Rating: 
Summary: A Well Spun Tale
Review: "Spider-Man" has to be viewed as the first chapter of a continuing saga. My reaction to having seen it originally that it was okay for a first film in a continuing series but I was hankering for more. "Spider-Man 2" filled in the blanks from the first film, therefore, this film should be seen in conjunction with the second for a more rewarding experience. Just think about the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy before it's cycle was completed or "Kill Bill:Volume 1" before the interminable wait for "Volume 2". That said, "Spider-Man" does a terrific job in exploring the origins of Peter Parker's evolution to the legendary web-spinner. It's only the film's main plotline involving the Green Goblin that get's short-shrift here. If the filmmakers were allowed to expand their work beyond the prescribed two hour time limit it's possible that this story would have been developed better. Tobey Maguire does an excellent job as Peter Parker/Spider-Man as does Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin. It's good to see that an actor of Dafoe's calibre was chosen for this part instead of a "star". Kudos to Dafoe for having to act wearing that ridiculous looking green armor. Kirsten Dunst is fetching as Mary Jane Watson. This character truly comes into her own in the second film. James Franco broods effectively as Harry Osborn. Indications seem to be that this is a character to look out for in future installments. It was good to see an old hand like Cliff Robertson deliver a solid turn as Uncle Ben. I will admit that my familiarity with Spider-Man is limited to the cartoon series from the 1960's. For a novice like myself this was a satisfying viewing experience.
Rating: 
Summary: Caught in the Web.
Review: "Spider-Man" is the best movie based on a comic book hero since 1978's "Superman - the Movie." That's not to knock the first two "Batman" flicks, but Sam Raimi's film based on the school geek turned crimefighter packs a greater punch of thrills and magic unlike anything I've seen in a while. Also, like "Superman," "Spider-Man" has a charming innocence that can make even grown adults believe in superheroes. Tobey Maguire has a reputation for bringing to life offbeat nerds, whether the films are "Wonder Boys" or "Cider House Rules." But here, Maguire hits the bullseye as Peter Parker, the brainy student who has the hots for the girl next door (Kirsten Dunst). When Parker gets accidentally bitten by a spider, his body changes and he learns of his true calling. But every hero has his nemesis, and in this film, Spider-Man's sworn enemy is the nasty Green Goblin, played to the hilt by Willem Defoe. Raimi does what many other directors fail to do: make a compelling summer movie that doesn't reek of corporate stench. The special effects are cool, but they take a backseat to the storyline and the cast which make up "Spider-Man's" greatest strengths. On its own merits, this film really earns four stars, but the loaded quality features force me to give it an extra star. However, the picture quality for a movie this recent is fairly disappointing. Many of the images look a bit pale and washed out, though the surround sound is sure to rock your system. I had long avoided "Spider-Man" because it looked less like a movie than a shameless money making machine. But it's far better than it appears. Give it a try and get yourself caught in the web.
Rating:
Summary: ETMR - Spiderman
Review: 1. Humanity: What events in the film drove Peter Parker to adopting his vigilante attitude toward crime?2. Implications: How is Spiderman's understanding of "with great power comes great responsibility" an example of contemporary American thought? Think specifically about the nature of evil and the propensity toward intense individual classification when one's existence becomes threatened. 3. Evolution: Spiderman was a hero born out of the 60s, springing from both the dangers of genetic manipulation and the problems of substance abuse (in the form of Oscorp Chemicals). Raimi makes little mention of the chemical abuse in the story, and paints it in a much simpler picture of the probable evil in man's soul and the strange world of pseudoscience. Therefore, it is obvious that in many ways, the film departs from its traditional conditioning while remaining loyal to the original personalities of the characters. In which ways is Spiderman the hero shown to be a creation of the contemporary age, versus a creation of the 60s, in the film? 4. Realism: America has a long history, not only in comics but in legendary history, of people who take the law into their own hands. If a being like Spiderman existed, could he survive in our real world, or is he only a dream? 5. Stageplay: Spiderman is classicly a cynic, an individual thinker, an avid contemporarian (someone "in" the times), a man of passions (versus someone who could care less), an irreligious jokester and a man who is not sure of his destiny, but lives to succeed. Do you feel Maguire fulfills this role? Some critics say he is too much of a "boy" to fill Spiderman's shoes, while others claim it is his boyishness that charms us into belief. What do you think?
