User reviews

Considered as one of the most successful superhero movies ever made, "Spider-Man" is a superhero film adaptation of one of Stan Lee's most popular Marvel comics, and becoming one of the first movies to score the highest opening weekend in the box office. There's no wonder, because this is an exciting and enjoyable motion picture. One of my childhood favorites, to be exact! This movie tells the origin story of Peter Parker, or Spider-Man, portrayed by Tobey Maguire, whom after being bit by a radioactive spider, he has gained extraordinary powers to climb walls, shoot web, and beat bad guys. But all that must be put to the test when Parker has to defeat one of the first villains of the Spider-Man universe, the Green Goblin, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Although Maguire is somewhat bland in a few of his movies, I respected that he fit the role of Peter Parker perfectly, playing a shy kid, with no powers to either beat the bad guy or win the girl. Although given some of the corniest lines of dialouge in this movie, Kirsten Dunst makes an adorable portrayal as Mary Jane Watson, while giving a great chemistry with her co-star. But, Willem Dafoe seems a little miscast playing the deadly Green Goblin, feeling more like he's suitable for drama, instead of action. Rosemary Harris, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, and J.K. Simmons, round up the supporting cast, bringing some memorable performances on-screen, especially Simmons, who steals every scene he's in as J. Jonah Jameson, the angry editor chief of the Daily Bugle. There are few corny and goofy moments from here and there, but that doesn't stop the exciting momentum that this movie brings. Filled with impressive visual effects and a wonderful music score by Danny Elfman, director Sam Raimi perfectly stays true to the original Spider-Man concept, and delivers plenty of exciting action sequences that are both fun to watch, and stay true to the plot. Behind "The Dark Knight" and "The Avengers", "Spider-Man" is probably my third favorite superhero movie. I can watch this movie over and over again, and it's still a fun time. I was easily impressed with this movie, and it never disappoints to entertain. Everyone will find something to enjoy for sure. "Spider-Man", in my review, "a refreshing story, and exciting action".

Really good movie, I enjoyed the whole Trilogy with Toby Maguire but this was the best of the 3. Willem Dafoe made an excellent villain as the Green Goblin. Excellent super hero movie.

I saw this movie last night at a preview, and I must say I was impressed. The acting of all the cast was good, especially William Dafoe. I must admit that I wans't quite sure about Tobey Maguire as Peter Paker, but after watching it, I cannot think of anyone who would be better suited to the role.

The only places where it changes the orginal comicbook story are when the comicbook is not very believable. So these changes don't harm the story in anyway, but might even make it better.

On the whole, I would have to say this movie is definately worth seeing, especially if you are a fan of the comic/cartoon series or just a general comic fan.

Marvel superheroes are hitting the big screen in waves. First there was blade which made a decent amount at the box office with its 70 + million dollar performance. 2000 brought us X-Men which became a box office hit when it opened with 54 million that summer. The sequel is on its way in 2003. Blade 2 was released in March and it opened with 33 million, an improvement from the 17-18 million the first one opened with. Thr Hulk is now in production with Eric Bana playing the Hulk and Oscar winner, Jennifer Connelly also starring. That film is directed by Ang Lee. After that Daredevil is set to be released and that film stars Ben Affleck, as Daredevil and Jennifer Gardner of Alias also starring. Until then however, we have Spider-Man and judging by the early weekend numbers(114 million opening weekend-highest opening of all time) it seems that people are loving this film. I can say that I more than loved it. I thought it was great.

Tobey Maguire takes on the role as Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man, a product of being bitten by a mutant spider while on a school field trip. He is in love with the girl next door, Mary Jane Watson (Dunst; Bring it On) who is a kind sole but barely notices him. Peter lives with his Aunt May (Harris) and Uncle Ben (Robertson)(fans, like myself, of the comic will know why he's in this living situation). At first Parker is confused by his new skills but soon he begins to use them to his advantage.

Parker uses his new skills to fight in a wrestling match to get money for various things, one being a way to impress Mary Jane. After the match however tragedy strikes and Parker fully realizes that "With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility" and through this "Spider-Man" is born.

