Spider-Man

Movie Name: Spider-Man

Year of Release: 2002

Director: Sam Raimi

Stars: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Cliff Robertson, Bill Dunn, J.K. Simmons, Joe Manganiello

Genre: Action, Adventure

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
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Synopsis:

Director Sam Raimi followed his string of interesting films of the late 90s early millennium, namely "A Simple Plan" and "The Gift" with his second adventure into comic book adaptations, with the highly iconic "Spider-Man". The film follows the story of high school student Peter Parker, who is a smart, caring young man, who's the target of bullies in his class. During a class outing Peter gets bitten by a genetically enhanced spider, which gives him some extraordinary abilities, namely super strength, the ability to climb walls and shooting super potent spider webs. In parallel the father of his best friend, Norman Osborn, suffers an accident which causes him to start developing a side to his personality that is deranged and menacing, taking the guise of the dangerous Green Goblin. These two entities come at odds in New York City.
Sam Raimi is an inventive director, who has always primed for adding a kinetic movement and style to his films. As his career has evolved, he has definitely refined his approach to the material he tackles, but with "Spider-Man" he managed to infuse his sensibility with the comic book material (following his interesting experience with "Darkman" in 1990). The film is successful by not taking itself seriously, but also by creating a dynamic between the central characters that while familiar is also exciting. A lot of the success of the film lies on the talented cast Sam Raimi assembled, particularly Tobey Maguire and Willem Dafoe, both creating memorable interpretations of their iconic characters. The cinematography from Don Burgess is impeccable as is the score from Danny Elfman. An entertaining film worth watching!