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Review

Spider-Man

Director

Sam Raimi

Year

2002

Rating

Reviewed by

José Ruiloba a.k.a. Morris

Review date

Wednesday, May 22, 2002

When I first saw the Spider-Man trailer a strange feeling caught me that is difficult to describe. I was speechless. For me the trailer was an example of how to do one in the first place. It set up huge expectations for me despite the fact that I barely knew anything about this superhero. Finally the day came when I saw the whole movie and oh boy, did I like it.

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

Review

Spider-Man

Director

Sam Raimi

Year

2002

Rating

Reviewed by

Gon Curiel a.k.a. Groucho

Review date

Tuesday, June 04, 2002

Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is a nerdy High-School student for whom hardly anyone has any respect. An amateur photographer and scientist, he sees his life change after a genetically enhanced “super-spider” bites him. Little by little, as arachnid abilities take over him (including extra strength, precognition of danger, the ability to climb walls and produce webs, etc.), he creates an alter-ego, first for money (and fun), and then for justice, always thinking of the girl he’s in love with, the girl next door, red-head Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst).

After years of struggle, the definitive film adaptation of the famous comic book (published by Marvel Comics) is finally here. It was a long wait, and there were many failed attempts and dreadful flops. Even the cartoons weren’t any good (though some of them were really fun). I’m glad to say, as a fan, that it sure was worth the wait: Not only is it perfectly adapted from the book (except for a few necessary changes) but it is realistic, somehow managing to make us believe everything that we see is true.

Some dudes who really knew what the original comic book was about realized Peter was as un-cool as could be, and Tobey Maguire was the perfect choice; he’s as good playing an awkward loser is as he is playing a charming fellow. They also realized that Mary Jane was nothing spectacular, and so it is with Kirsten Dunst… Don’t take me wrong, she’s great!, but she’s also perfect as an ordinary girl next door. Peter and M.J.’s romance is very credible and they are both sympathetic; Maguire is especially good at making us care for him.

A couple of scenes are unforgettable: the discovery of the “spider sense” and the design of the Spider-Man suit. The latter is a real tribute to comic books in general. Talking about unforgettable scenes, what about that upside-down kiss under the rain? Certainly memorable!

In the meantime, as a more than necessary subplot, the original Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn and his evil alter-ego) acquires super abilities, and causes a lot of trouble in New York City. Dafoe is perfect as the maniac, though he’s not stronger in impact than the hero: another asset of the script.

Some visual effects are too evident but it is forgiven: the action scenes have no equal.

Other performers include Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris as Peter’s Uncle Ben and Aunt May, James Franco as Harry Osborn and J.K. Simmons, incredibly effective as J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle.

Also worth noting: another great score by Danny Elfman.

This movie has it all, even to the level of Superman (1978), for which it shows both respect and admiration.

Here’s a comic book fan talking, dudes. This is one worthy piece!

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

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Other reviews of Spider-Man (2002): Morris