Spidey's nemesis in the round is Norman Osborne (Dafoe; Shadow of the Vampire), a somewhat mad/determined scientist who needs to prove that his experiments work. After testing them on himself, something goes wrong and the Green Goblin is born.

I was quite surprised how much Tobey Maguire filled into the role; he not only makes it his own but manages to give it a little character behind the mask. He has that innocent, everyday man quality about him that makes you believe in him. It's a performance that has much more depth than you would expect, especially from a comic book movie.

The supporting cast takes a back seat to Spider-Man, lavish sets and ultimately some nice special effects, but they get the job done. Willem Dafoe has gotten back into my good graces after the atrocious Speed 2. He does a good job as the Green Goblin and doesn't overdo it. Now, it's not as memorable or great as Nicholson's Joker, but he makes a formable foe to Spider-Man. What I liked about his performance was that he didn't over-shadow the hero, much like the Joker did in Batman. Dafoe is given the right amount of screentime to establish his character but not too much to the point where it becomes a movie about him rather than Peter/Spider-Man

The other two notable cast mates are Kirsten Dunst and James Franco. Franco had actually gone in to the audition for the role of Peter Parker but ended up playing Harry Osborne, the villain's son. I liked Franco as Peter Parker's roommate and best friend and love the idea of the continuity aspect of the plot.(You'll see when you view the film)

Kirsten Dunst is even a good casting choice. What could've easily been an eye-candy role is taken to another level. She's very likable in the role and her chemistry with Maguire is natural and not forced.

This is good transition into the screenwriting by one of my favorites, David Koepp, who was the master behind films like Stir of Echoes and Panic Room. He brings Spider-Man to life with the help of Maguire and director Sam Raimi (A Simple Plan). The plot even over-shadows the great CGI in my opinion. The storyline is slightly more developed than most movies of this nature and is driven by its characters. I liked that aspect of the film very much.

Spider-Man also features some funny moments like a cameo by Bruce Campbell (of Evil Dead fame) as a Vince McMahon type ring master who gave Parker the name of "The Amazing Spider-Man" and Peter Parker having fun swinging from building to building. The J Jonah Jameson character is also very funny. He makes the transition from comic to screen very well. Dead on representation.

Spider-Man is the ultimate comic book movie that not only looks like it came from the comics, but adds in the sounds and some dialogue. From the opening credits to the last shot, you could see it in an issue of "Spider-Man". Like X-Men, the film is bright with colorful characters and big time action scenes. It reaches the level of my favorite comic book movie, Batman, and maybe after more viewings it could surpass it.

Overall, Spider-Man is a fun romp of comic book action. With a great story, acting, special effects, and a lot of heart Spider-Man is a perfect start to the summer season and i'm glad it's leading the pack.

I remember Spider-man from my youth. I never got into the comics, so I apologize to the true web driven literati. I know the story. And I've watches and read about a lot of superheroes. My son came back from seeing the film, angry and hurt because they took liberties with one of his real loves. I went to it to watch a movie, not to pay homage. I think it's a heck of a good film. To start with, the vertiginous special effects are wonderful. His leaps from building to building are breathtaking. The best part is that Tobey Maguire has a vulnerability that the alter ego needs to have . Like so many, he is reluctant, but forces beyond his control dump him into the middle of things over which he has not control.

I'm told the villain is not kosher. The they should have chosen one of his more formidable adversaries. I thought the guy was pretty spooky and set up more of the same. Peter Parker has some unburned bridges heading into the sequel, and that's always fun. There's just a niceness that connects the characters and a bitter world to fight against, including the newsman who has no respect for Peter's talents. I think this movie is thoughtful as well as really exciting.

This is where it all began, the beginning of something legendary, the iconic Spider Man movie!

Back when superhero movies used to be wholesome, cozy and not large-scale cashgrab crossovers like nowadays.

The cozy old days of the 2000s, this movie reminds me of... This movie is always special...

This film is so good! Like a real film, not as an amusement park.

