Spider-man (2002)

4 out of 4

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, J K Simpson, Cliff Robertson, Rosemay Harris

Director: Sam Raimi

Time: 121 mins

"The first big blast of the summer." That's a line I've been wanting to quote since I saw it used on newspaper ads for The Fifth Element back in May 1997, by a critic whose name I don't remember. To me, it typified the North American summer movie season, when Hollywood studios bring out a lot of their big-budget, blockbuster-type films, often filled with action, special effects, and a lot of noise. That same line is what I would like to say about Spider-man, the movie based on the Marvel Comics superhero who can climb walls and shoot super-sticky webbing from his wrists. It had arrived with a lot of hype, and yet it delivers, in more ways than one. Combining a decent story with superhero action, a touching romance, big dollops of humour, and a rollicking, yet assured, pace that doesn't overwhelm, it really is the first big blast of what could be a very exciting summer.

Tobey Maguire stars as Peter Parker, a nerdy teenager living in New York with his Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson) and Aunt May (Rosemary Harris). He is in love with Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), the girl who lives next door, but is unable to express his feelings for her. His best friend is Harry Osborn (James Franco), whose father, Norman (Willem Dafoe), is head of Oscorp, a leading supplier of gadgets for the military, and who has been experimenting with a human enhancement serum.

One day, on a school excursion to Columbia University, Peter, Harry, and their classmates are visiting a research laboratory where super-spiders have been genetically created. It is here that Peter is bitten by one of these spiders, and starts developing his powers - perfect vision, the ability to climb walls and shoot a sticky web material, increased strength, and a "spider" sense. While initially excited about these new abilities, Peter soon realises they shoulder him with a heavy responsibility, especially when Norman Osborn transforms into the Green Goblin, courtesy of one of his experiments gone wrong. It's up to Spider-man to defend Mary Jane, New York, and himself from the Goblin's evil intentions.

I must admit that I don't know much about the Spider-man legend, either through the comics, the cartoon series, or even the live action show on late 70s television. The little I do know is that his name is Peter Parker; he is a photographer; and he has the abilities of a spider. The movie takes you through the genesis of Spider-man himself, and why he becomes a crime-busting superhero. This first hour is a wonderful introduction to the Spider-man world; we view Peter Parker's amazement as he realises he has gained these super powers and partake in his exhilaration as he whoops in glee while swinging through the concrete jungle of New York City. This section contains plenty of funny moments, due mainly to a combination of Peter Parker's nerdiness and how he employs his new skills.

When the Green Goblin shows up, however, it's pretty much non-stop action, punctuated by some tender moments between Peter and Mary Jane that includes a most unique screen kiss. That director Sam Raimi (of Evil Dead fame) is able to juxtapose a coming-of-age story with romance and whiz-bang action is one of the reasons behind the movie's success. Another is in the character development - the Marvel heroes have almost always been humans who are society misfits and have real world problems (witness, for example, the X-Men or the Hulk), and the way they deal with their new powers helps us identify with them. Unlike the super-elevated status of DC Comics (Marvel's rival) heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and even the extremely wealthy Batman, the audience feels that it could be one of them who could be in Spider-man's shoes, and going through what he's going through.

Of course, the nature of Spider-man's skills and the way he travels through New York allows for some very cool scenes. There is a visceral thrill and even joy as we watch Spidey jump and swing his way around New York. And when he hangs upside down, or spins, ducks and weaves while dodging bullets and projectiles, you just want to say, "Yeah!" The special effects don't stand out in this movie, which is actually a very good thing. While some shots look obviously computer-generated, one is so engrossed by the story these scenes don't detract in any way.

To tell you the truth, I thought, probably like a lot of people, that Tobey Maguire seemed an odd choice to play Peter Parker/Spider-man. Tobey's dreamy-eyed dopiness and earnestness has been put to good use in a lot of dramas lately, like the wonderful Wonder Boys, the Oscar-winning The Cider House Rules, the whimsical Pleasantville, and the ultra-cold and serious The Ice Storm. He's a good actor, but he didn't seem like superhero material. But then, that's precisely the point of Spider-man. Peter Parker is just a normal, geeky teenager struggling with the pangs of first love, who just happens to turn into a superhero. And Tobey brings out this aspect perfectly. His cheeky smile when he realises what these powers can do for him is very infectious, and endears him to the audience. The casting had to be perfect for the movie's eventual success, and I think Raimi nailed it with the choice of Tobey.

The part of Mary Jane Watson is winningly performed by Kirsten Dunst. She offers enough innocence, girl-next-door charm, and sex appeal to see why Peter Parker is in love with her. With the Green Goblin, the angular-faced Willem Dafoe glides through the film with maniacal glee, without going way over-the-top like Jack Nicholson's Joker in the original Batman film. It's also refreshing to see that his Norman Osborn is not really an evil person, just someone who has been turned insane by an experiment gone wrong. James Franco (very good as James Dean in the recent TV mini-series) also comes through with some tortured moments as fellow misfit Harry Osborn, while J K Simmons is hilarious as J Jonah Jameson, the motormouthed editor of The Daily Bugle newspaper. Watch out for cameos from Raimi buddy (and Raimi film regular) Bruce Campbell as a wrestling match announcer, and Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-man himself, as part of a panicking crowd.

Spider-man the movie has been long in gestation, but the final result is well worth the wait. It is the best superhero film since X-Men, and before that the original Superman. Heck, it's the best superhero film I think I've seen. High praise, indeed, but I haven't been as enthralled or as engrossed or as amused or as excited by a real summer movie since Men in Black in 1997. Last year's summer slate provided promise, but was sadly disappointing. With Spider-man heating things up, and Star Wars: Episode 2: Attack of the Clones coming in a couple of weeks, this could be one sizzling summer, film-wise. Bring them on.

(c) Joe Wong (5 May 2002)