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At Last, A Superhero for the 21st Century!
Date of Review: May 7, 2002
The Bottom Line: Spider-Man is a great concept movie, well done and exciting, plus a cast that is great!
Spider-Man, the movie followed a long line of superhero legends turned big screen movies. But from the start, Spider-Man followed a different formula and came out on top for it!
Unlike other films like the Batman series that deteriorated into a strange mess starring big names, but with no acting substance, Spider-Man thrives on good, but not super big name actors (until now). Batman that was dark and quirky due to Tim Burton's strange take on things, whereas Sam Raimi, the director choose to follow a more scientific explanation. And unlike Superman's corny primary color epic, Spider-Man took a totally different route, combining typically American colors with the landscape of a major city. Spider-Man followed its own formula.
Spider-Man is directed by Sam Raimi, starring Tobey MacGuire, Willem Dafoe and Kirsten Dunst as Spider-man/Peter Parker, Green Goblin and MJ Watson.
The Plot...
The movie is action, action and love story. Peter Parker, is a likable, intelligent geek. Like all movie geeks, he gets bullied and the audience cheers for the underdog against the bullies. He is an orphan living with his elderly aunt and uncle, two deeply loving and caring people. MJ is literally the girl next door who Peter has been in love with for years, but is somewhat of an unknown to MJ. (Unlike, Peter's nurturing home, MJ comes from an abusive home.) Instead of noticing him and his adoration, she seems to always fall for the bully, yet has an empathy towards Peter. Soon into the film, Peter is bitten by a genetically altered spider and takes on the characteristics of the arachnid. Unlike the movie The Fly, Peter becomes more attractive, with a lightly chiseled body, intensified senses, and increadible strength. Overnight, he has the ability to shoot webs out his wrists and takes on Olympic gymnastic ability. (Here, the movie stretches the imagination.) Soon, Peter realizes through the words of his Uncle that "to be a great man, great power means great responsibility". This lesson hits home for Peter when Uncle Ben is killed by the same man Peter failed to apprehend.
Once Peter accepts his new responsibilities, a new villian enters the city, the Green Goblin. After much devestation and many action packed fight scenes, Spider-man prevails, only to learn that the villian was his best friend's father. Peter's best friend now hates Spider-man, vows revenge and Peter is left with the realization that being a hero isn't always a blessing.
There are intrically woven sub plots throughout the movie. The newspaper editor, J. Jameson is a complete jerk, well performed and frustrating. He depicts the epitome of the media, "anything for a buck" with a painful realism. He hold his own against Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. Aunt May is another weight on Peter as she's aging and frail. And lastly, the MJ - Peter relationship is complex and well performed, being sensual, but not over the top.
MacGuire was fantastic as innocent Peter Parker. His transormation from Peter Parker to Spider-Man was convincing and entertaining. There was a lot of talk before the movie questioning if MacGuire could pull off the role, and he did with flying colors.
Kirsten Dunst plays the beautiful MJ Watson. She portrays a young woman maturing into adulthood, trying to pursue a so far unsuccessfull acting career while waitressing. She bounces from boyfriend to boyfriend, only to fall for the good guy (Peter) and realize it was too late.
The basic plot of the movie focuses on Peter's maturity and his acceptance of the responsibilities that go along with his new abilities.
This movie does not sugar coat the hero's life and yet doesn't portray a dark sinister future either. Spider-Man does a fantastic job of detailing the life of a superhero as well, human.
