Day 196

movie: Spider-Man
starring:  Tobey Maguire, James Franco
genre: Action, Drama, Sci-fi
year: 2002
format: Shaw Video On Demand

plot: When  Peter Parker gets bitten by a genetically altered spider, he begins to transform with the same abilities that the spider has.  Meanwhile, his mentor and best friend's dad, has had a lab experiment of his own go wrong transforming him into the Green Goblin. 

As someone who grew up on Spiderman cartoons, and a television series in the late 1970's, this was something that I couldn't wait for.
I have to say, the casting of Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin, and James Franco as his son Harry; was just perfect. The icing on the cake of course was Bruce Campbell and Ted Raimi in their small roles, along with Stan Lee.  ( I love that Stan Lee has made cameos in nearly everything connected to his comics)

Tobey Maguire manages to capture just enough of the averageness of the Parker character without having it come off as too nerdy, even when he's trying to be geeky.  There's a sense that you can really buy him as someone with the ability of a hero. 
I have to say, as a wrestling fan I've always felt that having that small plot point was a perfect creation for the character of Spiderman.  The idea that the Lucha Libre style could translate seamlessly into the world of a super-hero, also helps to give credibility to the idea that someone who seems average on the surface could in fact be more courageous when really needed. 

I think the reason the character has survived for the last 50 years (originally introduced in 1962) has to do with the fact he is based in that 'what if' reality.  The struggles of Peter Parker are that of the everyday person. Finding his own independence, finding and keeping his dream career, and having that relationship that means everything to him with his ideal girl. 
I also think that is why he's been such a popular character with women over the years.  The idea of the knight in shinning armor being the guy next door.

what do i think i learned from this film?
Like the most famous quote from the whole Spiderman universe says 'with great power comes great responsibility',  everyone has the ability to do something great they just have to have the courage to try.  And I can not get out of my mind the connection the whole Spiderman universe has with the world of wrestling. Spiderman to me has always been the ultimate LuchaLibra  wrestler. You have to know when you need to sacrifice for those you love and when to hold on tight.