DVD features
When so many DVDs offer making-of featurettes and commentaries, it's a real treat to get something different on the Spider-Man DVD: a 25-minute documentary, "Spider-Man: The Mythology of the 21st Century," that examines the history of the Marvel comic book through original art and interviews with co-creator Stan Lee and artists such as John Romita, John Romita Jr., Todd McFarlane, and John Byrne. There is also a comics archive and artists gallery. And if you want info about the movie, you can...

Review: A more than solid superhero blockbuster
When going into adapting a comic to film, there are usually two routes. The first route is the movie will be utterly disappointing and lacking any of the intensity from the book it is adapted from (see the Spawn live action film for example), while the second route is a riveting, very well put together film that carries the essence of the comic (the original Superman and Batman and the Blade series). Spider-Man isn't the best comic adaption to film, but this long awaited movie more than delivers the goods. Tobey Maguire is rather good and believeable as Peter Parker and Spider-Man and seems to be a great choice for the role in the future films, while Kirsten Dunst is as stunning as ever as Mary Jane Watson. James Franco perfectly captures the personality and insecurity of Harry Osborne, while Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris are very good as well as Uncle Ben and Aunt May. But the best casting and performance goes to Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin/Norman Osborne, he is absolutely perfect as the maniacal schizo and is clearly having a lot of fun in his role, while an almost as perfect performance by J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, who is perfectly cast and looks just like the character does in the comic. Director Sam Raimi (director of the cult classics Evil Dead Trilogy and the original Darkman) directs with his usual stylish flair (along with some shameless corporate promotions) and is a great example of how to make a comic adapted film with a director who knows the comic... All in all, Spider-Man may not be up there with the original Superman, Batman, and Blade, but it is more than worth a look...

Review: World-Wide Webbed
Does whatever a Spider can. After watching Spider-man, you believe that a man can acrobatically swing from location to location on a web. 2002 Spider-Man is an incredible technical feat. This film, the first in a proposed series has 2 goals: It has to relate the `origin' of the Spider-man and secondly to see him take on the villain, The Green Goblin.

The origin of Spidey is nothing short of exceptional and loaded with fun. His first outfit design is fantastic. Tobey Maguire does a great job with the duality of Peter Parker and his alter ego. He even gets to balance the beautiful Kirsten Dunst, the girl who just might figure out his other side, but that is another story. Running concurrently is the rise of the Green Goblin played with scenery chewing aggressiveness by Willem DaFoe. Although this portion of the story is not as rewarding it is obligatory for a super-hero film.

The film is smartly directed by Sam Raimi and like The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter before, he avoids upsetting the source materials core fans. But, you can tell he has the most fun with the creation of the web-slinger even when he is working with CGI. Most of the films effects are created in the computer and even if they are not stellar, they work within the story so no questions are asked. There are occasional laps in logic, like when the police are on a hunt for Spider-Man and when they finally corner him, let him go and inexplicably stop pursuit for the remainder of the film. But that is irrelevant to the loud fun and visual splendor.

Spider-Man is a welcome treat to mainstream filmmaking.

Review: Spiderman rocks
I have this GIFT SET WITH II GIFT SET TOO,My Sons and I love this movie much,we're waitin 'til SpiderMan III releases,,Go get this GIFT SET,It deserves to be added in your COLLECTION :P --This text refers to the DVD edition

Review: Surprised
I never expected this movie to be anywhere near as good as it was! The special effects were phenomenal. The story held my attention from beginning to end. It was really surprising how great a job they did on this film. I bought the DVD as soon as it came out!

Review: Spidey comes out with a Bang!
I was never a comic book fan as a kid, yet I still knew who Spiderman was (don't we all). So, I felt compelled to watch this film. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. I really enjoyed this movie. A fun action packed ride. Certainly one for all to enjoy.

Review: Great movie but DVD wore out.
I bought this DVD for my son who absolutely adores Spiderman. We have been watching it over and over and over... for the last few months. The other day, the DVD just stopped when the Green Goblin is terrorizing the newspaper editor. It has refused to play past this scene ever since (in several DVD players) and I can't see a single scratch on the DVD, though there does seem to be a good groove around the edge of the disk (not man made!). I just wish DVD's were more durable cause now I have to buy a new one!