Rating:
Summary: Spider-man spins a complex web of humanity in characters
Review: An excursion to Columbia University science lab transforms the bespectacled Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) with miraculous vision, sculpted body after a genetically-altered spider bits him. He possesses agility in leaping from skyscrapers and can spin webs from his wrist. Henceforth he assumes the identity Spider-man to combat evil manifested in the form of the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), a Species-look-alike perpetrator that terrrorizes the city with a glider that drops bombs. Spider-Man embodies the heroics created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko who had graced the popular Marvel Comics to become an comic icon as a crime-buster - and now the film further increases the fanaticism. It is a US 140 million blockbuster and gaudy with sleek costumes and galvanizing stunts. It is digitally-enhanced F/X to capture panoramic swings in its most realistic and The Times Square action-sequence is one of the most dazzling in cinematic history. Yet the superhero adventure fails to surprise because of its conventional storyline of good-vs-evil. The self-discovery and mutation renders so much punch that the second-half falls relatively lack-lustre. Fortunately Spider-Man spins a complex web of humanity and empathy for the characters - and Tobey Maguire as the lead is the emotional core who captivates with his vulnerability in handling his growth traumas, doubts and fears. No less sterling is Willem Dafoe who is all hysterics and maniacal in his split personality inherited from the aftermath of a blundered experiment. Kirsten Dunst as his love-interest Mary Jane, James Franco as his buddy and even his uncle Ben played by Cliff Robertson show surprising dimensions. Spider-Man is thus an evocative tale of a hero struggling with his adolescence, betrayal and murder. And Sam Raimi displays the same sensitivity here with his eariler works like Darkman with his flawed avenger. He directs it with eye-popping visuals like Army of Darkness and the comic hero resonates in its true-self. Its brooding hero is what makes Spider-Man a nifty web - and Maguire has definitely triumphed the cynics with his soulful spin.
Rating:
Summary: Action packed
Review: An unwilling young boy gets bitten my a mutated spider and becomes the super hero: Spiderman!!! Tobey Macguire stars as your freindly neighborhood Spiderman in this fast paced spazmatic action movie. Kirsten Dunst stars as the beatiful love intrest of Peter Parker, the red haired Mary Jane Watson. Watching Spiderman was very entertaining eventhough I knew what the story was. Watching it was like watching a tennis match, moving your eyes back and forth, back and forth. As far is I can see, Willem Dafoe played the Green Goblin almost flawlessly. Because of a science experiment gone wrong, the mild manered scientist Norman Osborne gets metamorphisised into the supervillian Green Goblin. James Franco plays the cast aside son of Norman Osborne, Harry Osborne. Although he doesn't have a big roll in the movie, you will see him in the other movies. The movie has an unpretentous B-movie quality that made it irresistable to any movie goer. Unlike the other comic book to movie ventures, Spiderman stayed very very very true to the comic series. The webslinging scenes and the fight scenes truly made the movie come to life.
Rating:
Summary: AWESOME!!
Review: As a life-long Spider-Man fan, I was super skeptical about this movie when it came out...however, I was really pleased when I saw it in the theatres, and just as much so when I viewed it again on DVD. Of course, being a Spidey collector, I had to get it on this special set. It's a nice package, with a film cel, litho drawn by Spidey legeneds the Romitas, and other goodies. However, I would have expected either a little more or a little better for such a gift-set obviously geared towards real fans. That being said, I am anxiously awaiting the collector's set for Spider-Man 2.