From a time when superhero films could be made without jokes every 20 seconds. From a time when they cared about great scores (epic this one!), adapting the music to each moment (even horror vibes in some scenes, like the attempted rape). From a time when they cared about relationships, real feelings and they looked like real people with big character development. Raimi was not rushing anything. He was not afraid to use silence when it was necessary. He knows what pace is and the visual effects are here to support something, not to be the main star.

All these people could belong to the real world. I think that is what I love the most about this film. They are not joking about shagging the aunt in the middle of an epic fight. They could be us. In our world. I really miss this feeling instead of travelling every time to a fake and childish universe.

Peter Parker, a shy, slightly awkward teenager is bitten by a unique spider, after a tough night he wakes up with impressive new powers.

For me, this is still the most complete and enjoyable Spider-Man movie, it really is an excellent, exciting and complete film. It's superior to most of the films that came after.

The tone is perfect, it's goofy enough, but there's enough action and content to appeal to viewers of all ages. Even for a superhero novice like me, it's an awesome watch.

The story is fantastic, I love that we get the origins, Peter's development, transformation, and subsequent notoriety, and of course no Spiderman film would be complete without a classic villain, and of course we get The Green Goblin, played to perfection by Willem Dafoe.

Tobey Maguire, for me he's the best of the modern day incarnations, he's excellent, and truly looks the part.

Incredibly watchable, 9/10.

This is movie I truly brilliant. The. Visual effects was very great, especially the actings,Willem Dafoe should have won the Oscar in my opinion. The Final fight was truly brilliant,especially the damaged suit is very detailed. The flash vs Peter fight was truly epic especially when flash tried to punch Peter,the slowmo was brilliant.

Normally I can't stand movies derived from comics, for example the duds that were the Hulk & Daredevil, but this one surprised me.

An excellent take on the comic book character created by Stan Lee. Next to the X-Men movies that came out about the same time, and Superman with Christopher Reeve, it is definitely one of the better Comic to Movie films put out.

The cast is well chosen. McGuire is Spiderman/Peter Parker to me. I don't think they could have chosen better. Kirsten Dunst makes a decent Mary Jane Watson, wasn't ever fond of her to begin with, but it's pulled off well. Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin is sheer genius.

The story is well written and keeps you along for the entire ride, coupled with action that's explosive and thrilling. Definitely fun for all, even die hard Spidey fans won't be disappointed! Fun for all! 9/10.

The best single movie for the superhero, Toby Maguire, the best actor in the role of Spider-Man, the villain of the film was excellent, the character of Mj in the film was the closest to Mj in the comics The film embodied the world of Spiderman greatly and all other series failed to approach the level of the Tobey Maguire trilogy

Whenever I think of Spider-Man, I think of this film!!! Spider-Man is my all time favourite Marvel character. This film is my first ever super-hero film i watched and also my first Marvel movie too. Everything about this film feels right in my opinion. From the amazing casting, the action set pieces, the practical effects, the story, the emotion and the overall tone of the film!!

The film's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of Peter Parker. Tobey Maguire delivers a nuanced performance, capturing the character's awkwardness, intelligence, and unwavering sense of responsibility. His transformation from bullied outcast to heroic figure is both inspiring and relatable. Whenever I think of Spider-Man, I always come back to Tobey Maguire. Kirsten Dunst is cast well as Mary Jane. I think she made for this role and she has great chemistry with Maguire too. James Franco is great as Harry Osborn.

"With great power comes great responsibility". These words, spoken by Peter Parker's uncle Ben during their last conversation and which have become Spider-Man's motto, also perfectly represent the challenge Sam Raimi was facing when asked to bring one of America's most loved superheroes to the screen.

The film's visual effects, while dated by today's standards, were groundbreaking for their time. The iconic shots of Spider-Man swinging through the city are still thrilling to watch. Moreover, the film effectively balances action sequences with heartfelt moments, making the audience genuinely invested in the characters' journeys.

