Explore
 Lists  Reviews  Images  Update feed
Categories
MoviesTV ShowsMusicBooksGamesDVDs/Blu-RayPeopleArt & DesignPlacesWeb TV & PodcastsToys & CollectiblesComic Book SeriesBeautyAnimals   View more categories »
Listal logo

Definitely exceeded my expectations!

Posted : 2 years ago on 3 March 2022 04:45

I am not into action films particularly,(I'm 17) but this was a really pleasant surprise. This is a well-designed, well-acted and well-directed film, that is close to the comics, which my younger brother used to collect. I loved the music score by Danny Elfman, very like Batman. The special effects were excellent, especially with the scene on the bridge, and the direction from Sam Raimi was fast-paced and secure. But for me, the acting was the best aspect of the movie. Tobey Maguire was the biggest surprise. Usually actors playing comic book heroes are bland, but Maguire was not that at all. If anything he was very charming. Kirsten Dunst portrays the thankless role of the damsel in distress, and I must say, she is very impressive. J.K Simmons gets the most laughs as Jameson, but the best actor was Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn aka the Green Goblin. He not only looked the part of the Green Goblin, but brought some welcome gravitas to the role. The story is sweet and sometimes poignant towards the beginning, though the only real complaints I have of this movie is that the script at times is a little uneven, and the film is a bit long. All in all, a satisfying take on the comic book hero. 8/10 Bethany Cox.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Spider-Man review

Posted : 3 years, 4 months ago on 15 November 2020 05:02

This is not a review. It’s a thank you note.

I want to thank the Columbia 4 movie theater in Grand Forks, ND (now an Olive Garden) for hosting a group of middle school people at South Middle school in Grand Forks, ND. Thank you for letting us see Spider-Man (2002) at the the Columbia 4.
Sorry we didn’t thank you enough. I can’t say a bad word about Spider-Man because I have no bad words to say. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity.
It will be a moment I will hopefully never forget. Thank You. Thank you to those who paid for us to the see the movie.



0 comments, Reply to this entry

An average movie

Posted : 8 years, 4 months ago on 21 November 2015 07:50

I wonder if I did see this movie in the movie-theater when it was released. Anyway, it was pretty neat to see it again after all these years. First of all, in my opinion, I do believe that this movie grew old very well. Sure, the CGI seems a little bit outdated if you compare it with that they can do today, the special effects still look pretty neat. Above all, it is really obvious that the MCU owes a lot to this movie. Indeed, this movie basically proved 3 things. First, the technology was finally advanced enough to create something visually appealing and believable. Second, comic-book movies could be a lot of fun, not only for the fans but also for the casual viewers. And, finally, there was a lot of money to be made from this genre, a huge amount of money. Coming back to our main feature, I have noticed that many complained about the casting choices but I thought that they all did a fine job and Dafoe was just perfect to play the Green Goblin. What I enjoyed the most is how they managed to add some fun into this tale, especially when Peter discovers his new skills. It was just great and I wish they kept this tone throughout the whole thing because, as soon as the whole thing tried to become dark and serious, it pretty much fell apart, I'm afraid. Indeed, unfortunately, every time there was a dramatic moment, it was seriously not convincing, cheesy and rather cringe-inducing and that would be something that they would unfortunately never manage to fix in this franchise. Anyway, to conclude, even though it didn't completely convince me, it is still a really solid blockbuster and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre. 


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Spider-Man review

Posted : 10 years, 10 months ago on 3 June 2013 07:04

On YouTube one of my earliest, and currently most popular, video is a MTV parody of this film, starring Jack Black as the titular hero. Due to receiving comments on that video on a daily basis, and I'm inclined to reply to most of them, I see that video 3-4 times a day... or at least the first 20-30 seconds of it anyway. At one point, after thousand comments and two-thousand views later, I decided to download the film and watch it once and for all, so that the constant nagging feeling I get every-time I play that video goes away. Five minutes into the film and I realize that I last saw this film at the cinema back in 2002, when I was only 9 yrs. old. I'm now 19, and it has been a full decade since I last saw it. This time nostalgia came in full force, all stop signs removed.

