Spider-Man Showdown: Which Origin Story Was Better?
By now, we've all had enough time to soak in the latest big-screen adaptation of Marvel's web-slinging superhero, and the second try at depicting Spider-Man's beginnings in nearly a decade's time. Yet Marc Webb's "The Amazing Spider-Man" adopts a different tone than Sam Raimi's 2002 Spidey opus, which marked the first effort in an eventual trilogy. The main villain, love interest and climactic set pieces have all been updated, but most crucially, Webb casts Peter Parker in a different light this time around -- instead of Tobey Maguire's congenial good guy, we have Andrew Garfield as a brooding, whiny teenager, trying to make sense of his father's death.
Comic book fans will debate whether or not "The Amazing Spider-Man" is more faithful to the Marvel Comics than "Spider-Man," but our debate is more simple: which one is the better movie? Check out our critical comparison of the two cinematic beginnings of the superhero, and see which one we thought offered more overall satisfaction (Warning: heavy spoilers ahead).
Comic book fans will debate whether or not "The Amazing Spider-Man" is more faithful to the Marvel Comics than "Spider-Man," but our debate is more simple: which one is the better movie? Check out our critical comparison of the two cinematic beginnings of the superhero, and see which one we thought offered more overall satisfaction (Warning: heavy spoilers ahead).
1. Better Villain (Green Goblin vs. The Lizard)
"Spider-Man's" Norman Osborn and "Amazing's" Curtis Connors are both brilliant scientists with ties to Peter Parker's family and a fetish for injecting themselves with madness-inducing chemicals. Willem Dafoe turns in a scenery-chewing performance as the bomb-throwing, evil-voiced Green Goblin, and presents a more overstated bad guy than Rhys Ifan's solemn, one-armed Lizard Formerly Known as Dr. Connors. But, alas, the overpowering Lizard is unquestionably more badass than the Green Goblin -- when things get going between Spidey and the reptilian villain, the audience legitimately starts wondering how the hell the hero is going to be that thing. And how can you really fear a villain with a such a goofy, expressionless mask as the Green Goblin's? Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
"Spider-Man's" Norman Osborn and "Amazing's" Curtis Connors are both brilliant scientists with ties to Peter Parker's family and a fetish for injecting themselves with madness-inducing chemicals. Willem Dafoe turns in a scenery-chewing performance as the bomb-throwing, evil-voiced Green Goblin, and presents a more overstated bad guy than Rhys Ifan's solemn, one-armed Lizard Formerly Known as Dr. Connors. But, alas, the overpowering Lizard is unquestionably more badass than the Green Goblin -- when things get going between Spidey and the reptilian villain, the audience legitimately starts wondering how the hell the hero is going to be that thing. And how can you really fear a villain with a such a goofy, expressionless mask as the Green Goblin's? Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
2. Better Love Interest (Mary Jane Watson vs. Gwen Stacy)
Major props to Emma Stone for being effortlessly charming and a quick-thinking accomplice to her heroic boy-toy, but Mary Jane -- arguably the most well-esteemed girl-next-door in the history of comics -- is the more classic, well-defined character. Kirsten Dunst played MJ as the optimistic girl you can't help but love, and we couldn't help but root for her and Peter and finally get something going. Winner: "Spider-Man"
Major props to Emma Stone for being effortlessly charming and a quick-thinking accomplice to her heroic boy-toy, but Mary Jane -- arguably the most well-esteemed girl-next-door in the history of comics -- is the more classic, well-defined character. Kirsten Dunst played MJ as the optimistic girl you can't help but love, and we couldn't help but root for her and Peter and finally get something going. Winner: "Spider-Man"
3. Better Aunt May & Uncle Ben
A toss-up, since both sets of veterans perform admirably as the moral compasses of the respective films. The slight edge goes to Martin Sheen and Sally Field in the new adaptation, though, simply because they make the audience more invested in their characters and their well-being. That may be the effect of the plot structure and directorial choices, but when Uncle Ben gets gunned down in "The Amazing Spider-Man," it's a bigger lump-in-your-throat moment than when the same sequence occurred in the original. Plus, it's Sally Field! Want to convince your mom to see "Spider-Man" with the rest of the family? Tell her Sally Field is in it, and she'll be there. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
