Along came a spider.

''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.''

8/10