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Year: 2002
Runtime: 98 min
Language: English
Director: David Cronenberg
When released from decades-long confinement, Dennis "Spider" Cleg's fragile psyche unravels further as he navigates the confines of Mrs. Wilkinson's halfway house. Amidst the shadows of his own haunted past, Spider's fractured memories begin to resurface, threatening to consume him as he uncovers the dark secrets of his childhood trauma.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Peter Parker, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is a socially awkward senior in high school living in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Tragically orphaned, he resides with his caring Uncle Ben and Aunt May. His affection for his neighbor, Mary Jane Watson, is complicated by the bullying he endures from her boyfriend, Flash Thompson, and his clique. Despite his rich background, his friend Harry Osborn struggles with being an outcast and harbors jealousy towards Peter, who gains the admiration of Harry’s father, Norman, the CEO of Oscorp.
During a field trip to a genetics lab, Peter encounters a genetically modified spider that bites him, triggering a profound transformation. While he initially wakes up feeling revitalized and stronger, other strange abilities like web-slinging manifest when he goes to school the following day. However, the most ironic twist comes from a wrestling challenge where he hopes to fund his desire for a car to impress Mary Jane. Confronted by Uncle Ben’s words about using powers responsibly, Peter disregards Ben’s advice, leading to tragic consequences when a robber kills his uncle.
As the narrative progresses, Peter adopts his superhero persona, Spider-Man, finding purpose in fighting crime. Yet, he faces resistance from J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle who initially ridicules Spider-Man until he realizes the financial potential of exploiting the hero’s fame. Meanwhile, Norman’s madness begins to take hold, leading him to become the formidable Green Goblin after a scarring encounter with his own experimental formula.
The Goblin’s violent tendencies ramp up as he attacks a public fair and targets Mary Jane, sparking a dangerous rivalry between him and Spider-Man. While Mary Jane develops feelings for Spider-Man, Peter is tortured by his inability to reveal his true identity. This tension escalates as the Goblin takes Mary Jane hostage, forcing Spider-Man into a heart-wrenching choice between saving her and a trolley car full of innocent lives.
Their climactic battle reveals Norman’s connection to the Goblin, leading to tragic confrontation outcomes. A final showdown leaves Norman dead, plunging Peter into sorrow, especially as Harry vows vengeance against Spider-Man, believing him responsible for his father’s demise. In a poignant moment at Uncle Ben’s grave, Peter grapples with his dual life and realizes that his responsibilities as Spider-Man will forever affect his personal relationships, leaving him with the haunting question of his own identity: “Who am I? I’m Spider-Man.”
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:37
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