sonotadream

Spider-Man (2002) dir. by Sam Raimi

Written by David Koepp

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J. K. Simmons

Synopsis: After being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy. (from imdb.com)

Did I watch it when it first come out? I think so, but I’m not sure. I’ve watched it several times since then.

Highlights: Willem Dafoe and J. K. Simmons are perfect casting for sure.

The cast is overall very good - except James Franco, he just sounds bored most of the time.

MJ goes through a lot: shitty family, shitty boyfriends, her silly superhero crush results in her being tossed of a bridge and then Peter is only interested in being friends.

The entire sequence with the robber - from Peter’s little smirk when he talks back to the promoter guy, to the horror movie vibes in the warehouse, to the way Peter doesn’t kill him, but also doesn’t not kill him - it’s great.

The people on the bridge sticking up for Spider-Man against the Green Goblin and the boat guys helping rescue the kids - it's a perspective the modern MCU is lacking.

Worldbuilding Notes: it takes forever for Spider-Man the vigilante to show up,but it makes sense when there aren’t other superheroes around to inspire him. That’s the annoying bit about the solo superhero movies that aren’t part of a shared universe: there’s one super powered good guy and everyone else with powers is a villain.

The Plan: The Green Goblin doesn’t have an overarching plan, per se. First, he’s saving Oscorp; then, he’s destroying Spider-Man. Both actions mostly require a large number of explosives.

The Other Stuff: some effects look dated and the Green Goblin costume looks a bit silly in daylight. Besides that, I don’t have anything negative to say.

Ranking (for now):