Spider-Man (2002)
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89% of critics liked it
(215 reviews) -
65% of users liked it
(32,668,220 ratings)
After incorporating elements of comic book style and design into many of his films, director Sam Raimi helms this straight-ahead, big-budget comic book adaptation, which also marks acclaimed young actor Tobey Maguire's first dip into live-action blockbuster filmmaking. Spider-Man follows the… More After incorporating elements of comic book style and design into many of his films, director Sam Raimi helms this straight-ahead, big-budget comic book adaptation, which also marks acclaimed young actor Tobey Maguire's first dip into live-action blockbuster filmmaking. Spider-Man follows the template of the original Stan Lee/Steve Ditko source material, with hero Peter Parker an orphaned, intellectual teen loner living in Queens with his aunt (Rosemary Harris) and uncle (Cliff Robertson), and dreaming of the girl next door, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). On a field trip to a Columbia University lab, Peter is bitten by a genetically altered spider and overnight he gains superhuman strength, agility, and perception. At first, Peter uses his powers for material gain, winning a wrestling match with a purportedly lucrative prize. But when Peter apathetically fails to stop a burglar from robbing the wrestling arena, a tragedy follows that compels him to devote his powers to fighting crime -- as the superhero Spider-Man. When he's not busy fighting crime in a spider suit, Peter moves into an apartment with his best friend, Harry (James Franco), and begins work as a photographer at the Daily Bugle. Meanwhile, his do-gooder alter ego finds a nemesis in the form of the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), a super-powered, megalomaniacal villain who happens to be the alter ego of Harry's father, weapons-manufacturing mogul Norman Osborn. Spider-Man was written by the prolific blockbuster scribe David Koepp (Jurassic Park, Panic Room). ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi
- Directed By
- Sam Raimi
- Written By
- David Koepp, Alvin Sargent
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- May 3, 2002 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 1, 2002
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
In emphasizing angst over energy, the movie is much like its hero -- not the dashing crime fighter in a red-and-black bodysuit but the introspective nerd who both endears and exasperates.
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Todd McCarthy, Variety
A perfectly serviceable early-summer popcorn picture that will satisfy its core teen constituency and not displease general viewers looking for some disposable entertainment.
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J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader
Unfortunately the film, like many of its ilk, is driven by special effects, and there's a serious disconnect between Maguire's sweet-natured dialogue and Spider-Man's pounding violence and stunning acrobatic work.
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Derek Adams, Time Out
This accomplished blockbuster announces itself as a stylish piece of pop myth-spinning.
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Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune
It's got appealing performers as the leads.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Cast
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Tobey Maguire
as Peter Parker/Spider-Man
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Willem Dafoe
as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin
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Kirsten Dunst
as Mary Jane Watson
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James Franco
as Harry Osborn
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Cliff Robertson
as Uncle Ben
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Rosemary Harris
as Aunt May
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J.K. Simmons
as J. Jonah Jameson
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Joe Manganiello
as Flash Thompson
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Gerry Becker
as Maximilian Fargas
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Bill Nunn
as Robbie Robertson
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Jack Betts
as Henry Balkan
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Stanley Anderson
as General Slocum
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Ron Perkins
as Dr. Mendel Stromm
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Bruce Campbell
as Announcer
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Michael Papajohn
as Burglar
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Randy Savage
as Bone Saw McGraw
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Ted Raimi
as Hoffman
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Elizabeth Banks
as Betty Brandt
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Myk Watford
as Cop at Fire





