Rating: 
Summary: An Amazingly Faithful Comic to Movie Adaptation
Review: For as long as I can recall, I have always been enamored by Spider-Man. As a young child, I remember watching reruns of the 60s cartoon and the live action series of the 70s thinking that they were cool. In the 80s there was Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (Fire Star and Ice Man) and I thought this was even better. In the 90s Fox brought the character back to Saturday mornings among all of the ridiculous teen shows which replaced the cartoons of years gone by. Now, finally we get a live action motion picture of my favorite neighborhood do-gooder.Hollywood reports that the idea has been bandied around for nearly 20 years and it is a good thing that we have waited. Like the continuing Star Wars saga, the things done in this thrill-a-minute epic could not have been achieved ten years ago. The action sequences would not have been plausible without the leaps made by the animators and computers of today. The awesome sequence wherein Spidey leaps on and over gigantic balloon figures could only recently be realized. But all of the breathtaking visuals are not what makes this movie special. There is so much more. All of the lore surrounding the origin of Spidey is seen. Bravo to Sam Raimi, a true Spider-Man afficianado!!!! Peter Parker is raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. He is bitten by a genetically altered spider and given amazing powers. We see Peter grow from a socially outcast teenager into an adult who has flaws. As in the comic, Peter learns a painful lesson from Uncle Ben. This is one of my favorite all-time lines anywhere : "WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY." Stan Lee wrote those words 40 years ago in the premiere edition of The Amazing Spider-Man comic book, and they are as much a part of this movie as they were then. The entire cast was super!!! Tobey Maguire is brilliant as both Parker and Spider-Man. He is a geeky four-eyed egghead who can't even talk to M.J. The audience can feel the exuberance as Peter discovers and begins to experiment with his new power. Kirsten Dunst is so much more than the typical cardboard cutout heroine. Willem Dafoe is masterful as the Jekyll/Hyde-ish Green Goblin. James Franco was also great as the outcast son who takes a back seat to Peter for the attention of his father. This fantastic movie definately screams sequel. My wish is that Mr. Raimi helms all of them and the cast remains intact Hopefully, the characters will evolve so that the films will become better than other notable superhero franchises which fell by the wayside after their first time out. Superman and Batman became laughable after each sequel because their characters were not developed. Tobey Maguire at least will make sure that this will not happen. Sam Raimi's passion for the characters should be realized. Bring on Doc Oc!!!!
Rating:
Summary: 5 out of 5 spiders
Review: My son begged and pleaded with me to take him to see it. So, the good parent that I am, braved the lines and went on opening night. After seeing countless episodes of the Batman movies, I was leery of the dark and extremely long movie plots with the introduction of so many characters in such a short period of time, but I gave it a chance. This was not the case with Spiderman. I went in with reserved expectations and came out thoroughly entertained. Spiderman took you away from the realities of the real world for a couple of hours. Which is why I enjoyed it so much. It was good entertainment. It did not have the dark and dismal undertones of its comic book predecessor, Batman. Spiderman snared you in its web right from the beginning of the movie and you were totally unable to be pulled away. What Jack Nicholson did for the Joker, William Dafoe did for the Green Goblin. This movie was completely entertaining. Tobey McGuiere was a dream fit for his alter ego Peter Parker/Spiderman. A must see and a must have for your video collection.
Rating:
Summary: "Spider-Man" is Tobey Maguire's most deserving role yet!!
Review: Who is he? You sure you want to know? Tobey Maguire ("The Cider House Rules"), one of the finest young actors today, is..."Spider-Man"! I have seen this film twice at the theater and I can't get enough of it! "Spider-Man" is smart, funny, and action-packed all the way from start to finish! The director of this film, Sam Raimi ("Darkman"), did not just a great job, but an outstanding job in bringing this Marvel comic book adaption to life on the big screen! I am sure that everyone knows the story of Spider-Man and that he needs no introduction. But for those who don't, then here it is. "Spider-Man" focuses on Peter Parker (Maguire), a mild-mannered high school student who lives with his aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson) in Queens, New York. Peter is in love with a beautiful, yet stunning young lady named Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), who has lived next door to Peter since they were little. One day, during a field trip to a laboratory involving the research of spiders, Peter accidentally gets bitten by one of the spiders. But to me, this was a blessing as Peter started to develop these powers and abilities to move and think like a spider, such as shooting webs from the wrist, climbing up walls, etc. And before you know it, Peter Parker is now the amazing "Spider-Man"! During the movie, Peter learns an invaluable lesson from his uncle Ben: "With great power, comes great responsibility". And soon enough, the abilities of Peter/Spider-Man will be put to the ultimate test as he faces his greatest challenge yet...the villainous Green Goblin, whose alter ego is an ambitious, yet ruthless businessman named Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), who also has a somewhat frustrated son named Harry (James Franco), who is also Peter Parker's best friend. And the movie goes on from there with lots of explosive action and then some! Let me just say that I think that they have picked the right actor for the role of Spider-Man, and that I have to give a lot of credit to Tobey Maguire for his physical abilities and his unique sense of acting that brought him to the role of a lifetime. I also have to give a lot of credit to Willem Dafoe for his role of the Green Goblin. Dafoe is at his villainous best since Ian McKellen's Magneto in 2000's "X-Men"! And the credit also goes to Kirsten Dunst for her very sweet performance as Mary Jane, and to Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris as Peter's guardians throughout the years. With state-of-the-art special effects, a great soundtrack, ground-pounding action and suspense, laugh-out-loud humor, lots of emotion, a top-notch cast that is hard to beat, and storytelling that is just perfection in every way possible, "Spider-Man" is, to me, 20 times better than what "X-Men" gave you 2 years ago! This is not just the best film of 2002, this is the greatest blockbuster of 2002! "Spider-Man" is, without a doubt, a DVD must-have for any Spider-Man fan! I cannot wait for the "Spider-Man" sequels!
