades and eight arms and... THERE HE IS, IT'S HIM!!!!!!!! Would be C-O-O-L, Sam Neill is sooo talented!!!
ANOTHER GIRLFRIEND FOR SPIDEY??? GWEN STACY, PERHAPS??? No, not Gwen I guess, but still, this sounds terrific!!!!!! If they do focus in the personal story again, I will love it, I'm sure I will!! I'm trusting this guys, really. My heart is so full of fire!!!
Heck, everything has changed now. I am again excited for a movie that hasn't even been finished. That hadn't happened to me since "Lord of the Rings"...
Morris wrote at 6/22/2002:
I've done a bit of research now and it seems that this new "girlfriend" is nonether than Black Cat, who is supposed to have an on-and-off relationship with Peter in the comics. You should know more about this than I do bud, but from the sound of it I agree, it looks very interesting and promising! Groucho wrote at 6/22/2002:
Man, is that good or bad news? I couldn't say! I guess it's good if you consider you have one villain "in the family" and one "outside", talking about Black Cat as a confident of Peter Parker and Dr. Octopus as a nut-case doing his stuff around for the sake of it. Loved the Black Cat tale in the comic book, for she really fooled Peter, but I wouldn't know how to really translate it to film, mainly because it is too long. The first Green Goblin story was as short as it was in the movie but Black Cat goes way longer and there's so much to say. Well, I should trust these guys...Now it's just a matter of time. Thanks for the info, dude! Don't let me down: if you hear more, tell!
ssn people search wrote at 3/8/2013 11:09:58 AM:
Fantastic read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a tiny study on that. And he actually bought me lunch
as I discovered it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for
lunch!
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Groucho wrote at 6/22/2002:
A great review for a great movie! Long indeed as you had told us!I can only say that I'm glad that a non-fan of the comic book liked it this much. Your words make me realize what it's like for someone who didn't know anything about Spidey. It's great to see how people will love him after this film.
As for the sequel, which you mention in the end of your review, I'm pretty scared about it... VERY scared indeed. I told you this before via email, but here it goes again for our readers to hear it: I'm terrified that the saga will fall into the clichéd, two-villain, no-personal-drama super-hero action flick. Heck, the first one was too good. How "good" will the next one be?