College Downtime Movie Review
Written by Hollowman - March 7th, 2005

Spiderman (2002)

Starring: Tobey Maguire, William Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson
Director: Sam Raimi
Rated: PG-13
Rating: * * * *

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If any of you are familiar with the few, sad attempts of a film version of Spider-Man, then you would know that the idea of another movie was something to be seen with some skepticism. However, Sam Raimi’s version of “Spider-Man” hits it big on the screen and is probably one of the best comic superhero movie since the original “Superman: The Movie”.

The film stars Tobey Maguire in a picture perfect role as Peter Parker, the socially retarded high school kid who gets bitten by a genetically altered spider (in the comic, it was a radioactive spider but Raimi wisely changes that to match with today’s scientific culture of genetics). At first, Parker uses his powers for fun and as a way to woo Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). But when his Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson) his murdered by a crook which Parker could have stopped hours earlier, he uses his powers to fight crime and thus, becomes Spider-Man.

Of course, no superhero story would be complete without a super villain. Willam Dafoe brilliantly fills those shoes as Norman Osborn. While performing a human test of strength enhancements, he goes crazy and ends up coming out with a multiple personality in the form of the Green Goblin.

The opposition of the Goblin and Spidey create the theme of the film. Fans of the comic series are quite familiar with the statement Uncle Ben gives to Peter; “With great power comes great responsibility”. Though it takes Peter a while to realize it, he eventually takes on the responsibility and uses his powers for good, while the Goblin abuses his powers to eliminate his/Norman’s enemies and gain power. There’s even a scene in which the Green Goblin tries to convince Spider-Man the idea of how the two should use their powers for just their own purposes.

“Spider-Man” is a fast action film that has more to it than just what we see. Though the visual effects are stunning (watching Spider-Man swing through New York is awesome to say the least), there is heart and soul found in the film. Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker with the perfection of a young man torn between his great responsibilities and just wanting to be happy with a girl and best friend (Harry Osborn played by James Franco). The rest of the cast does a great job of bringing their characters to life from the pages of the comic.

If Marvel (and DC comics-you know, the company that has Batman and Superman) keeps allowing its heroes to be brought to the big screen with such care and admiration as Raimi does with “Spider-Man”, then my spider senses tell me that there will be great success at the box office.




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