Review: spider-man is the best super-hero movie!!
A Kid's Review
spider-man 1 & 2 are both great but they are not just about the violence like most movies are. most of the movies i've seen so far (except fantastic 4 which is great!!) are about blood,blood AND more blood!!!! but spider-man is about the backstory which movies lack nowadays it doesn't seem rushed it's not like the director said "oh this is boring lets add the superhero killing about 50 badguys at one time!!" anyway the movie is great it's story is great too a kid gets powers and he's trying to grow up and he has to be responsible for other people because he's a superhero! but the green goblin shows up and wants spider-man to become bad spider-man says no,they fight,green goblin dies and that's THE END and the 2nd movie is great too!

Review: The Amazing Spiderman
After almost a decade of legal battles, Sony Pictures was finally able to move into production the comic book adaptation of Marvel's popular hero Spiderman. Though once the legality was straightened out, a new problem presented itself, leaving Sony with the question of "Who will direct and star in this picture?" The answer took some time, and while the question loomed in Hollywood, the rumor mill was going crazy. For a while most of the rumors surrounded who would star in the film, since James Cameron was tapped to direct for the longest time. Names for who would star ranged from Leonardo DiCaprio to Luke Perry, I believe even Kurt Russell was rumored for a little while (though he would be too old). Frankly all of the rumors for the cast stunk, I figured that Hollywood was just going to screw up what could possibly redeem the comic book to film genre, a genre that hadn't existed since it's untimely demise at the hands of "Batman & Robin" and "Spawn". Thankfully, God had to have been smiling on this movie, as all casting rumors were debunked, including James Cameron as director (though I would have been happy with him behind the camera). With this announcement it was revealed that director Sam Raimi (director of the `Evil Dead' series) would direct the movie, and Tobey Maguire would fill the dual role of Peter Parker/Spiderman (this choice scared many comic book fans, there was no doubt that Tobey could fill the geeky shoes of a pre-Spiderman version of Peter Parker, but once he got his powers, Tobey's weak, thin frame would not do the trick). Needless to say all concerns were soon swept away when Spiderman was released to theaters amidst considerable praise from critics, movie audiences, and comic book fans alike. With the success of "X-Men" and then "Spiderman" we had entered a new era in movie history, a time in which comic books could be adapted to film and treated with realism and respect.

"Spiderman" as both comic and non-comic book fans know, is the story of mild-mannered nerd Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spiderman), who during a science class gets bitten by a radioactive spider. This spider bite sends the radioactivity into Parker's system, giving this puny man of science the proportionate strength and abilities of a spider. Peter discovers his newfound abilities and embraces them, he sees them as a means to which he can win the girl of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) and also improve his lot in life. However, Peter's hopes and dreams would soon come crashing down around him, when after competing in a wrestling event for money, Peter chooses not to stop a thief that ran right by him with the victim in close pursuit. Unfortunately for Peter this decision will haunt him for the rest of his life, when his beloved Uncle Ben is shot down in a carjacking by the very same thief that Peter could have stopped. This action causes Peter to learn his most valuable lesson, "With great power comes great responsibility", and also leads to Peter becoming the web-swinging, wall-crawling hero, Spiderman. As this all occurs, billionaire industrialist Norman Osborn (Wilem Dafoe as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin), is being forced out of his own company, Oscorp, by the board members, due to his failure to snag a multi-billion dollar weapons contract with the U.S. military. The cause of the failed agreement was an unstable strength enhancing drug, Osborn overwrought with hatred and self-pity for being forced out of his company tests the drug on himself, creating the deranged, psychopathic Green Goblin. With Norman as the Green Goblin he sees the need to eliminate those who wronged him and his company and then take control of New York City. However, Spiderman isn't about to let this happen, not without a fight.

After the huge success of Fox Studios' "X-Men", Sony Pictures really had their work cut out for them, as all eyes were on whether or not another comic book adaptation could succeed. Needless to say Sony Pictures' "Spiderman" passed the test with great ease, giving audiences a thrill-a-minute adventure that they would not soon forget. With an impressive story, superb directing, incredible casting (Tobey Maguire's awesome performance of the dual roles of Peter Parker/Spiderman, being the biggest surprise), and a great soundtrack, "Spiderman" was an incredible comic book adaptation and heroic origin tale, that did what all movies (comic book and otherwise) should do, that is, leave the audience craving more. As I said earlier, "Spiderman" praised, not only by critics and general audiences, but also the ever-so picky comic book fans, which is not an easy task. If you enjoyed "X-Men", or the `Superman' films or the `Batman' films, then this movie is a definite must-see. I guarantee that you will enjoy "Spiderman" over and over again.

