Spider-Man (2002)

Tobey Maguire as "Peter Parker/Spider-Man"
Willem Dafoe as "Norman Osborn/Green Goblin"
Kirsten Dunst as "Mary Jane Watson"
James Franco as "Harry Osborn"
Rosemary Harris as "Aunt May"
Cliff Robertson as "Uncle Ben"
J.K. Simmons as "J. Jonah Jameson"

Written by David Koepp (based on characters created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko)
Directed by Sam Raimi

I'm stuck for an opening to this review. I can't believe it. One of the best comic book adaptations of all time, and I can't figure out what to say about it. Well, instead of opening with some roundabout story concerning Spidey's long journey to the screen, I'm going to be direct.

Flat out, this movie rocked. Not just as a comic book movie, but as a balls-out, butt-kicking, full-throttle action extravaganza! But to mention only this side of the film would not do it sufficient credit. While Spider-Man had all of the high-flying thrills one would expect from the title character, it also possessed a heart as big as the heart within Peter Parker's chest. It had romance, drama, and a hero identifiable to everyone: Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, the spectacular Spider-Man.

Who knew that when Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created Spider-Man back in 1962, "the hero who could be you" would become one of the most recognizable fictional characters in popular culture? After all, then-Marvel publisher Martin Goodman was dead set against the idea of an arachnid hero, finding the idea distasteful. Stan Lee was determined to get Spider-Man into print nonetheless, and slipped his origin story into Amazing Adult Fantasy, an anthology title slated for cancellation. Reasoning that Goodman wouldn't care about Spidey showing up in a doomed series, Stan changed the title of the comic to Amazing Fantasy for that issue, #15. What Stan didn't expect was Spider-Man becoming a runaway success. Not long afterwards, he got his own series, The Amazing Spider-Man, and an icon was born.

The movie was another matter entirely. Marvel had sold the rights to the Cannon Group in the '80s, and they had intended to make the film. Those who know me know my feelings about Cannon and the producing team of Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus, responsible for an infamous body of work which includes Breakin', Masters of the Universe, Captain America, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. Needless to say, such a movie would probably have been only marginally better than the atrocious 1978 television series. However, Cannon (mercifully) went under, sparing the world from another American Ninja sequel.

The project became a high priority when James Cameron attached himself to the project, not only touting an interest in directing it, but also writing an extended treatment for the film. However, the rights were divided among three studios, inspiring a lengthy legal battle. Cameron left the project and went on to make Titanic. Ultimately, Sony won the fight, and the rights to the property. Once again, it became a priority, and fans held their breath in anticipation as all of the pieces fell together. I should know. I was one of those fans.

And now that it's finally here, I can say I'm impressed. Spider-Man has surpassed all of my highest expectations and left me wanting more. I mean, with a movie this awesome, where do I start?

Well, let's start with the guy everyone will be talking about for a long time: Tobey Maguire. As Peter Parker, he is perfect. Amusingly enough, studio bosses wanted a big-name star, namely Freddie Prinze Jr., Heath Ledger, or Leonardo DiCaprio. Director Sam Raimi fought for Maguire's casting, and he had good reason. Tobey Maguire has just the right touch of awkward vulnerability to go with the role of high school geek Peter Parker, bitten by a genetically-altered spider (updated from the radioactive spider of the '60s) and gifted (or cursed) with the proportionate speed, agility, and strength of the arachnid, as well as the ability to spin webs from his wrists (also changed from the artificial webshooters of the comics). I don't believe that any of the aforementioned heartthrobs could have portrayed the youthful uncertainty and hidden strength inside Peter. Maguire can, and he does it better than I could have ever hoped.

Willem Dafoe co-stars as Norman Osborn, the father of Peter's best (and only) friend, Harry (James Franco). Later, Norman subjects himself to performance-enhancing chemicals in an experiment, creating an alternate personality, the malevolent Green Goblin. Dafoe's performance is interesting. Norman is disappointed in Harry, but is impressed by Peter's determination in the face of adversity (the cruelty of his peers, the death of his uncle Ben) and his interest in science. Even in his civilian identity, Norman has an interesting dichotomy about him: he is cold towards his own son, but tries to become a father figure to Peter. The Goblin, however, is a raving megalomaniac, performing all manner of evil deeds in what is perceived to be Norman's best interest. Some of Dafoe's more interesting scenes are with himself, his evil side trying to dominate his more humane half. His best scenes, though, are as Norman, trying to reconcile himself with his real son and the son he wishes he had.

Kirsten Dunst also shines as Mary Jane Watson, Peter's childhood crush. Admittedly, if not for her family strife (added to the movie), the role wouldn't have been as demanding. Either way, Dunst is charming and positively radiant as Mary Jane. The same can't be said for James Franco, Peter's competition for MJ's heart. He does a lot of brooding, but comes off as spoiled and ineffectual, and sometimes, a little boring. Thankfully, the rest of the film is so cool, Franco doesn't detract too much.

From the beginning, the producers did just about everything right, starting with hiring Sam Raimi to direct. Raimi is one of my favorite directors, with a background in low-budget blood-drenched slapstick horror comedies. With a $100 million budget, Raimi makes full use of every penny. He stages wonderfully elaborate fight scenes, makes extensive use of breathtaking CGI, and even amidst all of this flash, he still focuses on the characters, rather than the pyrotechnics, and when he brings the two together, such as in the climactic bridge showdown, it's truly a sight to behold.

Two of the best directors working today are Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings). Both of them gained notoriety for low-budget gore flicks, but later helmed more subdued films to gain critical acclaim. Now, in charge of two of the biggest event movie franchises of our time, Raimi and Jackson are showing the world what genre fans have known all along: they know how to make great movies. Lord of the Rings has already been hailed as a classic. Spider-Man can only get better from here on in.

5.8.02