Rating: 
Summary: SPIDER-MAN is a superhero thriller with heart
Review: Like everyone else, I was wondering just how the big-budget movie version of Marvel's #1 superhero would play. After all, audiences had suffered through the over-blown camp of Joel Schumacher's dismal BATMAN & ROBIN, and then were entertained by Brian Singer's solid X-MEN. Fortunately, director Sam Raimi and his stellar cast create a superhero classic that will rank up there with the first 2 Christopher Reeve Superman films and the Tim Burton Batman flicks as the best of their genre. Indeed, SPIDER-MAN achieves this distinction not for its action, but for its heart.
By now, most people are familiar with Spidey's story. A nerdy high school student, Peter Parker, gains amazing powers after being bitten by a genetically mutated spider during a field trip. At first, he decides to use his powers for profit. However, when his thoughtlessness results in the death of his beloved Uncle Ben, he resolves to use them for good...even though many around him question his motives. Indeed, in this movie, the whole story plays as a metaphor for one's coming-of-age...both physically and emotionally. The casting is solid and most of them find the emotional truth in this unusual story. Tobey Maguire is perfect as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and he succeeds in getting us to empathize and root for him. Kirsten Dunst matches him as Mary Jane Watson, the girl who he secretly carries a torch for. Willem Dafoe is delightfully hammy as the menacing Green Goblin. J.K. Simmons is an absolute scene- stealer as cranky newspaper editor, J. Jonah Jameson. Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris add a wonderful touch of class as Peter's guardians, Uncle Ben and Aunt May.
At a brisk 2 hours, Raimi keeps the film going at a good clip and the action sequences are engrossing. He also has fun with his audiences. Fans of "Xena:Warrior Princess" (a TV show that Raimi produced) will get a kick out the various cameos by Lucy Lawless, Ted Raimi and Bruce Campbell. Of course, one could quibble about certain things, mainly how the Goblin's suit makes him look more likely to battle the Pink Ranger than Spider-Man, but the movie is so fun that you don't really care.
All too often, most comic-book based films get caught up only in the action and characterization and depth get ignored as a result. This film doesn't, making SPIDER-MAN that rare thing indeed.....a superhero film with heart. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Totally shocked me
Review: I went into the theater expecting some mild entertainment, something that was totally overdone, silly, and [not real], and not like the Spider-Man comics at all. However, I was SO delighted to discover that I had been hugely wrong. First of all, Tobey Maguire, despite all the criticism he's had, was excellent as Peter Parker. He was so dorky and lovable, I just couldn't help but crack up watching him running for the bus and snapping "pictures for the newspaper" of Mary-Jane in the museum. He may be a superhero by the end of the movie, but he's still a nerd when he takes his mask off. Tobey Maguire is always going to be a nerd. That's why I love him. Secondly, Sam Raimi blew me away! He didn't try to make Spider-Man over-realistic or new-millenium-cool. He simply captured the essence of what Spider-Man really is--outrageous, impossible, yet incredibly enviable stunts, the sense of victory over injustice, and all the little details down to the random passerby that points and shouts: "Look! It's Spider-Man!" It just had, as someone said below, this perfect B-movie quality that was completely irresistible. I totally felt like I was watching one of those nostalgic old superhero movies from decades ago, expecting a POW! and BANG! to pop up on the screen any second. This is really Spider-Man at its truest and purest. It's no wonder it shot the box-office record up to [$] in its first weekend! Go see it. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies that i've ever seen
Review: I was so stoked when i found out that the spiderman movie was going to the big screen that I saw this movie the day it came out. I sat through te whole movie in amazement, terrific action sequences, amazing acting, and even some self critisizm with some of the goblin's catch phrases. If you haven't seen it, see it, and if you've seen it, see it again, i just can't wait for the sequel
Rating:
Summary: With great power......