A toss-up, since both sets of veterans perform admirably as the moral compasses of the respective films. The slight edge goes to Martin Sheen and Sally Field in the new adaptation, though, simply because they make the audience more invested in their characters and their well-being. That may be the effect of the plot structure and directorial choices, but when Uncle Ben gets gunned down in "The Amazing Spider-Man," it's a bigger lump-in-your-throat moment than when the same sequence occurred in the original. Plus, it's Sally Field! Want to convince your mom to see "Spider-Man" with the rest of the family? Tell her Sally Field is in it, and she'll be there. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
4. Best Fight Sequence
This comes down to the final abandoned atrium battle between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin in the 2002 version, and the showdown between Spider-Man and The Lizard at Peter Parker's high school in "The Amazing Spider-Man." To be fair, Raimi's most fully realized action sequences came later in "Spider-Man 2" -- an unmasked Spider-Man stopping the speeding subway, or his bruising bridge battle with Dr. Octopus -- while the original contained more styish displays of Spider-Man getting used to his new powers in NewYork City. By comparison, "Amazing's" school sequence was bracing at times, and hilarious at others (hi, Stan Lee!). Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
This comes down to the final abandoned atrium battle between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin in the 2002 version, and the showdown between Spider-Man and The Lizard at Peter Parker's high school in "The Amazing Spider-Man." To be fair, Raimi's most fully realized action sequences came later in "Spider-Man 2" -- an unmasked Spider-Man stopping the speeding subway, or his bruising bridge battle with Dr. Octopus -- while the original contained more styish displays of Spider-Man getting used to his new powers in NewYork City. By comparison, "Amazing's" school sequence was bracing at times, and hilarious at others (hi, Stan Lee!). Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
5. Better First Kiss
"The Amazing Spider-Man" never had a chance in this category. Peter Parker's playful reveal of his powers to Gwen Stacy and subsequent smooch is some nifty film making, but the upside-down embrace in the rain between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in the original instantly achieved iconic status, and stands as one of the most memorable moments in the history of superhero cinema. Even if you hated "Spider-Man," it was hard to hate that kiss. Winner: "Spider-Man"
"The Amazing Spider-Man" never had a chance in this category. Peter Parker's playful reveal of his powers to Gwen Stacy and subsequent smooch is some nifty film making, but the upside-down embrace in the rain between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst in the original instantly achieved iconic status, and stands as one of the most memorable moments in the history of superhero cinema. Even if you hated "Spider-Man," it was hard to hate that kiss. Winner: "Spider-Man"
6. Better Use of Popular Music
Simple: "The Amazing Spider-Man" doesn't have a Chad Kroeger single as its theme song, so it wins. The new film version is more subtle in its use of popular music, but when former music video director Marc Webb puts a tune front and center, like Coldplay's "Kingdom Come" in the skateboard montage, the decision is unexpected and entertaining. The 2002 "Spider-Man" had some okay tunes -- we see you, Sum 41! -- but, natch, still has Chad Kroeger singing "Hero" over the end credits. Any Nickelback affiliation equates to an automatic L on this site. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
Simple: "The Amazing Spider-Man" doesn't have a Chad Kroeger single as its theme song, so it wins. The new film version is more subtle in its use of popular music, but when former music video director Marc Webb puts a tune front and center, like Coldplay's "Kingdom Come" in the skateboard montage, the decision is unexpected and entertaining. The 2002 "Spider-Man" had some okay tunes -- we see you, Sum 41! -- but, natch, still has Chad Kroeger singing "Hero" over the end credits. Any Nickelback affiliation equates to an automatic L on this site. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
7. Better "I Hate Spider-Man!" Character
In both "Spider-Man" movies, one male character leads the onscreen ideology that Spider-Man is a menace and a criminal not the heroic teen we know him to be. Really, this category is a matter of preference: do you opt for the cartoonish antics of "Daily Bugle" head J. Jonah Jameson, or the stern policeman's outlook of Gwen Stacy's father? Both characters are compelling pieces of their respective scripts, but Jameson is simply the more delicious side dish, and adds a little screwball comedy to an at-times dour script. Winner: "Spider-Man"