"Spiderman" is rated PG-13 for violence and language.

Review: Great Comic character come to life!
I found the movie very lively throughout the whole time. The story is somewhat like any other comic book hero.

*The hero loses a loved one
*The hero starts to find his power
*The hero has his special costume
*He has a lover
*The Lover is in danger and he has to save her
*There is a bad guy who plans to destroy the city/world
*The hero saves the world from the destruction the bad guy has in store
*The bad guy has a son/nephew who will follow in his footsteps.
*The movie ends with the hero and his gal together.

This pattern applied also to Superman and Batman (well, his loved one didn't really end up dying)

Spider-man was still unique because of it's moderness and fun. The new graphics, sound effects and special effects like the New York background.

Spider-man was just an ordinary man/boy until he went to this science exhibit where he got bitten by a super spider. He soon discovers his powers. He has a best friend who's father is a scientist and was changed into the Green Goblin during an experiment. Spiderman has to hunt down this green goblin and eventually kill him. The son is Spiderman's best friend and when he finds out in the end that Spiderman was the one who killed his father, he plans for revenge.

It's quite fun to see Spiderman fly around New York and one funny part was when he practiced his hand gestures to make the web come out. Just watch that part!

I found the entire movie hilarious at times, sometimes romantic and great action!

Review" The Cinematic Equivalent of Bubble Gum
When I first saw this film over 3 years ago, I was one of the very few people to not enjoy the film. It hardly seemed anything special to me at the time, and it's gigantic success was, in all honestly, quite baffling. Needless to say, I gave a less than glowing review of Spider-Man 1. But now, after years removed from it's opening, and as my knowledge of the comic books this movie was based on grows, I find myself liking this movie more and more. And thusly, feel the need to retract my previous statements about it, and submit a new review of the film.

I guess, my main problem with Spider-Man (AKA SM1) originally was it's lack of sophistication and depth. The somewhat hollow, campy, "popcorn flick" nature of the movie didn't sit well with me...I didn't understand it. Now however, after viewing it multiple times, I've begun to understand the director's goal in regards to SM1, and, really, its beauty. Spider-Man is not a deep, emotional movie like Batman Begins or even its sequel, Spider-Man 2, would be. It trades in emotion for fun. And it succeeds excellently.

Of course, at the beginning of the film, we open with young Peter Parker. A geek, hopelessly in love with a girl whom won't even give him the time of day. The real beauty of this origin really can't be observed without a knowledge of the source material. But once you are familiar with said material, it's quite astonishing. Amazingly, the first 30 minutes of Spider-Man are a near duplication of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's introductory issue). There are some changes to be sure. Such as Mary Jane's role in it all (in the comics, she doesn't appear until much later), and certainly plot lines that would have just been too campy for a big blockbuster of 2002. That aside, SM1 does an amazing job of bring Spider-Man's original, comic book origin to the screen. As good as, if not more so, than any other comic book adaptation yet made.

The acting, one of the main sticking points of my original review, is still not all I would like it to be. While Maguire delivers a strong performance as our hero, he doesn't quite inhabit the character like other actors have in the past and present. But he definitely does a good job, and while its not the best performance of his career (Seabiscuit receives that honor), he does give an admirable effort that leaves little room for complaints. Willam Dafoe also gives a stand-out performance as one of Spider-Man's deadliest villains, The Green Goblin. Dafoe injects his usual creepy demeanor into the character, and while, like Maguire, it isn't the best performance of his career, it is noticeable and memorable. I've also come to appreciate acting of both Rosemary Harris as the caring Aunt May and the campy brilliance of J.K. Simmons' J. Jonah Jameson. Sadly however, the real weak link in the cast would have to be Kristen Dunst as Mary Jane Watson. I've always thought Dunst was a fairly capable child-actor, but as an adult she seems to have actually lost talent, as her performance in SM1 seems sadly hollow, adding nothing to the character, and hardly bringing it to life at all. Though I will admit, her character is written as poorly as it is acted. The director's GweMJ concept (the fusing of Peter's two comic love interests Gwen Stacy and MJ), is quite flawed, and seems to diminish MJ's character rather than add to it.

