Spider-Man

Rating: 8/10
Year: 2002
Genre: Action
Director: Sam Raimi
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst

It is quite a surprise to know that this film has broken all box office record in USA. To be honest, I would agree that this film is very entertaining, but in terms of the aesthetic achievement, it could not be regarded as a masterpiece yet. The plot still has some logical problems. The relationship between Spiderman and Green Goblin is not as impressive as Peter Parker's relationship with her Aunt.

Spider-Man's success is probably related to the 911 disaster happened last year. Before that, Super hero films like Superman and Batman were not able to acheive what Spider-Man has done because USA did not need a super hero to save them at that time. They always fancied themselves as the center of the world, they thought that they had the strongest offensive and defensive powers, they could never expect such an intimidating attack in their country. However, after 911, they began to realize how vulnerable their country is, therefore, the emergence of a super hero is necessary for them to soothe their fear and regain their faith. What is also special about Spider-Man is that he starts out as an ordinary high-school boy. He is not like Superman or Batman who have a complicated background. Spiderman is always in the neighborhood, he lives next to you and me. Having such a protection around you can definitely secure your broken faith more than the omnipotent yet distant heroes like Superman or Batman.

Back to a more technical analysis, the plot of this film is quite interesting. It is not only an action flick, the director is able to spend quite some time to depict the love affairs of Peter Parker, making him a more humane and solid characters, which is similar to what Brian Singer does in X-Men.

Tobey Maguire's role as Peter Parker is satisfactory. He builds up the timid personality of the character vividly. Kirsten Dunst might not be a gorgeous actress, but she definitely knows how to act. In a super hero flick, the villain character is usually the focus, Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin does not disappoint us in this regard.

Nowadays, spectators are smarter and do expect more and more from a film. Any genre needs a good script and creative direction. Filmmaker could not fool the audience anymore as they usually did in the past.

35mm (US version) - I saw this film in the theater. What else can I say about the image and sound qualities? The best viewing experience is always and only available in the theater.

Reviewed by: Kantorates