In both "Spider-Man" movies, one male character leads the onscreen ideology that Spider-Man is a menace and a criminal not the heroic teen we know him to be. Really, this category is a matter of preference: do you opt for the cartoonish antics of "Daily Bugle" head J. Jonah Jameson, or the stern policeman's outlook of Gwen Stacy's father? Both characters are compelling pieces of their respective scripts, but Jameson is simply the more delicious side dish, and adds a little screwball comedy to an at-times dour script. Winner: "Spider-Man"
8. Better Web-Slinging
In "Spider-Man," Tobey Maguire develops his web-shooting technique in a light comedy sequence that plays out as a not-too-sly metaphor for male puberty. "The Amazing Spider-Man" finds Andrew Garfield concocting a gadget for his wrist that allows him to shoot off webs at will, in a scene that is rushed and development that is slightly boring. Give us Tobey Maguire trying to use devil horns to unleash his Spidey sense any day. Winner: "Spider-Man"
In "Spider-Man," Tobey Maguire develops his web-shooting technique in a light comedy sequence that plays out as a not-too-sly metaphor for male puberty. "The Amazing Spider-Man" finds Andrew Garfield concocting a gadget for his wrist that allows him to shoot off webs at will, in a scene that is rushed and development that is slightly boring. Give us Tobey Maguire trying to use devil horns to unleash his Spidey sense any day. Winner: "Spider-Man"
9. Better Bully Take-Down
In both movies, Peter Parker is taunted by Eugene "Flash" Thompson, whose ass is eventually, suitably kicked by the hero in front of many onlookers. In "Spider-Man," Flash is given the boot by Parker in the cafeteria -- a nice, embarrassing takedown, but hardly revolutionary. In "The Amazing Spider-Man," however, Parker defeats Flash on the basketball court, by taunting him with the ball, barreling into him at full speed and dunking on him with a fury that breaks the backboard! If you're going to defeat a bully, do it the way that Shaq would. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
In both movies, Peter Parker is taunted by Eugene "Flash" Thompson, whose ass is eventually, suitably kicked by the hero in front of many onlookers. In "Spider-Man," Flash is given the boot by Parker in the cafeteria -- a nice, embarrassing takedown, but hardly revolutionary. In "The Amazing Spider-Man," however, Parker defeats Flash on the basketball court, by taunting him with the ball, barreling into him at full speed and dunking on him with a fury that breaks the backboard! If you're going to defeat a bully, do it the way that Shaq would. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
10. Better Macy Gray Cameo
Remember when Macy Gray headlining a huge concert in Times Square was totally expected, and not insane to witness in a superhero movie? Ah, 2002. In one of the more crushing disappointment of the 2012 "Spider-Man," Macy does not reprise her role as herself, leaving the audience to wonder what exactly she is doing outside of the Spidey universe. Winner: "Spider-Man"
Remember when Macy Gray headlining a huge concert in Times Square was totally expected, and not insane to witness in a superhero movie? Ah, 2002. In one of the more crushing disappointment of the 2012 "Spider-Man," Macy does not reprise her role as herself, leaving the audience to wonder what exactly she is doing outside of the Spidey universe. Winner: "Spider-Man"
11. Better Ending
"The Amazing Spider-Man" concludes with Gwen Stacy's father dead and Peter Parker swearing off his girlfriend to keep a promise -- but hinting that, hey, he's up to slip and break his oath sometime soon. Meanwhile, "Spider-Man" also finds Parker rejecting his girl in order to protect her; he tells Mary Jane that he can only offer friendship at the funeral of Harry Osborn's father (and oh yeah, Harry wants to kill Spider-Man now). The original "Spider-Man" tied up its loose end in a tidier fashion, containing the main emotional action in one static sequence and providing passionate monologues for both Dunst and Maguire. When Peter Parker turns away from MJ and glides toward the camera in slow-motion, the plot of "Spider-Man" has been wrapped up in a surprising, satisfying way, and one that's perfect for sequel set-up. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
"The Amazing Spider-Man" concludes with Gwen Stacy's father dead and Peter Parker swearing off his girlfriend to keep a promise -- but hinting that, hey, he's up to slip and break his oath sometime soon. Meanwhile, "Spider-Man" also finds Parker rejecting his girl in order to protect her; he tells Mary Jane that he can only offer friendship at the funeral of Harry Osborn's father (and oh yeah, Harry wants to kill Spider-Man now). The original "Spider-Man" tied up its loose end in a tidier fashion, containing the main emotional action in one static sequence and providing passionate monologues for both Dunst and Maguire. When Peter Parker turns away from MJ and glides toward the camera in slow-motion, the plot of "Spider-Man" has been wrapped up in a surprising, satisfying way, and one that's perfect for sequel set-up. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
