Superhero Movie Countdown — No. 12


Today I continue my Superhero Movie Countdown with a classic from 2002.

No. 12 — Spider-Man (2002)
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kristen Dunst, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, and James Franco
Director: Sam Raimi
Quote: "Remember, with great power. comes great responsibility." — Uncle Ben, "Spider-Man"
About: Since 2002, Spider-Man has appeared in six feature films and headlined five feature films. Since 2002, we've had three actors play the part. And we're getting another Spider-Man stand alone film, which will be the third re-boot of the franchise since 2002, in the next few years. And there's plenty of debate about which of those films has been the best. It's fair to argue somewhat that the best depiction of the story is yet to come. Others like the re-boot of Spider-Man that came in 2012. But for me, I always come back to the first take from Sam Raimi. The follow up in 2004 is the more highly regarded film, but I liked the original. It sets the stage, introduces the world, and begins the journey. It came at a time before superhero films and TV shows were the incredible flood that they are now. And Raimi, who has made a career out of delivering films with some unique tones, and did so here with a classic comic book property. Of course, it helps that Spider-Man remains among the favorites for generations of superhero fans. That, in part, is what I love about this film. It's quirky and different — especially when set alongside the highly stylized superhero films we get today. I like Maguire in the lead role and I like the way this sets the table for what's to come. If you haven't seen it, give this first crack at "Spider-Man" a try.
Rating: PG-13 for stylized violence and action.

Superhero Movie Countdown
No. 13 —Batman Begins (2005)
No. 14 — Superman II (1980)
No. 15 — Batman Returns (1992)

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