Spider-Man (2002)

Director: Sam Raimi

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco

What it is about: Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man's origin story.

Spoiler-free review: Although a few good superhero movies had been made before Sam Raimi's Spider-Man, it was this movie that showed, yes, it was possible to make a superhero movie that looked and felt like the original comic books.

I've wanted to introduce my children to Spider-Man for a while, and I've wondered whether I should start with this movie or the MCU movies starring Tom Holland. While the latter are excellent films, I've always felt that the MCU version of Spider-Man is its own thing, quite different from the comics. Well, I haven't read Spider-Man comic books in probably 20 years, but I mean they're different from the "classic" version that people who grew up reading the comics before the movies were made know. Sam Raimi's movies, especially the first one, were beloved by professional critics and fans alike because Raimi managed to bring to life the characters and universe that had only existed on paper before.

So, I decided to start with this movie. I also chose it because it's an origin story; we see Peter Parker become Spider-Man. I actually like that the MCU didn't make another origin movie, because everyone knows the story of the radioactive spider biting the high school student who soon learns that with great power comes great responsibility. Well, not everyone knows that. Younger generations don't always know, especially those who grow up in Japan, where everyone knows about Spider-Man but not everyone knows Spider-Man, especially kids. If I wanted to introduce my children to Spider-Man, I knew it would have to be his origin story.

However, I was a bit afraid. I hadn't seen this movie in 15 years, possibly more. How would it look and feel in 2026? Would it look outdated? Would the special effects still hold up? Would the tone and characters seem a little flat compared to MCU movies? Would it still be watchable and enjoyable?

The answer is a resounding yes! I rediscovered this movie, and it was just as good as the first time I saw it. I even surprised myself by getting chills at certain moments despite knowing what was coming next.

It was a total success! The movie is still great. The Tom Holland movies gave me the impression of being much better, but they're not. While they're quite different in tone, all are on the same level in quality. I almost wonder if deep down, I prefer this one. I love seeing Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon interact. For me, it's their chemistry that makes those movies great more than anything else. However, Tobey Maguire is the Peter Parker from the comics. Spider-Man swings along the streets of New York from building to building, just as he does in the comics. J.K. Simmons is the J. Jonah Jameson from the comics. Sam Raimi's movie truly is the comic brought to the screen.

If you've never seen it because you were too young or haven't seen it in years, like I hadn't, do yourself a favor and watch it (again) as soon as possible.

As an added bonus, while my son wasn't in the mood to watch a movie tonight (like many Japanese kids, he's not really into live-action movies, and watching a movie in a foreign language with subtitles is still difficult for him), my daughter loved it and wants to see the others.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time.

Best,

David