One of my biggest problems of the film would have to be the score. Despite being a big fan of Danny Elfman, I was overwhelmingly disappointed with his score for SM1. It seems to lack any and all distinctiveness, which a theme that sounds more like Batman-lite than Spider-Man, and a overall collection of notes that entirely unimpressive, and easily forgettable.

Though may complain about SM1's special effects and poor CGI, I didn't find them particularly troublesome. While they aren't the best effects in the world by any means, they're acceptable, and overall, the actions are quite well done. Probably the best actions scenes in a superhero movie up until that point, in fact.

Probably the aspect of the movie, is also the worst. The camp factor. While, positively, this makes the film extremely fun and easy to watch and rewatch, it also kills any and all possibility of it every being a "great" film, an epic film. This could turn some away (as it did me), but, thankfully, two years later, this "flaw" was greatly rectified greatly in Spider-Man 2. SM2 almost makes SM1 an introduction rather than an individual film, and this, in turn, makes SM1 a better movie in its own right. The lack of seriousness and drama is now understood, and even welcome, as it's all being saved up for Act #2 (and maybe even #3) in Spider-Man's multi-film saga.

All in all, my opinion of Spider-Man 1 has changed quite drastically over the past few years, and frankly, I'm glad it did, as Spider-Man is indeed a wonderful popcorn flick that nearly everyone can enjoy.

Review: Spidey's web is easy to be caught in
This is a very good movie. The story is good, the characters are solid, the fighting and effects are good and I liked it. They have a lot of talking in this movie as well. It isn't just some all out action movie with no words at al, which is common in superhero movies. I think this is the best superhero series there is. Overall, I'd say its even better than X-Men, which was another solid superhero series that I personally enjoyed. But enough of the good and in with the bad. The action sometimes looked fake, and they made it too obvious that the scenes where he is swinging on the webs are fake. Also, the Green Goblin costume wasn't very well designed, and looked like something more from Zoolander. But it was still a good movie. So if you like superheroes, or if you just want to see an unsually good action movie that has more to it than just plain action (such as love, friendships, and struggles for power) than this is the movie for you. I would recommend this movie to anyone interested. It is good.

Review: This Review is only about the Special Features of This DVD Set!
I have 3 Disc Delux edition of this movie which consist of "Widescreen 2 Disc Special Edition" plus a bonus dist and beautiful outer Silver printed case. but 3 discs for what?
Bonus features are dissapointing and sort of ridiculous. there is no real details of making the movie. let's talk about 3 major documentaries on disc 2!
first, the evolution of spider-man! it contains some interviews with spider-man artists. approx 25 minutes waste of time. some old guys telling their memories. Stan lee did not even spoke of the original idea of creating spider-man, not showing some basic arts. nothing!

second, HBO Documentary! some interviews with cast and crew. they talk, they laught but don't say anything useful. there is nothing about production of the movie! only talk about themselves. Kirsten dunst says Sam is good and Sam Raimi says Kirsten is good and they both laugh! dude! approx 30 minutes, waste of time!

Third, entertainment channel exclusive! same as HBO but longer, approx 45 minutes. and the quality is awful!

and there is some minor documentaries too plus some photo galleries. NO SIGN OF DELETED SCENES!

You'll find some real behind the secenes documentaries on disc 3! it's approx 25 minutes but worth to all of the contents of disc 2!

In my opoinion, if you want to have spider-man and only the movie is important for you, buy "SUPERBIT EDITION" which has no special features, but superb picture and sound quality!

If special features are important for you, buy 3 disc delux edition with no doubt, cause in 2 disc special edition (I don't see anything special here!!!!), you'll get nothin. really nothing! I wrote this review here instead of Delux edition's page to prevent you from buying this 2 disc edition which has really nothing!

Review: Almost Great
A Kid's Review
Before I start this review, I just want to make clear that I'm not one of those people who bashes films simply because they're based off comic books. I love comics books. I love a lot of comic book movies that have been made. And it's not that I have a vendetta against Spider-Man; he's my second favorite superhero, and I LOVED the 2nd Spiderman film. So why am I giving this one 3 stars?

