When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a
nerdy, shy, and awkward high school student gains spider-like abilities
that he eventually must use to fight evil as a superhero after tragedy
befalls his family.
Director: Sam Raimi
Writers: Stan Lee (Marvel comic book), Steve Ditko (Marvel comic book) | 1 more credit »
Stars: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe | See full cast & crew »
Storyline
Based on Marvel Comics' superhero character, this is a story of Peter Parker who is a nerdy high-schooler. He was orphaned as a child, bullied by jocks, and can't confess his crush for his stunning neighborhood girl Mary Jane Watson. To say his life is "miserable" is an understatement. But one day while on an excursion to a laboratory a runaway radioactive spider bites him... and his life changes in a way no one could have imagined. Peter acquires a muscle-bound physique, clear vision, ability to cling to surfaces and crawl over walls, shooting webs from his wrist ... but the fun isn't going to last. An eccentric millionaire Norman Osborn administers a performance enhancing drug on himself and his maniacal alter ego Green Goblin emerges. Now Peter Parker has to become Spider-Man and take Green Goblin to the task... or else Goblin will kill him. They come face to face and the war begins in which only one of them will survive at the endSpider-Man User Reviews
Spider-Man (2002) - With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility!
Considered as one of
the most successful superhero movies ever made, "Spider-Man" is a
superhero film adaptation of one of Stan Lee's most popular Marvel
comics, and becoming one of the first movies to score the highest
opening weekend in the box office. There's no wonder, because this is an
exciting and enjoyable motion picture. One of my childhood favorites,
to be exact! This movie tells the origin story of Peter Parker, or
Spider-Man, portrayed by Tobey Maguire, whom after being bit by a
radioactive spider, he has gained extraordinary powers to climb walls,
shoot web, and beat bad guys. But all that must be put to the test when
Parker has to defeat one of the first villains of the Spider-Man
universe, the Green Goblin, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Although Maguire
is somewhat bland in a few of his movies, I respected that he fit the
role of Peter Parker perfectly, playing a shy kid, with no powers to
either beat the bad guy or win the girl. Although given some of the
corniest lines of dialouge in this movie, Kirsten Dunst makes an
adorable portrayal as Mary Jane Watson, while giving a great chemistry
with her co-star. But, Willem Dafoe seems a little miscast playing the
deadly Green Goblin, feeling more like he's suitable for drama, instead
of action. Rosemary Harris, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, and J.K.
Simmons, round up the supporting cast, bringing some memorable
performances on-screen, especially Simmons, who steals every scene he's
in as J. Jonah Jameson, the angry editor chief of the Daily Bugle. There
are few corny and goofy moments from here and there, but that doesn't
stop the exciting momentum that this movie brings. Filled with
impressive visual effects and a wonderful music score by Danny Elfman,
director Sam Raimi perfectly stays true to the original Spider-Man
concept, and delivers plenty of exciting action sequences that are both
fun to watch, and stay true to the plot. Behind "The Dark Knight" and
"The Avengers", "Spider-Man" is probably my third favorite superhero
movie. I can watch this movie over and over again, and it's still a fun
time. I was easily impressed with this movie, and it never disappoints
to entertain. Everyone will find something to enjoy for sure.
"Spider-Man", in my review, "a refreshing story, and exciting action".