Willem Dafoe is absolutely terrifying as the Green Goblin. A truly great and memorable performance of one of my favourite Spider-Man villains. He really owns this role to be honest. His portrayal of Norman Osborn's descent into madness is both chilling and captivating. He's entertaining, menacing, funny, creepy and even scary. The complex relationship between Peter and Norman adds depth to the story, making the conflict all the more compelling. I honestly cannot think of anyone else who could play this role like Dafoe.

Films other supporting cast like, Rosemary Harris (Aunt May), Cliff Robertson (Uncle Ben) and JK Simmons(J Jonah Jameson) also deliver standout performances. JK Simmons is perfectly cast as J Jonah Jameson!!

He steals every scene he is in. The film is filled with memorable quotes and scenes that have become ingrained in pop culture.

Danny Elfman gives a truly fantastic music score. Elfman's music effectively enhances the emotional impact of the film. The score is at its best during the action sequences, where it propels the narrative forward with its driving rhythms and soaring brass. However, it also shines in the quieter moments, providing a beautiful and melancholic backdrop to the character's inner struggles. Danny Elfman's score is a vital component of the film's success and its impact on the audience is undeniable.

*Spider-Man* is a timeless classic that stands the test of time. It's a film that perfectly blends action, drama, and humor, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the character, this film is a must-watch.

Whatever marvel try with Tom Holland, Tobey will always be Spiderman for me. Sam Raimi brings in the right story and acting for what is the best version possible. That's why there's no side hero needed to aid, or add to the story.

"Spider-Man" is a beautiful and indescribable movie. I loved it with all my heart. Now that I'm rewatching all the Marvel movies, I'm rediscovering movies that I didn't love before. This is one of them. I previously rated the film much less valuable than what I now gave it. " Spider-Man" is one of the most beautiful original films ever made, with an incredibly interesting and engaging storyline, with iconic costumes and unforgettable action scenes. The film is about Peter Parker, a loser boy who one day is bitten by a radioactive spider that gives him incredible powers and decides to use them for good protecting civilians from a major threat. The actors were incredibly perfect: between all Tobey Maguire and Willem Dafoe, without them I think the film would have lost a lot. Also Kirsten Dunst, James Franco and J. K. Simmons. The characters are incredibly written and characterized, with perfect and notable evolutions. In order not to mention the protagonists that it is impossible not to love, I name great characters like Uncle Ben and Aunt May, who are fundamental to Peter's mental growth. The film has a perfect rhythm, I have never been bored, entertains the viewer perfectly. For being made around 2000, it has great special effects and great CGI, with perfect photography. I loved the direction of Sam Raimi, who conceived perfectly how to make the film and managed to give both dramatic and horror tones to the film, and also manages to make people laugh. I also really enjoyed the love story that develops during the film and the ending is perfect, with a Peter aware of what the future will look like with his new life. The film gave me unforgettable emotions and is currently one of my "comfort-movies".

This is the first masterpiece ever made by Marvel.

. Rating: 9.9/10.

Way to go, Sam Raimi!

Who cares if the webs are coming from the nods in Spidey's arms rather than the web shooters? This is actually the best superhero movie ever made! (sorry Tim!)

Acting is cool, script rolls fine (maybe too "whining" sometimes...), many laughs (not compelling, just good plain humour) and a couple of scenes that pay tribute to Evil Dead!

What more can you ask? Nothing, really...

Pardon my language, but it does rock. It rules. It's beyond what I had imagined. After seeing a movie that fulfills almost impossible expectations, a little teenage language can be forgiven, I think. Let's not forget that Spidy is a hero with a cult following, so, naturally, there will always be those who see sacrilege in the few (good! necessary! favourable!) changes the creators of the movie made with respect to the original comic. To those: Come off it! This is a great film; it has the perfect balance of action, drama, laughs and the mandatory romantic element. And, of course, in this kind of event cinema, everything hinges on the right choice of a leading man, and in this aspect, Tobey Maguire is absolutely perfect (am I overusing this word?) as the slightly nerdish Peter Parker. As Auntie May rightly points out, Spiderman is not Superman; Peter's process of discovering and learning to control his powers are among the most hilarious scenes in the film (that spider web thing isn't as easy as it looks). Kirsten Dunst is as lovely as always, and Willem Dafoe would make a good Goblin even without the mask on. Speaking of the villain, not only are we given one whose motivations are understandable, but being who he is, he even opens the door to the sequel.