Well, actually, in all fairness my rating is somewhere between 3 1/2 stars and 4 stars -- because, in reviewing SPIDER-MAN, I'm somewhat stuck. On the one hand, this film just NAILS the various characters from the comics; Peter Parker, Mary Jane, Aunt May, Ben Parker, Norman and Harry Osbourne, J. Jonah Jameson -- all are present in this movie, and all are wonderfully portrayed. There are a LOT of standout "dramatic" moments, the highlight undoubtedly being any and all of Cliff Robertson's scenes as Uncle Ben; with relatively limited screen time, Robertson is able to make us like and care about his character. Toby Maguire is perfect as Spider-Man, and he and Kirsten Dunst let off genuine sparks. Rosemary Harris is wonderful as Aunt May, James Franco has just the right amount of brooding needed for Harry, and J.K. Simmons steals the show as Jameson -- his appearances are, arguably, the highpoints of the movie. Especially worthy of note is Willem Dafoe as the main bad-guy, The Green Goblin -- in the scenes where (SPOILER!!) Norman is struggling with his dual nature, Dafoe somehow manages to take a concept that could possibly be laughable and make it poignant and frightening.

Up to this point, my review's basically been a rave, so why the downbeat title? Because, while all the human characters are great, Norman Osbourne is perfect, and Peter Parker is spot-on...their respective dual identities, as Green Golbin and Spiderman, are the low points of both movies.

Look, I tend to think that I'm fairly forgiving when it comes to special effects; if I can get past some of the crappy composite work in movies like POLTERGEIST, I figure I'm pretty easygoing. However, there is a certain place where I draw the line. The digital version of Spider-Man spits on that line and then jumps up and down on it. The digital double for Spider-Man is not believable in ANY sense of the word. It's not just that he looks like a CGI character doing unbelievable stunts -- the Spidey in SPIDER-MAN 2 looked that way as well, but the action scenes in that movie still worked. The major problem with the digital version of Spider-Man in this movie is that no effort seems to have gone into giving his weight or mass. It's my personal opinion that, no matter how fake an effect is, it has to look like, in the world where the story takes place, it COULD POSSIBLY HAPPEN; that's why I'm able to buy the spaceships in Star Wars -- because there appears to be SOME logic behind them. Bounding around the screen like a ping pong ball, Spider-Man is about as believable as a character from a Looney Toons cartoon.

The Green Goblin, on the other hand, mostly consists of a guy in a mask -- and an AWFUL mask it is. Everytime Green Golbin showed up IN COSTUME, my heart sank, because the mask, while intended to look threatening, just looks ridiculous. All the scenes of the villain bobbing his head up and down while talking to Spider-Man just reinforced the notion in my mind that Green Golbin looks like a more expensive version of a Power Rangers villain.

It's actually kind of ironic. Normally, with a movie like this, you would wade through the dramatic scenes and hope and pray for the action to kick in. Here, the exact opposite happened. I was entertained and engaged during the dialogue scenes, but as soon as Spider-Man and Green Goblin appeared, I felt a strong urge to hit my fast forward button. I thought that special effects were supposed to have EVOLVED over the last 20-some years, but the titular character and his nemesis look about as believable as the Creature from the Black Lagoon or Mothra.

So, despite some unfortunate gimmicry in the script (in real life, if Peter beat up Flash Thompson the way he beats him up in the movie, government officials would be parked outside the Parker residence with shotguns), this COULD have been right up there with SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, BATMAN BEGINS and SPIDER-MAN 2 -- but the titular character, Spider-Man himself, looks like a goofy cartoon character, and it definatly hurts the movie.

Review: Not as Bad as the 2nd But still
This is by far NOT the BEST COMIC movie at all!!! But Not the worst, Superman in the 70's was worse, then the old school Batman from the 60's, then these Spidy movies, then Hulk, then the last 2 Batman movies of the 90's series, then X-men, then the first 2 Batman movies of the 90's, then THE BEST COMIC MOVIE EVER IS THE NEW BATMAN BEGINS, go see that if you want a truly good comic movie with surprisingly no corneyness at all...thats a first for comics!

Review: Great superhero movie!
While this movie isn't as good as its sequel, it still is awesome. The movie does a nice job of telling the stroy of Spiderman. For those of you that don't know the plot, this movie is about a nerdy photographer named Peter Parker who lives with his aunt and uncle. He has a huge crush on Mary Jane Watson, his neighbor, but she probably doesn't. But, he suddenly changes once he gets bitten by a spider. He acquires superpowers and do wrestling to win money to buy a car so that Mary Jane will like him. He wins but the boss refuses to give him the amount that he owed. Spidey then doesn't stop a robber to make his point towards the boss's lies but he has made a big mistake. The robber then kills Spidey's uncle and then he gets revenge and becomes Spiderman. From then, he fights crime and then must fight a new vilain named the Green Goblin.
The movie is so good because it introduces the nerdy and weak Peter Parker and it then shows his developpment into a superhero. The visuals are gorgeous and the fights are awesome. The acting is also great with Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and Willem Dafoe perfect for their roles. A must see.

