Spider-Man (2002) - Review

Just as energetic, inspiring and wacky as it was 20 years ago, the first Spider-man film is the classic origin story for the ages. Raimi blends his tendency for corny, facetious camera work and set pieces with a sincere heart for the characters and the themes demonstrated in the film. That’s party why this film feels so classical Hollywood; stuff doesn’t hold up but there’s such emotion and grandness to it all that you end up falling for it.

Tobey Maguire is excellent here, he nails the dweeby, nerdy type who deals with genuine emotions and grows up. He learns responsibility, which is such a simple subject but it works! The other cast members are great too, obviously the GOAT Willem Dafoe is the highlight. His Green Goblin still scares me, mainly due to the childhood trauma his Norman Osborn gave me. The script by David Koepp is also excellent, keeping the pace tight and allowing the characters proper time to develop. It’s insane that the inciting incident happens 5 minutes in. I know that sounds normal, but films lately have struggled with actually starting their story as soon as the movie starts! Some of the effects don’t live up to today’s standards, especially Tobey’s fake abs, but the film holds up in every other area in my opinion. Making your best friend create the name of the most famous superhero is such a chad move.