Review: This is an honest review of the largest grossing movie to date. Of course you know I mean Spider-Man... If you have not yet seen the movie and do not want me to spoil it for you, DON'T READ THIS!! Save it and read it after you see the movie. Let's start with the main cast: (my overall feelings about the movie will be at the end of this review) Director: Sam Raimi: Sam Raimi is known for his B movie cult films.... To be honest I didn't know what to expect from him in the Spider-Man movie. I've read many articles pertaining to him. Some good, some bad. I read that he had been a Spider-Man fan since he was a little boy and right away I knew, without a doubt, that he was the perfect choice for director. Peter Parker/Spider-Man: Tobey Maguire The very first time I heard that Maguire was cast as Peter Parker I thought to myself, "WHY!?!" I had seen some of his movies and I was not impressed at all. I couldn't even think of anything that he had done. After seeing the full length trailer, I changed my mind....a little. Norman Osborn/Green Goblin: Willem Dafoe Right away I knew he could pull it off. The Green Goblin costume took a little getting used to (because it is very different than the comic) but it made sense in the movie. Dafoe even looks like his comic book counterpart. Plus they did a great job matching father and son. Norman and Harry are father and son played bt Dafoe and James Franco. Mary Jane Watson: Kirsten Dunst Be still my beating heart! Dunst can play any roll she wants. It's just a good thing she was perfect for this roll. And of course I have to throw in one of my personal favorites: J. Jonah Jameson: J.K. Simmons Looked the part and played it great! He had the perfect voice for Jameson. If you know the comic character you know what I mean. The movie and the comics have their differences. For example: Comic= synthetic webs of Peter's design. Movie= organic webs that shoot from his arms. Although I didn't agree with this decision at first, I understand and agree with the reason they did it. Raimi didn't think a kid could come up with something like that over night. Comic= radioactive spider that Peter squishes. Movie= genetically altered spider that gets away. This I do not agree with. In the comic the whole thing was a freak accident and the spider dies. In the movie they make it seem like it could happen again to anyone. There are more differences but these are some of the major ones. Now, a very quick look at Peter/Spider-Man and why he chose to be a hero It starts out with Peter Parker. A very shy, soft-spoken, underappreciated.....dork. Not too many friends and drooling over a girl that he doesn't have the nerve to talk to. (sounds familiar) after gaining powers by accident on a field trip he tries to make a quick buck by using his powers to win a wrestling match with Bone Saw McGraw, a... wrestler. After winning the match he goes to collect his money and gets no where near what was promised to him. ... My thoughts on the cast: Tobey Maguire: All my early thoughts about Maguire playing this roll couldn't have been more wrong. Raimi couldn't have found anyone better!! Willem Dafoe: Just as I thought. He was the best guy for the part. Kirsten Dunst: All I have to say is...damn! That means she did good. My over all thoughts... This movie kicks ...[butt]. If you haven't seen it, go see it. If you've already seen it, go see it again. This is by far the best comic book movie of all time. A great movie made from the greatest comic. Believe it or not, this movie is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish...not to mention one hell of an action movie.
Rating:
Summary: SPIDER-MAN IS THE BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE EVER!!!
Review: GREAT DIRECTOR!!! GREAT CAST!!! GREAT MOVIE!!! As much as I hate to admit it, when I first saw Toby Maguire I didn't think he was good enough to play Peter Parker and Spider-Man, but now that I've seen the movie, I can see I was wrong--he might even be the only actor who could have played the role!!!
But Willem Dafoe nearly steals the movie as archenemy Norman Osborn/Green Goblin! And Cliff Roberston is excellent in his brief but important role as Uncle Ben--"With great power must come great responsibility."--Kirsten Dunst is good as Mary Jane, and J.K. Simmons is fantastic as J.Jonah Jameson!!! And Sam Raimi proved to me that he's a great director, because only a great director could pull off this movie and make Spider-Man realistic by using terrific mixes of real New York street scenes and excellent special effects!!! SPIDER-MAN IS THE BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE EVER!!! Or as Stan Lee used to say, EXCELSIOR!!! Chari Krishnan
RESEARCHKING
Rating: 
Summary: All the elements were there, except one....
Review: Sam Raimi, underrated director of Darkman and a little gem called "The Gift", has proved his mettle in the world of the blockbuster. Believe that Spiderman will clean up in every city in the US and also have a great ride internationally. Cinematography and special effects are phenomenal, Danny Elfman's music is outstanding. New York City is surreal, and yet the main characters are believable as natives "from Queens". Casting Tobey McGuire as Parker/Spiderman was a thoughtful choice, and helped to keep the film close to the origins of the Marvel comic. Critics said the same things about Michael Keaton before they saw him play the odd Bruce Wayne in the first Batman. Kristen Dunst sparkled. Character actors in the role of the newspaper publisher (this guy is also a villain on HBO's "Oz" and a shrink on "Law and Order"; when does he rest?), and Peter's uncle (a cameo by Cliff Robertson having a bad hair day) were just cartoonish enough to help make the film. But, a film is only as good as its villain. The Green Goblin is more stylish than expected, and William Dafoe is a better actor than what you would expect to be cast. But, he goes over the top and seems uncomfortable no matter which of his two personas is up for a scene. Points to the original Batman, where Jack Nicholson set the standard for all villains to come. You have to enjoy your "evilness" to get the laughs and bring a cartoon villain to life...Nicholson can, Dafoe didn't impress. Still a great film; really excellent that everyone can enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie I Have Seen Ever
Review: As soon as the "Spider-Man" ended all I could say to my brother who went and saw it with me was "That was the best movie I have ever seen." The movie is truly amazing. All the actors were amazing. Tobey Maguire was fantasic as Peter Parker a.k.a Spider-Man and Kirsten Dunst was good as Mary-Jane Watson. I also thought William Defoe was good as The Green Goblin. The movie stayed very true to the comics and everything! If you don't plan on seeing this movie I would have to say something must be wrong with you. This movie is nonstop and keeps you wanting more. I can't wait for the sequel! After I saw "Harry Potter" last year I thought nothing would ever be able to top it off but "Spider-Man" proved me wrong. The movie is great and I think everyone should go and see it. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars it was that good. If I could give it as many stars as I want I would have to give it like 15 stars. So if you haven't seen it get up and go you will not regret it!
