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Spider-Man (2002) | Archive

Jul 29, 2026 · 41m

Summary

Hosts Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen revisit their 2022 review of Sam Raimi’s 2002 *Spider-Man* to celebrate its 20th anniversary. They discuss the film’s post-9/11 context, its intimate character dynamics, and Willem Dafoe’s performance as the Green Goblin. The duo shares their top five favorite scenes, highlighting the upside-down kiss, Peter’s power discovery, and the bridge fight, while praising the movie’s emotional depth and practical effects.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: Dupixent, Vital Proteins, and Regal Unlimited Intro: Revisiting the 2002 Spider-Man conversation Nostalgia: Childhood dreams and the post-9/11 context Professionalism vs. Enthusiasm: The critic's dilemma Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin and iconic moments The Thanksgiving Scene: Norman Osborn's restraint The Cemetery Scene: Peter and MJ's secret The Bridge Fight: Practical effects and moral choices Sponsors: Total Wine, Lexus, 7-Eleven, and Thrive Comparing Raimi's action to modern MCU/DCEU films The Upside-Down Kiss: Sensuality and romance Spider-Man as a Romance: Character depth and stakes Discovering Powers: Tobey Maguire and Raimi's direction Puberty Parable: Hormones, family, and sticky webs Outro: Feedback, Film Spotting Family, and Sponsors
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