Review: This will not get cobwebs anytime soon!
in this movie, ordinary Peter Parker gets bitten by a spider(in the comics and cartoons, the spider was radioactive)and gets his name "Spider-Man" from a wrestling match with BoneSaw McGraw(played by Macho Man Randy Savage)and soon faces the Green Goblin (Harry Osborn, who was enhanced by a chemical). he later wins against the Green Goblin by accidently killing him with his own glider. this movie is the bomb!

Spider-Man 2 Gift Set (Widescreen Special Edition W/Comic Book/Postcards/Sketch Book/Photo Booklet) (2004)

Amazon.com
More than a few critics hailed Spider-Man 2 as "the best superhero movie ever," and there's no compelling reason to argue--thanks to a bigger budget, better special effects, and a dynamic, character-driven plot, it's a notch above Spider-Man in terms of emotional depth and rich comic-book sensibility. Ordinary People Oscar®-winner Alvin Sargent received screenplay credit, and celebrated author and comic-book expert Michael Chabon worked on the story, but it's director Sam Raimi's affinity for the material that brings Spidey 2 to vivid life. When a fusion experiment goes terribly wrong, a brilliant physicist (Alfred Molina) is turned into Spidey's newest nemesis, the deranged, mechanically tentacled "Doctor Octopus," obsessed with completing his experiment and killing Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) in the process. Even more compelling is Peter Parker's urgent dilemma: continue his burdensome, lonely life of crime-fighting as Spider-Man, or pursue love and happiness with Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst)? Molina's outstanding as a tragic villain controlled by his own invention, and the action sequences are nothing less than breathtaking, but the real success of Spider-Man 2 is its sense of priorities. With all of Hollywood's biggest and best toys at his disposal, Raimi and his writers stay true to the Marvel mythology, honoring Spider-Man creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, and setting the bar impressively high for the challenge of Spider-Man 3. --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the DVD edition.

Description
* Commentary by director Sam Raimi, actor Tobey Maguire, producer Ani Ahrati, and coproducer Grant Curtis
* Technical commentary
* Blooper reel
* "Spidey Sense 2": Trivia track with "pop-up" facts and trivia about the film and the world of Spider-Man
* Four Web-i-sodes: original online featurettes from the film's theatrical release
* Train "Ordinary" music video
* Previews
* "Making the Amazing": A 12-part documentary from pre-production to the Hollywood premiere
* "Hero in Crisis": A deeper look into Peter Parker and his personal battles in the continuing story of Spider-Man
* Ock-Umentary: "Eight Arms to Hold You": A special look at Doc Ock from the comics to the big screen
* "Interwoven: The Women of Spider-Man": A look into the lives of Mary Jane, Aunt May and the other women in Peter Parker's life
* "Enter the Web": A groundbreaking multi-angle look behind-the-scenes at the climatic Pier sequence captured in real-time
* Art Gallery: A collection of Alex Ross' paintings used in the opening credits of the film
* Activision's "Spider-Man 2: Spinning the Game": A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Spider-Man 2: The Game"
* Weblinks
Gift set items:
* Exclusive limited edition portfolio of artwork: Over 25 well-known comic book artists created artwork inspired by Spider-Man 2 specifically for, and only available in, this collector's edition DVD
* Collectible "Concept to Screen Comparison" portfolio: view the transformation of various scenes of Spider-Man 2 from sketches and concepts to images from the final production
* Postcard collection of Spider-Man 2 Artwork: five postcards which feature original artwork used in the theatrical advertising campaign of "Spider-Man 2" including the well-known trilogy campaign of "Sacrifice," "Choice," and "Destiny"
* The Amazing Spider-Man #50 comic book: reduced-size reprinting of the original comic book in which Peter Parker decides to give up being Spider-Man

Review: By far the best comic book superhero movie ever made

"Spider-Man 2" is the best comic book superhero movie made to date, and not simply by default. The story and screenplay come from Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (co-creators of "Smallville"), Michael Chabon (author of "Wonder Boys"), and Alvin Sargent (Oscar winner for "Julia" and "Ordinary People"), and more than any other film in this genre it is true to the character and what made him Marvel Comics' most popular superhero in the 1960s. I teach a unit on Spider-Man in my Pop Culture class where we compare the original Stan Lee & Steve Ditko stories to what is being published today and my students have to deal with the key elements of the comic book. This time around Sam Raimi has those elements nailed big time.