12. Better Director (Sam Raimi vs. Marc Webb)
Webb deserves kudos for taking on a more difficult task than Raimi: he had to present his own unique vision of Spider-Man's beginning, 10 years after an acclaimed director's own big-budget spectacle hit theaters. For the most part, Webb bestows the character of Peter Parker with a nuanced universe steeped in reality -- the exchanges between Parker and Gwen Stacy, for instance, look and sound like actual high school students in 2012 -- and colors his perspective of a superhero-strewn New York City with flashy visuals that nod to his music video past (the blue flakes of chemical-snow falling in the final action sequence are breathtaking on their own). But in the end, Raimi delivered a more unique, deft touch behind the camera. The horror veteran made details of the original "Spider-Man" sing with an understanding of the Marvel series, and knew when to pull back and let a classic moment speak for itself (i.e., that upside-down kiss). If Raimi's vision hadn't worked so well critically and commercially, Webb might have never gotten a chance to create his own Spidey show. Winner: "Spider-Man"
Webb deserves kudos for taking on a more difficult task than Raimi: he had to present his own unique vision of Spider-Man's beginning, 10 years after an acclaimed director's own big-budget spectacle hit theaters. For the most part, Webb bestows the character of Peter Parker with a nuanced universe steeped in reality -- the exchanges between Parker and Gwen Stacy, for instance, look and sound like actual high school students in 2012 -- and colors his perspective of a superhero-strewn New York City with flashy visuals that nod to his music video past (the blue flakes of chemical-snow falling in the final action sequence are breathtaking on their own). But in the end, Raimi delivered a more unique, deft touch behind the camera. The horror veteran made details of the original "Spider-Man" sing with an understanding of the Marvel series, and knew when to pull back and let a classic moment speak for itself (i.e., that upside-down kiss). If Raimi's vision hadn't worked so well critically and commercially, Webb might have never gotten a chance to create his own Spidey show. Winner: "Spider-Man"
13. Better Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire vs. Andrew Garfield)
The score is tied, and it comes down to this: that hangdog sweetheart Tobey Maguire versus "Social Network" dynamo Andrew Garfield. The Peter Parker that you prefer will likely reveal which version of "Spider-Man" you can get more on-board with, and while Maguire served as an emblematic superhero with natural charisma, Garfield earns our top grade. In the role, Garfield makes Peter Parker strikingly human, from his stammering nerd-speak in Dr. Connors' laboratory to his fluttering affection for Gwen Stacy to his quiet, understandable resentment of his father's death. Garfield's Spidey is more wild and reckless than Maguire's, making wise-ass jokes as he takes down bad guys but staying mindful of the people he cares about. In other words, he's actually acting like a teenager! Maguire is a perfect superhero, but a little too perfect for Spider-Man, a character that's as conflicted about his place in society as the rest of us typically are. With a vulnerable take on a classic hero, Garfield stuck the landing. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
The score is tied, and it comes down to this: that hangdog sweetheart Tobey Maguire versus "Social Network" dynamo Andrew Garfield. The Peter Parker that you prefer will likely reveal which version of "Spider-Man" you can get more on-board with, and while Maguire served as an emblematic superhero with natural charisma, Garfield earns our top grade. In the role, Garfield makes Peter Parker strikingly human, from his stammering nerd-speak in Dr. Connors' laboratory to his fluttering affection for Gwen Stacy to his quiet, understandable resentment of his father's death. Garfield's Spidey is more wild and reckless than Maguire's, making wise-ass jokes as he takes down bad guys but staying mindful of the people he cares about. In other words, he's actually acting like a teenager! Maguire is a perfect superhero, but a little too perfect for Spider-Man, a character that's as conflicted about his place in society as the rest of us typically are. With a vulnerable take on a classic hero, Garfield stuck the landing. Winner: "The Amazing Spider-Man"