Rating:
Summary: A TRILLING, NOT TO BE MISSED MOVIE!
Review: Spider Man is one of the best movies i've ever seen! The graphics were absoulutely incredible and the trill and rush of the whole plot of the entire story makes not want to miss one moment of the picture. Plus i suggust if you like great movie sound effects, this is the best movie to see! The every little detailed sound that happens in movie, you can hear. I also suggest this movie if you liked the Matrix, but were looking for something a little more tame. Why, is that how parts are slowed down, etc. just like the Matrix. Overall, expect this movie to dominant the box office after its $114 MILLION DOLLAR earnings on its OPENING WEEKEND! Definally make sure you see this movie!
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!!!!
Review: For those of us who have been waiting literally years for this, one of the greatest comic book series ever, to come to larger-than-life enormity on the big screen, this film is a godsend. One of the very few 'event movies' to actually live up to its hype, SPIDER-MAN (2002), as brilliantly directed by the wonderful Sam Raimi (one of the most successful cult directors in film history), delivers BIG-TIME!! It is perfectly cast, from Tobey Maguire in the title role--probably the role he was born to play--to Willem Dafoe, as his dreaded arch-enemy, to the beautiful Kirsten Dunst, the girl he would love to ask out on a date. Actually, I knew that Tobey Maguire would be perfect as the nerdy, super-shy Peter Parker, who of course turns into Spider-man after being bitten by a genetically altered, and very colorful, red-and-blue spider in a science lab. I've seen Maguire in both PLEASANTVILLE (1997) and THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (1999) and I just knew that he fit Peter Parker to a T. Also perfectly cast is Willem Dafoe, as well-meaning corporate head Norman Osborne, who of course gives in to his evil side to become the fearsome Green Goblin. Kirsten Dunst, as sweet-but-troubled Mary Jane Watson, finds just the right note in her performance; her M.J. is pretty but not overly glamorous, talented but underachieving, desirable but not inaccessible. I've been following Dunst's career ever since seeing her remarkable debut, INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (1994), for which she should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and I can say that she is every bit as deserving as Tobey Maguire for starring in such a wonderful film, which by the way just smashed all box-office opening-week records ($115 million). Now both actors are finally getting their due recognition! Also finally getting his due recognition is director Sam Raimi, who first made the splatter-fest THE EVIL DEAD (1983), and the even better (and funnier) EVIL DEAD 2 (1987), before going on to direct the wonderful DARKMAN (1990) and then finishing the EVIL DEAD trilogy with ARMY OF DARKNESS (1993). More known to a wide TV audience as the exec producer of the "Hercules" and "Xena" series, Sam Raimi is now making his triumphant return to feature films. And what a triumph this film is! SPIDER-MAN has action, fun, brains, brawn, suspense, and most importantly, a great storyline which blends the traditional comic-book story with modern-day realism. Sam Raimi and the screenwriter found a way to not alienate the original fans, while incorporating today's hip humor and attitudes. Plus, it was filmed in my original hometown of New York City! :) To sum up: Great cast, great acting, great action, great story, great direction, great visuals, filmed in NYC. I can't wait to see it again, and I can't wait to own it on DVD! Now, the questions that may be on your mind if you haven't yet seen it: Does Spider-man conquer evil? Is he conquered instead?? Does he get the girl??? The answers to these questions are not so obvious; you have to go out and see it, and find out for yourself!!!! MOST RECOMMENDED
Rating:
Summary: Who am I? You sure you wanna know?