The story picks up two years after the first film, which is reprised through artwork by Alex Ross during the title sequences. Peter (Tobey Maguire) is now in college, working a part time job, fighting crime, and generally making a mess of everything. Being Spider-Man is a burden and it is beating Peter Parker down. He loses his job, his grades are slipping, and even his powers seem to be leaving him. He still loves Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), but all he can envision is a life where his enemies would threaten her life and he has to endure seeing her picture on billboards and posters all over New York City. It becomes clear that our hero is coming to a cross-roads in his life, but we have no idea what will be the final straw, as it could be anything from the bank foreclosing on the house of Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) or Dr. Curt Connors (Dylan Baker) flunking him to J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons) really firing him from the "Daily Bugle" to Mary Jane ending up with some other guy (Daniel Gillies).

What made Spider-Man endearing was that he was the victim of such bad luck. With power comes great responsibility but you would think a guy could catch a break now and then. There is a point where a bruised Peter tries to make his way home and as he reaches out to steady himself against a parked car you KNOW that as soon as he touches it a car alarm goes off. Spider-Man endures a lot of slings and arrows in this film (e.g., Aunt May never told him how to do laundry) and all the while the gods just look down and laugh.

The Green Goblin was something of the ultimate villain for Spider-Man because he was the one who learned the web-slinger's secret identity. But the consensus of my students each semester is that Doctor Octopus is the best Spider-Man villain. Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina) intends to make nuclear fusion work and is employed by Harry Osborn (James Franco), who dreams of making a fortune during the day and of killing Spider-Man to avenge his father at night. Of course things go horribly wrong, and the four metal tentacles that Octavius has created are now fused to his body and have driven him insane.

We have all seen the trailer for "Spider-Man 2" and the scene where Doc Ock interupts a potentially tender moment between Peter and Mary Jane by throwing a car through a window at them. This must happen over an hour into the film but it starts off a series of fantastic computer generated fights between the hero and the villain. The reason for this and why the pairing is so perfect is that Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus can both fight on the vertical axis as well as the horizontal. These two go at each other on the side of buildings and falling through the air as well as on top, on the sides, and through the middle of a subway train. Then you throw into the mix that Doc Ock can be carrying off someone Peter loves and still have three mechanical arms pounding away at Spider-Man. More importantly, when Spider-Man travels around by his webbing in this film it no longer looks like something we would expect from a Saturday morning cartoon.

But the conflict between Spider-Man and Doctor Octopus is only one of a half dozen that provide the interpersonal web of problems closing in on Peter and the way they all fit together gives "Spider-Man 2" a weight hitherto unsuspected in superhero movies. This point is best evidence by the fact that Aunt May is major supporting character in the film just as she is in the comic book. There were always two women in Peter Parker's life and the one constant was always Aunt May.

I applaud the decision to make Otto Octavius a good man for once who becomes the victim of his own brilliance. His scientific discussions with Peter in their first meeting not only show his decency but also reveal to our hero the path he can take if he pursues science rather than crime fighting. After all, Otto is married to the lovely Rosalie (Donna Murphy), who is clearly the doctor's own MJ. Eventually Peter comes to the realization that he does not have to be Spider-Man.

I have some ambivalence about what is happening with Mary Jane, mainly because one of my favorite scenes in the comic book was when she finally confessed to a stunned Peter that she knew he was Spider-Man and could no longer stand the fear that he was going to get killed. But I appreciate the idea that Mary Jane gets to be there from the beginning in the movies (as she is in Marvel's "Ultimate Spider-Man") and that Hollywood does not have time to go through Betty Brant and Gwen Stacy to get to Mary Jane Watson Parker and the final shot of Mary Jane in the film certainly gives weight to her character and reinforces again the idea that this time they got everything right. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title

