Product Description: Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider and develops spider-like abilities. Genre: Feature Film-Action/Adventure Rating: PG13 Release Date: 6-SEP-2005 Media Type: DVD
Amazon.com: For devoted fans and nonfans alike, Spider-Man offers nothing less--and nothing more--than what you'd expect from a superhero blockbuster. Having proven his comic-book savvy with the original Darkman, director Sam Raimi brings ample energy and enthusiasm to Spidey's origin story, nicely establishing high-school nebbish Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) as a brainy outcast who reacts with appropriate euphoria--and well-tempered maturity--when a "super-spider" bite transforms him into the amazingly agile, web-shooting Spider-Man. That's all well and good, and so is Kirsten Dunst as Parker's girl-next-door sweetheart. Where Spider-Man falls short is in its hyperactive CGI action sequences, which play like a video game instead of the gravity-defying exploits of a flesh-and-blood superhero. Willem Dafoe is perfectly cast as Spidey's schizoid nemesis, the Green Goblin, and the movie's a lot of fun overall. It's no match for Superman and Batman in bringing a beloved character to the screen, but it places a respectable third. --Jeff Shannon
DVD SPIDER-MAN ARRIVED IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. MOVIE IS FUN AND INTERESTING. WELL WORTH THE PRICE!
The Superhero Film That Started It All In 2002, when this film was released, the two other major superhero franchises were sputtering to say the least. The Superman character hadn't been portrayed on the big screen since Christopher Reeve did his last fly-over, while the Batman franchise had left off with the farcical Batman and Robin, one of the worst films ever produced. Only the fantasy-based Lord of the Rings trilogy had transformed a literary character into a popular film icon, but that was based on a novel, not a comic franchise. Thus, this first Spiderman film really paved the way for us comic book and superhero geeks to get more of the heroes we so desperately wanted.
Of course, in order to set this standard, the film had to be good, which it is. The special effects are incredible (especially Spidey swinging through the skyscrapers), the acting is by-and-large very good, and the entire plot gives subtle nods to Spidey fans while bringing the rest of us up to speed on how/why Peter Parker becomes the web-slinging hero.
For a quick plot synopsis, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is a high school science nerd who, after being bitten by a genetically-altered radioactive spider, starts developing spider-like attributes, such as web-slinging, a sort of pre-cognition (known as spider-sense), and the ability to climb on any and all surfaces. While dealing with those newfound abilities, Parker's relationship to childhood sweetheart and girl-next-door Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) is also explored. Finally, a superhero movie would not be complete without a menacing villain, in this case the brilliantly insane Green Goblin (William Dafoe) of Spidey comic lore.
The film does a great job establishing the Spiderman character, his relationship with "MJ", and the action scenes are gripping. The only possible downside of the film might be its overly simplistic themes. It's not anywhere near Christopher Nolan's take on the Dark Knight (very dark and complex) or even Bryan Singer's dramatic Superman Returns. Instead, it is a much more light-hearted film that, when it does get dramatic, just deals with the simple good guy/bad guy conflict. Some will like this approach, others may not.
To conclude, Spiderman is a very entertaining film that, while it may not leave you pondering the very essence of life like The Dark Knight, will hold your full interest for two whole hours. Upon its conclusion, you will be more than ready for the sequel!
Terrific Adaptation from the Comic Book As a late-comer to the Spiderman trilogy, (I just discovered it in 2009), I must shout from the rooftops (!!!) that this is a very special and terrific adaptation of the comic book to big screen. It is great viewing for the entire family. Although it has a PG (parents strongly cautioned) rating, I did not find it inappropriate to watch with my children.
This movie shows how Peter Parker and his transformation to Spiderman begins. It sets the stage for the two sequels that follow.
There are so many things to like about this movie. It has a sweet and innocent story-line, a love story (Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson/ Peter Piper and his Aunt and Uncle), a evil villian (adeptly portrayed by Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin), the choice between selfish needs and the responsibility of great power, and of course, astounding computer-generated special effects action.
Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst are perfect as Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson. Maguire plays the conflicted Piper to perfection. He carries the movie on his capable shoulders. Dunst is sweet and beautiful as Mary Jane. A strong supporting cast rounds out this excellent movie.
Of all the superhero movies made, I overwhelmingly favor Spiderman. It has none of the dark overtones of the Batman series, and far exceeds the Superman series in terms of special effects. Best of all, it is a true adaptation of the comic book series; it is like watching a 2 hour and 36 minute comic book! Spiderman is full of fun, innocence, romance, and action that will leave you wanting more. After watching Spiderman, you will want to view Spiderman II and III. Amazingly, the two sequels are just as compelling and enjoyable as the original.
5-stars and highly recommended.
Jim Koenig
great movie!!! i like this movie the best out of all the spider-man movies. its great for kids to watch and has a little of everything in it. humor, a love story the villian so much. spiderman is a great movie for everyoe!!!!
Spiderman the description of product was clear and delivery made it well within the time alotted
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