Spider-Man

Released 14th June 2002, Spider-Man is often regarded as one of the most influential comic book movies of all time; not only for embracing its comic roots but also for putting so much focus of it’s characters. The plot follows Peter Parker as he copes with new spider-powers and the subsequent responsibilities of them. The characters are all written with defining flaws whilst still maintaining likeable personalities to keep you engaged. There are numerous notable performances in this film. Rosemary Harris & James Franco are good as Aunt May & Harry Osborn respectively with JK Simmons stealing every scene he is in (which is not many) as J Jonah Jameson.

In my opinion however, Willem Dafoe gives the best performance of the film; he takes some often cliché dialogue and manages to make it enthralling and in line with his character. There is also some brilliant duality with Peter Parker throughout the narrative with various editing and costume decisions to back up the writing. So, what about the other leads; Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst as Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson? Whilst Dunst gives a solid enough performance, she is frequently, and frustratingly, put into peril through the narrative and it is rather unnecessary 2/3 times. Then there is Tobey Maguire; the worst Spider-Man actor (yes I just said that). Again, the character of Peter Parker is written brilliantly but Maguire often misses many crucial performance beats which subsequently suck you out of the film.

To an extent however, his weak performance helps to contribute to the comic book tone of the film. This tone is further enhanced by what are now, aged visual effects which adds to the corniness of the film. With that being said, Danney Elfman’s score is nothing short of iconic and adrenaline-pumping; its motifs are built upon and re-imagined throughout the course of the narrative. Overall, the film is greatly flawed yet you can’t help but notice, and appreciate, Spider-Man as a cornerstone of what is now Hollywood’s most bankable genre.