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Spider-Man
2002
Based on the classic Marvel Comics series, Sam Raimi's SPIDER-MAN deftly details the origin of the web-slinging superhero. When awkward New York City teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) attends a class field trip to a laboratory, he gets bitten by a genetically altered spider while taking photos of his longtime crush, the .. Read more
| Starring | Tobey Maguire, Bruce Campbell, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst |
|---|---|
| Director | Sam Raimi |
| Genres | Action/Adventure |
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Spider-Man
Based on the classic Marvel Comics series, Sam Raimi's SPIDER-MAN deftly details the origin of the web-slinging superhero. When awkward New York City teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) attends a class field trip to a laboratory, he gets bitten by a genetically altered spider while taking photos of his longtime crush, the lovely Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). Soon he discovers this bite has given him remarkable powers--heightened strength, dexterity, and awareness, along with the ability to cling to walls and shoot webs from his wrists. Hoping to win Mary Jane's heart using his new talents, Peter becomes distracted from home life with his doting Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson), ultimately leading to tragedy--and his new role as the crime-fighting Spider-Man. Meanwhile Harry Osborn (Willem Dafoe), the industrialist father of Peter's friend Norman (James Franco), undergoes a transformation of his own, bringing about the creation of Spider-Man's arch-nemesis--the Green Goblin. In order to save his loved ones--and all of New York City--from the devastating force of the deluded Goblin, Spider-Man must take on the villain in a series of stunning battles.
By staying true to the essence of the comic book, Raimi accomplishes the rare feat of crafting a superhero movie with a real heart. Rather than focusing solely on action and explosions, SPIDER-MAN wisely shines the spotlight on the character of Peter Parker, played with perfect bewilderment by Maguire. The special effects, of course, are dazzling, but they are topped by an excellent cast that also includes the radiant Dunst, the menacing Dafoe, the brooding Franco, and the scene-stealing J.K. Simmons as Peter's tough-talking boss. (Raimi fans will notice cameos by the director's brother, Ted Raimi, and EVIL DEAD series star Bruce Campbell.) The result is a charming and amazingly entertaining film unafraid to combine CGI animation with sincere human emotion.
| Starring | Tobey Maguire, Bruce Campbell, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Joe Manganiello, Ted Raimi, Bill Nunn |
|---|---|
| Director | Sam Raimi |
| Studio | COLUMBIA TRI-STAR HOME VIDEO |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 56 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Action/Adventure |
| Language | English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Subtitles | Dutch, English, Hindi |
| Released | DVD: 25 Nov 2002 Production year: 2002 |
| Format | DVD |
Spider-Man (2002)
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Thanks in part to legal battles, Marvel Comics' much-loved superhero has taken his time to reach the big screen. This fantasy action adventure was initially intended as a James Cameron vehicle, but the project finally went to Darkman director — and self-confessed Spider-Man fan — Sam Raimi. His vision sticks close to the character's comic-book roots with the creation of a colourful, visually inspired frolic that's bubbling with energy and gleefully tongue-in-cheek, yet edged with pathos. Lead actor Tobey Maguire is unusual but inspired casting, exuding boy-next-door charm as the clandestine teen avenger (Kirsten Dunst is credible, too, as love interest Mary Jane Watson). Indeed, it's Maguire's intense likeability that helps paper over potential weaknesses such as the odd disappointing set piece. As for the all-important villain, Willem Dafoe not only looks the part as the Green Goblin — equalling Jack Nicholson's Joker — he brings some welcome gravitas to an already credible venture. Spider-Man is an effortless, intelligent entertainment, and a fabulous, fun-filled start to an obvious franchise.
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"...Raimi does know his genre and has a lot of fun with the always gratifying makeover element....[Maguire] seems the only choice to play Peter, imbuing the character with intelligence, sensitivity, affability, strength, humor and edginess..."
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Most helpful member's review
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8 out of 9 people found this review helpful
EXCELLENT, MUST SEE MOVIE!
Some films in the world can be hyped up
when they don't deserve it and that's
what i thought about Spiderman before i
saw it. i expected it to be just okay
but not brilliant, how wrong i was.
having waited till 2004 to finally see this movie on dvd it was well worth it.
the movie may have main villain named
The Green Goblin who resemebles villain from Power Rangers but this movie is super cool. basically, Peter Parker [ Toby Maguire] is this high school student who is bullied
for being different. he lusts for the girl next door Mary Jane Watson [ Kirsten Dunst] the love of his life.
then one day at high school trip to
the manhattan museum he is bitten by genetically modified super spider and becomes half mutant half human superman.
he decides to use his new powers for his own personal gain but after terrible tragedy he decides to use his powers to vanquish evil under the name: Spiderman!
he might have chance of winning over MJ [ Mary Jane's short name] while this goes on his best friend Harry Osborne [ James Franco]'s father Norman Osborne [ Willem Dafoe]has signed contract for an extro- skeleton design and they need human volounteer for an experiment to enhance human potential for the military. however, something turns drastically wrong and the experiment [ which Norman has tested himself] causes Norman to turn insane due to the gamma
radiation in the lab. now like Spiderman, Norman is stronger and more powerful than ever. however, he uses his new super powers to become the evil
villain The Green Goblin and invade
Newyork City. so it's up to Spiderman to save the day. one of the finest movies ever made with Toby Maguire in the role of Spiderman/Peter Parker he just IS Peter Parker and just IS Spiderman he is perfect. Kirsten Dunst is not exactly like in the comics but
now i can't imagine anyone else in the role. same goes for cliff roberts and rosemary harris who fit very well into the role of Peter's Uncle Ben and Aunt Mey Parker. Willem Dafoe won the role over Nicholas Cage and John Malkovich and i'm glad considering he IS The Green Goblin/Norman Osborne. i know i say IS a lot but this is such great piece of casting with director Sam Raimi and screenwriter David Koepp joining forces was the result of superhero classic. Bruce Campbell [ from Sam Raimi's Evil Dead] has his own cameo in the movie too. see this movie, it's superb with MARVELlous character development. i highly reccomend. -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
Escapism
This is a great film. The DTS soundtrack is excellent, really adds to the effect. Thoroughly enjoyed watching - can't wait for SM2.
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News and features
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Dafoe was first choice for Batman's The Joker
- 28 Oct 2009
Jack Nicholson almost lost out on the role of The Joker in 1989's Batman movie - because Spider-Man star Willem Dafoe was director Tim Burton's first choice. The Shining actor landed the iconic part opposite Michael Keaton as the Caped Crusader, but Dafoe admits the movie could have been very different had he agreed to work on the superhero film. He tells MTV.com, "Very early, they talked to me about playing (The Joker in) Batman." Dafoe decided against signing up for Batman and later... Read more
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Spider-Man
Based on the classic Marvel Comics series, Sam Raimi's SPIDER-MAN deftly details the origin of the web-slinging superhero. When awkward New York City teenager Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) attends a class field trip to a laboratory, he gets bitten by a genetically altered spider while taking photos ...
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