Since this was the first superhero film I'd seen in my life, I have a soft spot for it in my heart, but you can't deny, it is rather silly. This film, unlike most others (especially Nolan's Batman movies) is so self-aware, so fictional. I mean, a normal teenager turns into a superhero, a human spider no less, and every citizen of New York is completely OK with this? Everyone accepts this anomaly as if it's a normal occurrence? Last year we had a mosquito-man and the year before a woman who could turn into a tiger - and now we have Spider-Man. Yea sure, we're all fine with this. Superhero movies, to me, are serious psychology studies, because we're talking about a man and a mask here. One's real and the other's an alter ego. Enough time passes and they both get mixed up. Sure, you might say that Norman Osborne / Green Goblin kinda proves the above point in the film, but you will also notice they don't dwell on it. All they show is a man, already half-mad, descending into further madness. I mean, there's absolutely no psychological aspects to it. The closest we ever get to it is where Spider-Man has to either rescue Mary Jane or a tram car full of children. There's a sense of morality in it, but it's so thinly veiled, and it's further marred by the hilarious comments made by pedestrians - who throw fruits to Green Goblin. This film's great, but there's no wonder why its sequel is so widely appreciated, because there's heavy use of psychological themes in it, a great deal of morality and understanding.

From the performances, Tobey Maguire won and made the role his own. If you've ever played Spider-Man 2000 for the PS1, then you will notice a lot of similarities between the webhead that appears in that game and the wall-crawler in this film. This is meant as a compliment, as I really enjoyed it. I don't know if the crew did this intentionally. Anyway, I can't imagine anyone else replacing him, and yes I know that he already has been, but only name-wise, not face-or-voice-wise. Kirsten Dunst was attractive and convincing in her role as Mary Jane, but it's clear to see she wasn't polished enough. Neither was James Franco, who plays Harry Osborne. Although the trio were great as first-timers, they all come to their true pace and fully connect to each other and themselves in the sequels; so if either of them seems a little rough on the edges, forgive them, as they get loads better in the second one. Willem Dafoe was instantly grabbing and memorable in his role as Green Goblin. A crazy, scary, megalomaniacal performance that only gets memorable by each passing minute. Although of course he's no match for Alfred Molina in the sequel, it nevertheless was a damn near perfect performance. If there's one qualm I have regarding the character is his costume. He looked like a reject from a 90's Power Rangers TV show. It was so comical, it was an hindrance. A costumed character like that should be blown up 20 times larger and be fighting Godzilla or the Red Ranger, because that's who / what characters like these often fight.

In conclusion, Spider-Man is a great film, and is easily one of the better examples of the genre. If you end up enjoying this film and the semi-silliness it employs, it's only natural; but if you rank the sequel higher, that's perfectly natural, too!

8.0/10


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Spider-Man review

Posted : 11 years ago on 8 March 2013 04:53

Hello

My name is cynthia Oneil ,i saw your profile and i became interested in you,i will also like to know you the more,and i want you to send an email to my email address [Link removed - login to see] i can give you my picture .Remember the distance, color or language does not matter but love matters a lot in life.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Review of Spider-Man

Posted : 11 years, 8 months ago on 26 July 2012 11:45

Action movies are a dime a dozen. So many are released in a single year, yet so few are actually worth seeing. Spider-Man is one of the few worth seeing. Super hero films have never been all that appealing to me. More often than not, they end up being cheesy, cliched, and often campy. And while certain aspects of the film (most notably Green Goblin's outfit) are indeed campy, Spider-Man holds up very well, especially for a super hero film, and should not be shot down as simply another action film.

The story, as is with many action films, is quite simple. Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically enhanced spider, and is given spider-like abilities. Parker takes advantage of these abilities by doing good and protecting New York from wrong. But when a villain (nicknamed the Green Goblin) becomes determined to get rid of spidey, Parker has to protect himself, those he loves, and the city of New York.

While most action films are soulless excuses for explosions and elaborate fight scenes, Spider-Man is no such film. Spider-Man is smart, and unlike most super hero flicks, Spider-Man has heart.

The film starts off a little slow, truth be told. It's not excruciatingly dull, but the impatient may find themselves a little squirmy during the first 30-45 minutes.

That's okay, because the action really starts picking up after this. There is a very large number of action scenes, and while not all are exciting, they will at least entertain. There are a couple very good and tense action sequences, but the 2-3 inbetween these are usually less entertaining. Many of these lesser action scenes feel a lot like filler, actually.

Danny Elfman composed the score for Spider-Man and for the most part, he did a decent job. The score is grand, and sometimes quite exciting. But overall, it's a little less-than-amazing, and there's a few more rock-oriented pieces than I would've preferred.

Some of the visual effects look a little dated, as do some of the costumes. Even some of the dialogue may strike one as a little hammy, but these are only minor problems.