Review: This movie has been in the making for the better part of 20 years. Through all the trials, tribulations, bankruptcys and legal wranglings, director Sam Raimi has delivered the goods. And he's done so in a BIG way!! Having read Spider-Man when I was younger I had high expectations for this film. My expectations were not only met, but they were exceeded. Spider-Man is now, and I say without hyperbole, the benchmark that all other comic book movies will be measured against. Tobey Maguire, plays Peter Parker. Our reluctant, shy and unassuming hero. What sets him apart is that he doesn't fit the super hero mold. He's awkward, and a bit on the nerdy side. But all that's about to change. On a class field trip to Columbia University he is bitten by a genetically enhanced spider. He then undergoes a remarkable "metamorphesis". He takes on a spider's strength, speed, agility, and even a sixth "spider sense". From there on his world is turned upside down. What makes Spider-Man work is that, at it's core, it's not about super powers or villains or costumes. It's about a person. A person who makes decisions and has to deal with the reprecussions of his actions. A person who is also at times uncomfortable with being a hero. That's what sets him apart from the rest of his super hero bretheren. The human element is what really sets the film apart from many of the other comic book movies. As in Superman you feel somewhat removed from the character, you really feel for Peter Parker and his predicament.
For Parker, the choices are not always as simple as black and white. Kirsten Dunst is absolutley radiant as Mary Jane Watson. Peter who has secretly been in love with Mary Jane since he was a child. There is a certain sweetness to the underlying love story that is genuine. Peter is, afterall, just a shy, awkward young man. But it's those underdog qualities that endear you to him. Wilem Defoe turns in a riveting performance as one of Spideys oldest foes, the Green Goblin. The armor may look a little hokey but it's Defoe's mannerisms that really make this an inspired choice for him. The CGI effects really make you believe he can do whatever a spider can. A few years ago this film would have had a completely different look. All the legal troubles were in fact, a mixed blessing. Fortunately, technology advanced enough to the point where the CGI really allowed the web head to swing effortlessly between sky scrapers with the greatest of ease. This is one hero for the ages. See this movie. I can go on all day about this film. To him life is a great big bang up, wherever there's a hangup you'll find the Spider-Man!!
Rating:
Summary: Spiderman
Review: Very well made. Since I was a geek, I can relate with
many things in this movie. Great action. Got to see
the next one!
Rating:
Summary: Forget Star Wars!!!!!! Spider-Man is the REAL DEAL!!!!!!!!!
Review: Spider-Man exceeded all my expectations for any summer movie! This is an exciting action thrill ride with high-flying action, drama, and suspense. Tobey Maguire was perfectly cast as the role of Peter Parker, and he did a fabulous job. I also liked Kirsten Dunst's role as Mary Jane. Everyone did a great job! Cannot say it enough--GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, I almost forgot about that other so-called blockbuster called Star Wars Episode II.......well, I can give you a one-word review for that movie: FUGGEDABOUTIT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: "My new favorite Super Hero, the amazing Spider-Man!"
Review: This was an excellent movie. The plot is, on a class field trip, teenaged scientist Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is bitten by a radioactive spider. Over night, his vision improves greatly (so he doesn't need glasses) and all of a sudden he has bulging muscles and super-strength. After a little mishap at school, Peter Parker discovers that he can now crawl on walls, jump really high and far, and shoot webs from his hands. He decides to suit up and become Spider-Man. Also, I must also give Sam Raimi credit on the intriguing design of the Green Goblin, compaired to what the Goblin looks like the comics. I also thought Spider-Man's outfit looked really neat, and so did the Goblin's. Now, by reading this, you'd be wondering why I gave it only four starts, because the way I discribe it, it sounds like just my type of movie, right? Well, that is true, but sadly, half the special effects could be easily identified, due to the fact that they moved kind of fast and almost looked like Sam Raimi just clipped 'em out of a video game and plastered 'em into the movie. But, other than that, this was a definate must-see! Even if you're new to Spider-Man and haven't read the comics, this movie will lay down all the facts for you. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: This movie kicked ...
Review: Just getting a chance to watch this movie on its second-opening day made me feel lucky and special! I'm not kidding. The tickets for all the shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday were sold out. Our local cineplex even had it playing in 3 theaters. I bought the tickets from a guy whose friend wasn't coming. Once seated in the theater, I prepared myself to be amazed. And amazed I was. The special effects are just incredible. The colors of the costumes and sets are so vibrant you think you're living in the comics book. The scene on Times Square was particularly inspiring. This movie isn't just an action flick though. There's most definitely a love story in it as well between Mary Jane (MJ) and Peter Parker. I think casting Tobey Maguire for the lead role was a perfect choice. His subtle actions and gestures can convey humor at one moment and inner turmoil the next. So what's this film really about if you take away all the fantasy aspects out of it? It's about being picked on in high school. It's about having a crush on a girl who doesn't even know you exist. It's about finding out something you're good at and alienating yourself from the world. It's about the fickleness of the public; the manipulative powers of the press. It's about choices. It's about betrayal. It's about revenge. It's about love. It's about protecting the ones that you love. All that packed into a 2-hour motion picture. Can you believe it? I highly recommend this film for children and adults alike. Trust me, you're going to want to see this! LEAP rating (each out of 5):
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L (Language) - 3.5 (this is a lighthearted film with scenes that make you go "awww!")
E (Erotica) - 2 (you've probably seen the trailer by now with Kirsten Dunst in her wet dress)
A (Action) - 4.5 (the fight scenes looked brutal)
P (Plot) - 3 (comic book ending, but leaves you wanting to see more)
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