All I can say, if the rest of the movie summer comes on as strong as this film, then we're in for a memorable year indeed. Not to mention the possibility of multiple sequels. 9 out of 10.

For me, the best Spider-Man movie in Sam Raimi's trilogy. The reason why it exceed all other films in this trilogy is because it has an exciting storyline and also a thrilling villain (Green Goblin). Not to mention that it has great quotes, especially the final line in the film.

I watched this movie for the first time, only today, despite the fact that it came out already in 2002. I thought that the genre of films about superheroes was not mine, but I was very much mistaken (at least I draw conclusions based on the film I watched). The movie "Spider-Man" first of all seemed to me very instructive. It clearly shows how just one case can change a person's whole life, and indeed his worldview. This situation that happened in the film reminded me of one phrase: "A man learns only from his own mistakes."

The plot of the film is more than interesting, and despite the fact that the film goes on for quite a long time, it is watched in one breath. There are so many moments in the movie that make me want to cry...

As someone who has read the original comics, I can very much see what all changes have been brought in this movie from the source material. And they have done it absolutely correctly. It seems better to see Peter Parker as someone who chooses to use his proto suit to fight in a cage match than to see him as a celebrity. The scene of Uncle Ben being shot down by a thug was really emotional to see, as he left the message for Peter - "With great power comes great responsibility".

Peter is left to choose his own destiny as a high school teenager who has to deal with a death in the family, his career after school and being a new hope of humanity. At many points throughout the movie I felt that if I were him I would have been completely broken. But that's exactly what makes him a hero. He deals with all the situations and makes it look so simple.

I even feel bad for Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin. He had worked so hard on his project but finally it was suspended. He was struck with grief and then the next moment he's the iconic Spider-Man villain. Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin looked way better than the comic counterpart. And his motivations were exactly like how we'd expect Green Goblin to be like.

Spider-Man is one of those movies I often come back to see from time to time. I really like how the very first Spider-Man movie has set a benchmark for the future movies. It looks absolutely natural and has pretty good CGI for its time. The visual tone and colour palette are absolutely like an early 2000s film. It's a must watch movie for anyone starting to see Hollywood movies.

The fact that this film hovers around a 7 is a shame. I can understand how some may feel the movie hasn't aged well, but there was a reason no movie could even come close to hitting the numbers Spider-Man did for 7 years. 7 years is unheard of nowadays! Sam Raimi's Spider-Man is the reason the MCU, DCEU, and all the other franchises and standalone seven exist. Spider-Man started it all, and it started with a bang.

The first Spider-Man film is a great one. Marvel arrived on the scene in 2000 with the solid if unspectacular "X-Men," but it was kicked into higher gear in 2002 with the release of "Spider-Man."

Tobey Maguire is phenomenal as Peter Parker, bringing just the right amount of nerdiness, vulnerability, and most importantly, heart. As Spider-Man, he really seemed to be having fun. He is comparable to Keaton's Batman and Reeve's Superman.

The supporting cast is very good. Kirsten Dunst is good as Mary Jane, and James Franco is also good as Harry. Other standouts are J.K. Simmons as Jonah Jamison and Willem Dafoe as Norman Osbourne/Green Goblin.

Spider-Man's origin story is told quite well, and it moved along at a good pace. The film is very action-packed, and it is filled with the sense of fun that "X-Men" kind of lacked. Just the right amount of emotion is added to the film, and it also has a great soundtrack.

There are a few cheesy scenes, but it is still overall a very entertaining and well-made superhero film. It was the kick in the pants that Marvel studios needed. Although this film would be surpassed by it's sequel, "Spider-Man 2," it is still not to be missed.

RATING: A-