The biggest problem, however, resides in Spider-Man's run time. The film is roughly 2 hours long, and as such, feels a wee bit bloated at time. The slow beginning, the filler action scenes and even the somewhat tedious title sequence could've all been cut and shortened to create a more reasonable run time. This film could've easily been an hour and a half, instead, slow stretches occasionally appear inbetween action scenes.

The acting is done very well. Tobey Maguire's performance as Peter Parker certainly won't please everyone (his curious stupidity may irritate some), but he does a very commendable job, and the acting feels very natural. Willem Dafoe does very well with the role of the villain, Green Goblin, being both menacing and intelligent.

Still, J.K. Simmons gets the best part as the quick talking, sharp tongued (and woefully underused) J. Jonah Jameson, publisher of The Daily Bugle. Though he appears in only a few scenes, he's certainly a highlight. Spitting out countless quotable lines, JJJ is certainly the most memorable character in the film.

Spider-Man has a few noticeable flaws, but it boasts serviceable action, likeable characters, heart that many action films lack. It may not rank among the best of films, or even the best of action films, but it's a fun ride.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Great film but not best of the trilogy...

Posted : 14 years, 2 months ago on 28 January 2010 06:15

This became an ultimate phenomenon when it was released because Spider-Man is probably the most common and probably the best MARVEL comic book hero ever. Spider-Man didn't disappoint once and I am proud to say that. Spider-Man is the best blockbuster of the summer 2002 and that was a great year for blockbusters. Spider-Man is the start of a great trilogy filled with drama, imaginitive science fiction and intense action thrill rides too. I didn't see this or the second one at the cinema but on DVD and I wish I had done now because they would have been a really brilliant experience. I did see Spider-Man 3 at cinema so I did have a bit of taste at it.


Tobey Maguire's start as Peter Parker/Spider-Man was a fantastic one because he plays the character so well almost perfectly. I underestimated him at first because I didn't know he was the one playing Spider-Man. I thought it was Willem Dafoe (who is really Norman Osborn/Green Goblin) but Maguire was fantastic and the best choice for Peter and that is a simple fact. Kirsten Dunst didn't earn very much credit for her role as Mary Jane Watson in the Spider-Man franchise but I don't think she is that bad as her because she showed her friendship and her love for Peter. James Franco was good as Harry Osborn who is Peter's best friend. Harry is like a back-up to Peter because Peter is a victim of constant bullying and Harry sort of protects him with his problems. Willem Dafoe blew me away as Norman because he was a very villainous and sinister character to watch. He was a very believable character and one that you shouldn't ever cross and have any ad thoughts about him.


Sam Raimi has directed the first Spider-Man film absolutely brilliantly with a sense of drama, slight comedy and also very hard-hitting thrilling action too. Raimi is a great director of science fiction films. I really hope he doesn't direct another franchise especially a fantasy one. Spider-Man is his franchise.


Spider-Man is one of the biggest blockbusters of the decade and nothing or nobody can take that away from it. Spider-Man is a dramatic, intense and often romantic film that is very enjoyable and is like an epic science fiction film. This is better than Spider-Man 3 but not as good as Spider-Man 2 but the first Spider-Man film does deserve to be one of the best comic book adaptations of all time. September 6,


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Excelsior!

Posted : 14 years, 6 months ago on 12 September 2009 08:03

Mild mannered Peter Parker is bitten by a radioactive spider, resulting in super-powers that grant him the proportionate abilities of the eight-legged arachnid. Leading into a story where the young webslinging teen-ager truly learns that "with great power comes great responsibility".
As a comicbook nerd, I was pleased with Marvel's 1st. initial effort at trying to do what Burton did with the Batman: Introduce the webhead as a serious legitimate property for film.
One of the things that usually bugs (pun unintentional) me about comicbook based movies is that the changes made in the character's universe for the sake of the film are usually so off, that it oft-times it strays away too far from the character's unique feel that helped to separate it from that of other superheroes.
Spider-Man's debut featured adaptations in the wallcrawler's world that showed that not only did Sam Raimi & crew understand the character's premise, but also, respected it as well.





0 comments, Reply to this entry

Looking the spirit of Spider-Man Comic Books

Posted : 15 years, 2 months ago on 27 January 2009 02:35

I am a huge fan of Spider Man's comic books and this is the first time i see its movie, like all other based-on-books movies this one wasn't good too, maybe it can be looks cool who didnt know the comic book of spidy. Despite all of this Kirsten Dunst was gorgeous and i'll make thi trio of spider man.