Rating:
Summary: Much better than I expcted
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 Wait Was Worth It
Review: For Spiderfans in know this movie project was something a good 10 to 20 years in the making and I'd dare say, Spider-Man has lived up to its expectations. Featuring a solid storyline, AWESOME action sequences, CGI and regular special effects this movie, which stayed fairly true to Spider-Man canon with some minor changes, does not disappoint and fully delivers. THE STORY: The movie basically is loosely based on two major Spider-Man storylines:
1.The Spider-Man origin story which recounts how Peter Parker, the typical high school nerd receives great powers when he's bitten by an irradiated spider and how, through a horrible personal accident that he could have prevented learns the ultimate lesson of how "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility" and 2.The Green Goblin Saga which discusses how a crazed billionaire industrialist becomes the homicidal and maniacal Green Goblin, Spider-Man's greatest foe bent on destroying our favorite superhero by any means (including some PERSONAL, close to home attacks) necessary. THE COOL THINGS: 1.The action. First and foremost it is the action that drives this movie. The first and subsequent fight scenes between Spidey and the Green Goblin are what make this movie a winner. The action choreography and accurate depiction of both men's fighting styles stay true to the book, including Spider-Man's awesome limber limbs. The fight scenes between both men (especially the first one) are among the best you will ever see in ANY action movie. 2.The effects. Definitely ranking up their in any Hollywood production are how Spider-Man's web-slinging powers are rendered in this film. Again, very true to his comic-book depiction you'll marvel at how Spider-Man swings from building to building and how he uses his web powers in battle or to merely "hang around." The DNA effects were cool too. 3.The story. Obviously looking towards future sequels and building a franchise it's a great treat for long-time Spidey followers at how the plot threads are still kept loose with Harry Osbourne and Spider-Man and the budding relationship of Mary Jane Watson and Peter Parker at the end. Also included are brief potential looks ahead for future villains with the mention of "Dr. Conners." NITPICKING: Looking at some discrepancies between the comics and the movie we have:
1.The Web Shooters: In the movie Peter generates his own webs internally. In the comics he builds web shooters to shoot webs. 2.The origin story. The movie features a robber/carjacker. The comic has a robber/burglar. 3.The origin story. The movie features wrestler Bonesaw McGraw (played by Randy "Macho Man" Savage. The comic features wrestler Crusher Hogan (which undoubtedly somehow influenced legendary wrestler Hulk Hogan). 4.The Goblin Saga. The comics featured Spider-Man's first true love Gwen Stacy getting caught up in the super-hero struggle. The movie revolves around eventual Spider-Man resident female love interest, Mary Jane Watson(-Parker). THE VERDICT: Overall, this is the film that Spider-fans have waited their whole lives for. The action, effects and story are solid with enough hanging plot threads that will make long-time fans anxiously await the sequel. While some of the changes between comic and movie may have hardcore fans a little uppity, the changes are minor enough to let by and the rest of the movie's great points should put aside any other worries. Overall, Spider-fan or not, this is definitely not a movie you'll want to miss. Highest Recommendation
Rating:
Summary: Teenaged Spider Battles Mean Green Machine!
Review: Genius high school nerd Peter Parker hasn't felt the same, since that genetically engineered spider bit him during a field trip. He's stronger, faster, more resilient, and he shoots webs out of his wrists, climbing skyscraper walls with the greatest of ease. By the time he's started college, Peter's learned some hard lessons in life. His family is torn by tragedy, and his fantasy girl-next-door love, Mary Jane Watson, is going out with his best friend Harry Osborn. Harry's defense contractor father, Norman, is more like a surrogate father to Peter than a genuine father to his own son. But, unbeknownst to anyone - including himself - Norman Osborn suffers an even worse tragedy than any Peter has endured...one that will turn him into the scourge of New York City and Peter Parker's arch-nemesis. This fabulous action-adventure film version of the famous Stan Lee Marvel comic book character suffers only from too much underplaying of the title character by Tobey Maguire, and not enough chemistry between him and co-star Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson. Maguire is credible and likeable as Peter, he just doesn't have much fire until he's got the Spider-suit on. The rest of the cast are fine, some even superb - for a single example, Cliff Robertson is wonderful in the small but important support role of Peter's Uncle Ben. The special effects and the pacing are uneven, but overall better than not - director Sam Raimi is an experienced hand at this kind of movie, and keeps it moving pretty well. But the highest marks go to Willem Defoe, as the tortured Norman Osborn. Defoe's Osborn not only gets to chew the scenery as the wicked Green Goblin, but simultaneously (and convincingly) also plays the Goblin's first frightened victim - himself. The mechanical-looking costume and props of the Goblin are really incredible, and fortunately are very well-matched by those of Spider-Man, himself. Not a perfect movie, but a damn good one. Enjoy. By the way, the novelization of this film is really terrific - check it out.
Rating:
Summary: CAUGHT IN THE WEB
Review: Hah! Gotcha. Me too!
I loved Spidey-1, loved Spidey-2, can't wait for Spidey-3!!! I love the theme song "Hero". Crimebusters Unite! In this movie, Spiderman's first foe is the Green Goblin (Willem Defoe)who makes several appearances throughout the film. Suspenseful and clean-cut, good effects.
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