Spider-Man (2002)-A Sincere Superhero Blockbuster
With how overly cynical and self-aware modern superhero movies and I.P. blockbusters have become, Sam Rami's original 2002 Spider-Man feels refreshingly honest and sincere. The film takes its identity as a goofy, over-the-top superhero movie and rolls with it. There's little hint of overt self-awareness. The film knows what it is and commits to it.
It's a film that's goofy in the best ways possible, showing an apparent reverence for the sillier elements of the original Stan Lee/Steve Ditko run of the comics. Much of this film feels incredibly campy, from the out-there lines of dialogue to the cheezy performances of the background actors. But with a movie that attempts to capture the exact tone and feel of those original '60s comics, I wouldn't have it any other way.
The film plays to the beats of your standard superhero origin story, but it still works because it treats each aspect of its story with complete earnestness and emotional honesty. Each character's relationship, be it Peter's relationship with Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Harry's relationship with Norman, or Peter's romance with Mary Jane, feels incredibly genuine in its approach. The film doesn't play up the dynamic between the characters for over-the-top melodrama but instead portrays them as the dynamic between real people. In particular, Peter's romance with Mary Jane has the same awkwardness as a real-life teenage romance, making it incredibly endearing and moving.
Stylistically, the film shows its clearest reverence for the original '60s comics. Sam Raimi uses his signature filmmaking style, including whip-pans, crash zooms, Dutch angles, and cross-fade-heavy editing, to faithfully capture the aesthetic of those '60s comics. Each piece of practical filmmaking, from the lighting to the sets to the costumes, also feels like a gloriously one-to-one recreation of those original comics.
If there are aspects where the film doesn't quite hold up, it's in the action and effects. Looking back, some of the film's fight choreography feels stiff and clunky. Much of the film's CGI also feels too rubbery in its look and too floaty in its movement.
Otherwise, in style and tone, Sam Rami's Spider-Man still holds up exceptionally well. Everything about the film feels sincere and genuine, with a complete reverence for its '60s comic book inspirations. Compared to many films from its era and those that followed, 2002's Spider-Man stands out for its commitment to complete over-the-top goofiness while still treating its story with complete seriousness and emotional frankness.
Seen on a 35mm film print. Now Streaming on Disney+ and Peacock in the U.S