0 comments, Reply to this entry

Along came a spider.

Posted : 15 years, 2 months ago on 11 January 2009 03:43

''Remember, with great power. comes great responsibility.''

When bitten by a genetically modified spider, a nerdy, shy, and awkward high school student gains spider-like abilities that he eventually must use to fight evil as a superhero after tragedy befalls his family.

Tobey Maguire: Spider-Man / Peter Parker

Well back in 2002 Spider-man was a complete marvel, like Marvel Comics, to me and countless others. It had a favourite Marvel Hero, from Stan Lee & Steve Ditko's comics, brought to life on dazzling film, with an array of colours and boldness to die for. We all want a Hero to cheer for, and with Spider-man it was indeed granted.
Watching it now, it's all too clear to see some, if indeed many, of it's consequential flaws.
Whether it be some dodgy effects, impartial composing on certain scenes, or a villain that resembles the awful series Power Rangers, it still remains a very good film. Despite being dethroned by DC's beastly Batman Begins in 2005, as the best Super-Hero film to grace the screen, and bettered effect wise by later sequels and a bold Iron Man.

The dialogue and lines, are very poignant and meaningful. For instance the line, ''Remember, with great power. comes great responsibility.'' is very reminiscent of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone's Ollivander played by Ian Hurt,who says exactly the same thing. The point being it's an old saying yet very coincidental considering the films separate similar release dates.
With Spider-Man we get something unbelievable, with Marvel especially, the Heroes scream comic book surrealism. While DC's Dark Knight strives for realism, darkness and depth, this colourful, tale akin to Iron Man is loud, predictable and a rollercoaster of fun. Granted Spider-Man's origins are ludicrous, hence the whole bitten by a radioactive spider turns Peter Parker into the web slinger guardian thread. This story is one of imagination and creativity, it doesn't divulge in realistic temperament rather customizes upon it's otherworldly strengths.

As all this plays out, Spider-Man also has a romance aspect within it's spidery plot. Mary Jane played by a rosy, red haired Kirsten Dunst, gives us a childhood sweetheart, providing a love interest for Peter Parker and rival Harry Osbourne.
Wonderfully portrayed by geeky Tobey McGuire, Spider-man and Peter Parker's character is fleshed out by his potent performing. A beefed up McGuire dazzles us with a whiny, strong, Dual-esque, Super-man-like geek turning superhero.
While Harry Osbourne, is played by rising star James Franco, a sneery, sneaky, rude yet incredibly handsome, rich, young man. For one of his first roles Franco excels.
Throw into this affair other incredible cast members, such as J.K Simmons, Rosemary Harris, and awesome Willem Dafoe.
Which brings me back to a topic mentioned previously. The main villain of Spider-Man, the chaotic green goblin. The casting of Dafoe was an inspred choice, I mean this guy actually does resemble a Goblin. Just check out the guy's face for instance. The two things that let the film down, plus the Green Goblin character, is one, the terrible Power Ranger Costume he ends up wearing and two, the clunky dialogue and lines he ends up with. Some, granted, are excellent, while others are reduced to squalid, cackling, pantomime-esque taunting.

''Not everyone is meant to make a difference. But for me, the choice to lead an ordinary life is no longer an option.''

Overall, this is an origin movie. A film, a story to bring Spider-man to life. So does it succeed in bringing this legend to life? Yes and no. Does it manage to be entertaining, thrilling and a feel good film? Certainly does by far, it excels. If I want a perfected formula in origin movies, I have to turn to Nolan's Batman Begins, rather than Riami's Spider-Man franchise.
Danny Elfman also boosts this adventure with his impressive score. Whether it be a Burton film or a Desperate Housewives theme tune, Elfman can spark a memorable tune always.

So Spider-Man comes out to play, he comes out onto the big screen with heart felt, bounding leaps, and creates a sort of domino, like X-Men did for more heroes to be adapted to the screen. Hulk, Iron Man all followed suit, and adopted to jump on the band wagon they created with their daring creation. Raimi proves not only can he do horror, like his glorified Evil Dead trilogy but he can also do Blockbuster superhero entertainment for the masses.
Peter Jackson and Sam Raimi both started with humble horrors, now these creative masters have bound forth,with these big projects, adorned with a buzz of electric creativity.
So a recommended treat, and sure as hell, Spider-manis one web you won't mind being stuck in.

''Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: "With great power comes great responsibility." This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-man.''


0 comments, Reply to this entry


« Prev12 Next »