Spider-Man
Rated PG-13 for stylized violence and action.
Comic
book superhero “event movies” can go one of two ways. They can be big, goofy
spectacles of costumes and stunts and fight scenes with silly comic book dialog
and acting (see the Christopher Reeve-era “Superman” movies and the last couple
of “Batman” movies). That doesn’t mean those movies are bad; they can be a lot
of fun. They just don’t ask you to feel anything.
The
other approach is to take all those same elements and tell an interesting story
with strong characters and just enough emotional depth to keep you from feeling
like it’s Saturday morning and you’re in you PJs. (See the first “Batman”
film—and now “Spiderman.”)
The
makers of “Spiderman” decided from the very beginning to make it more than just
a “Pow” and “Crash” film. Instead of a bulky, quick-talking actor, they hired
the slender and soulful-looking Tobey Maguire to play the webslinger. And they
spent the first part of the film carefully building Peter Parker’s real life
before he became “Amazing.” They also took the time to focus on the web of
complicated relationships between the main characters.
By
design, the Spiderman of the comic books was never like the other superheroes,
anyway. He always felt torn between his responsibility to help others and the
pain his “job” brought to those he loved. He always struggled with not having
enough money and not being able to connect on a human level with the people he
cared about most. That comes through in this movie version of “Spiderman,” and
it makes it a stronger film.
In
case you never read the comic, saw one of the TV shows, or somehow missed the
tidal wave of Spidey-hype over the last few months, here are the basics: High
school science geek Peter Parker loves girl-next-door Mary Jane (Kirsten
Dunst). On a field trip, Peter gets bitten by a genetically-engineered “super spider”
(not the radioactive version of the comics). Soon, Peter is transformed into a
super-strong, wall-crawling hero. And in another change from the comics, he
doesn’t have to invent a way to make webs and shoot them. It just comes
naturally along with the rest of the spider power-package.
When
a tragedy he could have prevented strikes Peter’s family, he realizes that he
has a responsibility to use his powers to fight crime. After graduating from
high school, Peter goes to college and to work as a photographer for The
Daily Bugle while battling bad guys and trying to protect his Aunt May,
Mary Jane, and the entire population of NYC.
Rosemary
Harris makes a great Aunt May. J.K. Simmons is fun as the fast-talking and
ethically challenged newspaper editor J. Jonah Jameson. And Willem Defoe
delivers plenty of schizophrenic evil as Spiderman’s arch-enemy, The Green
Goblin.
I
was less drawn to Kirsten Dunst as MJ. And occasionally, Tobey Maguire comes
across as more wooden than “deep.” For me, a couple of scenes between Spiderman
and The Green Goblin were a little giggle-worthy. Because you can’t see the
actors’ faces, they have to emphasize what they’re saying with arm movements
and head bobbing. It gives the conversations a touch of a “Power Rangers” vibe.
However,
the effects of Spidey’s flights through the city and über-gymastic fight scenes
looked a lot cooler than I expected. You don’t get nearly as much
computer-generated “feel” as it seemed in the previews. In fact, much of the
fighting is pretty violent and earns the PG-13 (along with a lot of
cleavage-baring by Kirsten Dunst). The movie might be too strong for some
little kids.
As
Christians, we have reason to feel connected to characters with special powers.
We, too, have been gifted with abilities beyond what we could do in our own
humanity. The Bible tells us that every Christian is given one or more
supernatural gifts he or she can use to serve other believers (1 Corinthians
12). Whether it’s teaching, helping, giving, encouraging, or any of the others
on the list, we’re a powerful people. And as Peter Parker likes to say, “With
great power comes great responsibility.” Are you using what Gods’ given you to
serve him and others?
In
the end, “Spiderman” lives up to at least some of the hype (which is saying
something). And with two more movies already promised by the studio, I’m sure
the Amazing One will be hanging around for years to come.
If
you see the movie, questions you can discuss with friends, parents, or just
think about yourself:
• If you read (or used to read) comic books, who were your
favorite heroes? Why?
• What are your favorite superhero movies?
• Do you relate to Peter Parker’s life and his relationships? Why
or why not?
• If you’re a Christian, what supernatural gifts do you think God
has given to you to serve Him and others?
• Are you using those gifts? If so, how?
Let us know what you thought of this review!