Over the past few months we've been on a bit of a comic book film binge. You've probably read our analyses of Superman and X-Men. With Spider-Man 3 just two weeks away, we thought it was time to work our way to our favorite arachnid hero, detailing some of the differences between the comics and the film. Today we focus on the first two chapters of the trilogy. Spider-Man set a high bar for comic book movies and was an excellent film in its own right. Retelling the wall-crawler's origin and pitting him against the dreaded Green Goblin, any sequel would have a difficult time measuring up. The film set numerous box office records and proved once and for all that comic book films could not only be faithfully adapted, but draw in massive audiences as well. Since that first wall-crawling film, comic book movies have been a constant presence at the cinema.
Spider-Man 2, though not besting its predecessor in box office receipts, was critically hailed as being an inspiring sequel, improving upon the original in just about every way imaginable. Again the bar had been moved higher. Outside of Batman Begins, no comic book films have really approached the Spider-Man franchise. The third film is seeking to continue that tradition. Join us as we look at our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man and his many friends and foes.
As always be sure to send us your feedback. Did the Spidey films live up to your expectations? Was there enough action? Did you approve of the instant Peter Parker and Mary Jane romance? What about the Green Goblin and his suit? Did you love Doc Ock the way we did? Before you ask, we'll be back tomorrow with our rundown of Spider-Man 3. We saw a screening last night - yes, Venom is very cool. Send us your opinions by clicking here.
"Doc Ock", played by Alfred Molina in Spider-Man 2, is a bit different from the comic books. He's a bit more suave and sympathetic for one thing. Visually the film brought Ock's tentacles to life in a way that comic books could only dream of. They actually appeared to be menacing devices instead of bendy straws. Comic book artists have since altered the tentacles and harnesses to be more like the practical, industrial look of the film. Each limb in the movie also has its own personality, and each will sometimes engage in activities separate from Octavius's orders, typically for self-defense.
The key changes to the character come from the sentience of the tentacles and his deep desire to help the world. By contrast, the comic book version, for the most part, was a meddling little nerd that constantly attempted to kill Spidey. Though generally inconsequential, Octavius is responsible for a classic Spidey scene in which our hero is stuck underneath heavy machinery and must escape to rush to his ailing Aunt May's bedside. One of his battles with the wall-crawler also resulted in Captain George Stacy's death. His passing turned the Spider-Man stories down a very dark path, and his daughter, Gwen, died only a couple years later. Ock is still considered one of the classic Spider-Man villains not only for his striking visual design, but also because he has been a great challenge for our hero. He was the first villain to defeat and unmask Spider-Man to the world, though no one at the time believed Peter Parker was the wed-headed vigilante.
Ock's involvement in Spider-Man 2 is limited by the continuing themes of responsibility and power. Side storylines, such as the one where Octavius is actually engaged to Aunt May, aren't even suggested. Ock is also controlled by the tentacles in Spider-Man 2, which is actually the reverse of the comics. In classic Spider-Man stories, Octavius repeatedly breaks out of prison by summoning his removed harness. The other major change to the character comes from his death at the end of the film. While his comic book counterpart is alive and part of the Thunderbolt Initiative, the film Octavius meets his watery grave when he saves New York City from a deadly device he invented. This sacrifice further demonstrates the good-natured streak that runs through this modern version of the character. Though the comic book original does show some compassion here and there, it's not very common.
In our opinion, Sam Raimi and his writing team delivered an iconic, compelling version of Spider-Man's classic foe. While different in many subtle ways, Ock was never dependent on critical character traits. We almost wish there was a way to retroactively add some of these elements to the original character. Where's Scarlet Witch when you need her?
As Peter Parker's best friend in high school and college, Harry Osborn plays a critical role throughout all three films; we'll only talk about the first two here. At his core, Harry is the same as he is in the comics, albeit a bit friendlier (at first). In the films it's established that Harry and Peter have grown up together. Peter, being the class nerd, is constantly picked on by bullies - and Harry is there to get him out of trouble. Matching his friend's generosity, Peter routinely helps Harry with his studies throughout their education. This entire relationship is unique to Sam Raimi's adaptations.
The first film rapidly transitions into familiar territory - college. This is actually where the two young men meet in the comics. Initially Harry dislikes Peter, thinking him to be arrogant or anti-social. The two begin to become friends after Peter shows immense sympathy towards Harry's hospitalized father (little did Harry know that Peter, as Spider-Man, was the one who injured his father in the first place). More complications arise when Harry and Peter begin to effectively compete for both Gwen and Mary Jane's affection and attention.
A romantic triangle emerges between Harry, Peter and Mary Jane in the first film. Peter is far too timid to ask the girl of his dreams on a date; Harry begins a relationship with her between their high school graduation and the first year of college. Harry's detachment from reality due to his wealth and his adulation of his father lead the couple to break up. Eventually Peter Parker and MJ grow close, driving a larger divide between Harry and Peter. This grows particularly important in the sequels.
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