Rating:
Summary: Above all expectations
Review: As I grew up I was a fan of Super Man and Spider Man comic books, but I never really got into them, but when I heard this movie was coming out I knew I had to see it. This movie portrays the great works of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko who made Spider-Man into an ever-popular comic book while making Marvel Comics famous. A bite by a rare breed of spiders at the Columbia University science lab gives Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) great vision and a perfect body. He also is also given great agility to jump form large skyscrapers and spin webs from his wrist. Then he assumes the identity of Spider Man to fight off the evil Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), that terrorizes the city with a glider that drops several bombs at a time. Spider-Man nearly loses his life while saving the life of his girlfriend, people who are being threatened to be killed by the Green Goblin, and many innocent people who he doesn't even know. Tobey Maguire, with the emotional lead role overcomes the tragic death of his beloved Uncle Ben, growth trauma's, doubts, sorrows, and fear, to save lives and become the city icon. Willem Dafoe's hystericals and split-personality suffered after a lab-experiment gone wrong make him be a friend one minute and the evil Green Goblin the next. Kirsten Dunst fits the role nicely as Peter's love Mary Jane. Even characters with smaller parts like Peter's Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson), and his friend Harry (James Franco) are amazing. Sam Raimi's big-screen version of the Marvel Comic's good-vs-evil Spider-Man comics is portrayed by outstanding acting, eye-popping special effects, great sound and much more. If you are a Spider-Man comic book fan this is a movie you have to see.
Rating:
Summary: The best super-hero movie ever!!!
Review: As far as super-hero movies go, they are usually either 'hit or miss.' Several have done extremely well in the past (ex. Superman, Batman, X-men) while others have failed miserably. Spider-man has been caught in a plethora of legal battles for well over the past decade, which have hindered its ability to come to the big screen. BUT, it finally got here! And let me tell you, as far as super-hero movies go, they don't get any better than this! But, that's not all...this movie is a great movie in general, regardless of the fact that it is about a super-hero.
The movie manages to tell the story of Spider-man's origin (which could be a movie in itself), while also weaving in a bad guy to the plot. This movie shines in several areas:
This movie couldn't have been cast better. Tobey Maguire perfectly fits the roll of Peter Parker (Spider-man's alter ego), meshing both Parker's typical teen angst and confusion, as well as his nerdiness and the fact that he is a complete social misfit. Kirsten Dunst is gorgeous as the red-headed Mary Jane Watson (the love interest), and purposely tried to make her character less ditsy than she is in the comics. Dafoe is fantastic as the psychotic Green Goblin, and even the Macho Man Randy Savage has a small, but funny role.
This movie also shines in the visual effects. Spidey's swinging from building to building was mostly computer-generated, but it stil manages to keep some element of realism (to the complete extent that you can in a movie of this type). The flips and the flexibility and sheer grace that Spidey leaps from the buildings exemplifies the physical and athletic change that Peter Parker goes through after he is bitten by the spider.
Finally, the love interest is actually believable! Most super-hero movies tend to have very corny, rather unnecessary love scenes, but this one is different. You can actually feel the chemistry between Peter and Mary Jane.
The costumes are also great, but I won't go on and on about those. Let just say that they certainly managed to do each character justice. Go see for yourself.
So, if you were ever a fan of comic books, see this movie. If you like fun action movies, see this movie. If you want to see some fantastic, roller-coaster sequences through the buildings of New York city, see this movie. It is great for kids, for adults, and all in between. This movie will not disappoint!!!
Rating:
Summary: Spiderman is the best superhero movie so far!
Review: Spiderman was an excellent movie. The action and special effects were simply superb. It had a good and reasonable plot and would appeal to people of any taste. Even people who like romance movies will like the relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. The villain was almost as cool as Spiderman. The action scenes between Green Goblin and Spiderman will definitely make this movie something to be remembered. This movie was better than even the Xmen in my opinion and I liked the Xmen. The success of this movie will also make it possible for other superhero movies to make it to the theater. The Hulk, Ironman, Fantastic Four, Xmen 2, and the Spiderman sequal just to name a few. Marvel movies may even surpass DC(Superman and Batman) movies one day.
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