For a moment, consider the first Spider-Man movie. In 2002, a relatively unknown horror/slapstick director created a big-budget superhero film starring a cast of equally unknown actors. Tobey McGuire had not yet become the baby-faced goober we liked, loved and then detested. James Franco was just starting his days as the pretty boy stoner with hidden acting abilities. And Willem Dafoe was still creepy. Oh yeah, Kirsten Dunst was also somewhere in there.
In the wake of 9/11, Spider-Man presented a sort of revitalization for kick-ass superhero movies set in a city still recovering from a paralyzing tragedy; an issue later addressed by the film’s teaser/tribute trailer.
So what was the result?
A campy, bright film with dazzlingly effects and a relatable protagonist. McGuire, who appeared a little too goofy at first, nailed the role of Peter Parker perfectly: a meek genius that mumbled his way through conversations and slouched (literally) his way through life. Equally as good, if not better, was Dafoe. His wide, K9 grin smeared the screen and created a comic book villain with real weight. It was a feat I hadn’t seen since Jack Nicholson’s Joker. With such strong performances from the films two leads, mixed with the serene computer effects and a classic storyline, the film had all the right ingredients. And if all of that wasn’t enough, just throw in J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson. Game over.
Blending all of this into a cohesive story was Raimi’s direction. His eye for the exaggerated played to the film’s whimsical nature, amplifying the first few scenes of Spider-Man swinging through New York City.
It was breathtaking or maybe it was just a breath of fresh air. The film weaved the source material and the end result seamlessly. It literally brought scenes from the comics to life.
And yet, when I find myself sitting at home watching a syndicated version of the movie on FX, replete with Dave Holmes and all the worthless DVD extras, I can’t help but notice its age. It’s been nine years since the film came out, and damn, it’s gotten some wrinkles.
This isn’t saying it’s not a good movie. It is. It’s fantastic. But it’s also dated. Terribly dated.
Comic book movies have been coming out by the dozens since we first saw McGuire hang upside down and make out with a braless Kirsten Dunst. Fantastic Four, Batman, Iron Man, Superman, 300, Sin City, and V for Vendetta are just a few. It can be argued Spider-Man started the whole superhero/comic book movie craze. You could point to X-Men, but that movie was a little too wrapped up in its own mythology to really have a large audience appeal.
Regardless, the superhero/comic book movie craze was at its infancy stage when Spider-Man was released. Back then, we fans weren't as critical as we are now. We were just happy to see web-slinging in live-action. It's why we shrugged off the Green Goblin's PowerRanger outfit.
Eventually, though, we expected more. Like a fat baby reaching its little sausage arms out for more Gerber's, comic fans (and movie fans, in general) demanded near-perfect adaptions for the films. Hence, for better or for worse, Watchmen.
Which is why watching Spider-Man today, now fully aware of the film’s embellished fashion, just seems whacky. It’s the same feeling I get when I go back and watch Tim Burton’s Batman films. I still appreciate them, but what once came across as directorial charm now feels stagnant and odd.
For example, the final fight scene of the first film always struck me as misplaced. The tone completely changes and the set looks like something out of a movie from Raimi’s college years. I understand it’s supposed to be suspenseful and threatening, but it just comes across awkward (some Doc Ock scenes in the second film also felt hammy, like when he loses control/plots his revenge on the docks).
I understand the mood that Raimi was going for, and it worked for the time it came out. Somber superhero movies were not what audiences were looking for in 2002. They wanted fun. They wanted simple. They wanted Spider-Man. This movie provided that perfectly.It’s just surprising how drastically the appeal of a movie can change in such a short amount of time. Realizing this fact now, however, has quelled the initial rage I had after learning the franchise is getting a reboot. Again, like the Batman movies, Spider-Man will be recreated with a darker hue, helmed by an indie director and lead by an indie actor.
Are these the right ingredients for a new recipe?
I’m not sure. But after re-watching Raimi’s take on the material with fewer stars in my eyes, I’m more open-minded. Of course, one major detriment of this new franchise will be the absence of Bruce Campbell. He made Spider-Man 3.