Spider-Man (2002) Review

Spider-Man (2002)

Spider-Man follows Peter Parker, who after being bitten by a genetically mutated spider, is given powers, and a responsibility, that he must use to protect the ones he loves. 

Spider-Man’s first outing on the big screen is huge for several reasons, one of which is that it became the blueprint for most modern superhero movies to follow. It takes it’s time to let us understand Peter and who he is as a budding adult before ever throwing him in the suit. And more importantly, with every scene, the importance of that one, crucial line from Uncle Ben stings out, “With great power, comes great responsibility”. Because Peter, while good intentioned, must learn the importance of being good. He isn’t perfect and as a matter of fact, is quite a dark character, an integral part of who he is in the comics, that is a principle anchor to the Peter of these movies. It’s not about being good or heroic in the face of evil, it’s being good despite the tragedy that would normally turn one evil. And his first outing is marred with one tragedy after another, a determining factor in him deciding not to be with MJ after a whole movie of awkwardly fawning after her. 

Often overlooked though, is the small yet meaningful aspects that separated, and have continued to separate this Spider-Man from any Spidey yet, and that’s a combination of a phenomenal score and the portrayal of New York in relation to Spider-Man. The city of New York is so engrained into who he is as a character and what makes him special, and Raimi was able to capture that authentic, lived-in energy that does a beautiful job of beating Peter down, but lifting him up as a hero. It’s Danny Elfman’s score however that elevates this from good to great, providing an original soundtrack that inspires hope, determination, and sincerity with each passing scene that even to this day, gives me chills just hearing it. 

Sporting an also now iconic cast, Spider-Man stars Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, and Tobey Maguire. Dafoe is absolutely terrifying and really brings out the maniacal and sadistic sides of Osborne that make him such a good villain in the comics. Maguire also just really nails the dueling sides of Peter—a mild mannered, awkward nerd who becomes a different man when the mask comes on, capitalizing on the emotional vulnerability that comes with the character. 

Spider-Man, directed by Sam Raimi, is, in my

opinion, still one of best origin stories to date, as it not only sets up Spider-Man for bigger and better, but sets up a darkness and emotional weakness for Peter to internally deal with as he looks to protect his friends, family, and the city he loves. 

8.7/10