Review: Not Normally My Cup Of Tea

I have to say that I thought the first Spiderman was okay, and I am still surprised at how popular it was. So when I heard about the sequel, I didn't plan on going out of my way to see it. I was never into comic books, and am not really a fan of Superhero stories to begin with. Well, with all the hype and merchandising going on Spiderman 2 caught the attention of my son. He wanted to go so badly, I just couldn't say no. I have to say that I was extremely surprised at how good this movie is. The blend of action, humor and drama is fantastic! The special effects are amazing, and Doctor Octopus should go down as one of Hollywood's greatest villains! Even if you aren't a fan of Superhero movies, there is just too much to enjoy with this film to pass it over. The acting is top-notch and the high flying action will keep you glued to the edge of your seat! I can't say enough about Tobey Maguire. His portrayal of Peter Parker is great. You completely buy him as an average kid who gets caught up in extraordinary circumstances. You actually feel sympathy for this kid who has maybe taken too big a bite of something to swallow, all while rooting for him to start slinging some web. I also recommend seeing Spideman 2 in the theaters, because alot will be lost when it moves to the small screen. If you have been hesitant going to the theater because of the usual hype surrounding "summer blockbusters" which usually fall flat, don't be. Spiderman 2 actually lives up to or surpasses the hype. I will surely be in line when part 3 opens. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title

Review: Who said great special effects?


I am a spider-man AND a Sam Raimi fan... and yet:

I don't think I've ever been so dissapointed in my life.After seeing the first spider-man I was speechless, great CG and acting even if the script must have been drafted in 5 minutes on a napkin so of course you think the second installement can't be worse since the caracters have been established already but NO! How lazy is it to re-use the same basic caracter of a vilain I mean come on just listen to the commentairies for the 2 films the description of the vilain and peter parker's feelings for him!Surrogate daddys all around!
But after all, even a spider-man fan such as myself doesn't go to see these films for the intricate plot so let's talk about the visuals: all right there are some great sequences like the vertical and free fall fighting but all the rest is unbearable to watch:tobey maguire is just useless, and what is up with the CG shots? Just listen to the commentairies:"we wanted the best CG shot in the first film to compare to the worst shot in the second" and they actually think they succeded! My god! The first shot of spidey in the film is so horrible it stuck in my head for the rest of the movie, but it wouldn't have been that bad if about 1 in 3 shots were at the same level of quality.Suspention of disbelief? Yeah for about 5 minutes during ONE of the action sequences!

The worst of it is I'm such a spidey fan I'm still waiting for spider-man 3. --This text refers to the DVD edition

Review: Spiderman 2
Spiderman 2 is one of those movies that you watch once and you can watch it about three more times before you get entirely sick of those corny lines and ridiculously amazingly awesome special effects fights. What is lacking in this movie is some clear and definite answers about Peter Parker and his life. I thought that was all established in the end of the first movie, but no, now I'm even contemplating if it has been at the end of the second. It also lacks direction and the horrible acting/sequencing of events fails to get the audience into the movie. NO, I did not and do not care if he can pay for his aunt's mortgage, and NO, I never doubted that he would end up with Mary Jane. This movie is highly predictable, a movie that wants to reel in some cash and that appeals to ten year olds. Look for similar things in Spiderman 3. When I watched this in theaters (just like with Spiderman 1) I thought that the story line was what was to be expected, happy and rosy, and of course the nonsensical notion of everything will be alright in the end had to be there. Yes indeed I was like *WOW* the fighting was amazing. Even now I say this but is that what makes a movie? The Matrix had all that for crying out loud. This movie needs to get more in the audiences head, get more psychological, more in depth, a deeper plot, a more realistic outlook. Alright movie overall. Batman Begins is far better. --This text refers to the DVD edition

Review: Peter Parker is hooked on Mary Jane

This movie takes up where the first one left off. Peter (Toby Maguire) has fallen on bad times he is a loner happy because he knows as Spiderman he can not have friends including Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst); the bad guys would use his friends as pawns. Everything is going to pot. He loses his job, cant pay his rent, his aunt is on foreclosure, he can not make schedule on anything he does. His best friend is out to get Spiderman. And heaven forbid he is falling behind in school.

Looks like it is decision time between his Spidy personality and Mary Jane Watson.
Which does he chose?
Which would you chose?
Is there a way out of the dilemma?

This film is very slow moving and depressing for at least the first third. They are relying on the reputation of the first Spiderman to carry this almost similar story. When the action picks up that is all it is just action. You may want to fast forward through this as nothing is said or reveled that will have any bearing on the end.

--This text refers to the DVD edition

Review: I love the special effects!

The special effects in this one are just as good as the first! I think the story line is even a little better. Looking forward to Spiderman 3. --This text refers to the DVD edition

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