20th Anniversary of the 2002 Spider-Man Movie!

 

With Spider-Man: No Way Home being an enormous box office success--the first really successful film opening in theaters since the start of the pandemic--and after seeing the film for the first time on DVD the past week, it helped me realized that today, May 3rd 2022, is the 20th anniversary of the release of the first live action Spider-Man movie!

Directed by Sam Raimi and starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and Willem Dafoe, the movie was a long time coming. The rights to a Spider-Man feature were first held by notorious 80s schlock studio Cannon Films, then held by James Cameron for much of the 90s. When Cameron lost the rights, Marvel went to Sony and the rest is history.

Spidey fans had waited what seemed like a lifetime for a big budget film treatment of the superhero icon, and with the success of the Batman films and a slew of other comic-book-based releases throughout the 90s, it's very surprising that it took so long for a big-name superhero like Spider-Man to get the treatment. When the film was finally released, it was a critical and commercial success.

As a lifelong Spider-Man fan--he's always been my favorite superhero--I was thrilled when he finally hit the big screen. I remember seeing it in the theater; my wife and I had just learned that she was pregnant with our first child, so she took me to see the movie in celebration. It's weird to think it's been twenty years!

Here is a teaser trailer that was released early in the summer of 2001, a full year before the film's release, with a scene made exclusively for the trailer. It was pulled from circulation later that year for...obvious reasons.

Here is a full trailer released later that was used just a few months before the film's release.

Here is a funny scene in which Peter exhibits his powers for the first time.

Here is a full half hour of behind the scenes footage and featurettes from the film's subsequent home video releases (considering the length of the video, you may want to bookmark this video for viewing later).

Finally, here is the music video for a song from the film's soundtrack. The song is called "Hero," performed by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback (yeah I know) featuring Josey Scott. It's a good song!

As a lover of Spider-Man, this movie, and pop culture anniversaries, I couldn't let this one slip by without acknowledgment. Please let me know your thoughts on the film in the comments; I'd love to hear them.

Thanks! Spider-Friends--go for it!

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, "Spidey Goes Hollywood"

Even more than a week after seeing it, I'm still high on the experience that was Spider-Man: Far From Home. I loved it!

In that spirit, I continue to feature previous showdowns between Spidey and Mysterio, just like I did in my last article. Don't say I don't know how to beat a dead horse!

Here, from the 1980s NBC series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, is season one, episode 9, "Spidey Goes Hollywood!" Guest starring the Incredible Hulk!

Enjoy!

Spider-Man 1967 Cartoon Series, "The Menace of Mysterio"

My celebration of Batman's 80th anniversary and the 1989 Batman movie's 30th anniversary has been a lot of fun, but I think it's time to take a break from Batman and focus on other things.

Like Spider-Man!

Spidey is in fact my all-time favorite superhero, and with his hotly anticipated new movie releasing tomorrow, it's only right I acknowledge him today.

To warm you up for Far From Home, please enjoy this episode of the 1967 Spider-Man animated series, "The Menace of Mysterio." Their battle on the movie sets is one of my favorite scenes in the entire series.

Enjoy, webheads!

Avengers: Infinity War Movie Review

Dude. It's a miracle. I actually saw Avengers: Infinity War IN a movie theater!

You don't understand what a milestone this is for me. As much as I love the gamut of superhero movies that have been released the last ten years, I'm usually too busy to see them until months or even a year after they're released. The last time I saw a superhero movie in a theater was the first Sam Raimi Spider-Man film back in 2002!

But this time, the stars were aligned, and I was able to see Infinity War in the theater. And this was the perfect movie with which to break my dry spell.

I loved every frame of it.

I loved everything about this movie. The story, the acting, the effects, even the editing, it was a perfect storm of Marvel movie mania! (Stan Lee would be proud of that alliteration!)

I'm not going to go into every aspect of the movie; instead, I'll simply list some points that I feel are worth mentioning. SPOILER WARNING! Don't read until you've seen the movie.

1. Thanos was excellent! I haven't read much of him at all in the comics, but Josh Brolin's interpretation of the character was easily the best Marvel movie villain we've seen so far.

2. I knew someone was going to die, but I didn't expect half the cast to do so! That was a very brave move on the studio's part. Nicely done! And no, the fact that most, if not all, of the dead characters will come back eventually in no way diminishes the emotional impact of the deaths.

3. Rocket to Thor: "You speak Groot?"
   Thor to Rocket: "I learned it in school. It was an elective." Ha!

4. Dude! Red Skull!

5. I was especially surprised to see Spidey vanish, as he is the most recognizable Marvel character ever, and they went through a lot of trouble bringing him into the cinematic universe.

6. Interesting that all of the original Avengers members remained alive. Hmm...

7. Also interesting that all of the Guardians of the Galaxy perished save Rocket. Also hmm...

8. As long as the movie is (2 hours and 40 minutes), at no time does the movie feel slow. There is no filler or boring parts at all. Every minute and every frame has value. I don't often think of the editing of a movie, but in this case, the editing is flawless.

9. The blending of all of the characters was seamless. All characterizations were true to their established personalities and continuity, no one acted unusually, everything meshed together perfectly. Amazing work all around!

There's probably more I can say, and perhaps I'll add it to this post as I think of more, but to summarize: this was one of the most satisfying movie experiences I've ever had, and I hope to keep the theater attendance streak going. Thank you Marvel!

And for those of you who are distraught at having lost so many heroes, remember...help is on the way!

If you consider yourself an early bird, pre-order the digital version via Amazon!

List O' Links for Friday, December 12th, 2014

It's weekend number 3 of the holiday season 2014. Take a break from your hectic shopping and partygoing with these links!

Spider-Man has faced a lot of challenges and setbacks in his career, but he's currently dealing with what may be his biggest challenge yet--everyday life in Cairo, Egypt. A young photographer is making a film of an actor in a Spider-Man costume to show the struggles citizens in the country are experiencing. A humorous yet sobering look at the country!

Remember last week's post about Pizza Hut's attempts at Christmas marketing? They should take a look at inroads chicken franchise KFC has made into ingratiating itself into Christmas celebrations--at least in Japan.

You guys! Digital comics retailer Comixology is offering 12 Days of Free Comics! It started yesterday, but you still have 11 more chances to get a free comic. Go there--now!

You may have heard of Krampus, the horned creature who used to follow around Santa and beat the crap out of bad kids. Well, there's more Christmas terror where that came from. Take a look!

The shopping mall probably sees more people tread its grounds at this time of year than any time of year by far. It can be a frustrating experience, but you know what would make it more fun? If we could go back in time and check out the mall back in 1989. Looking at these awesome photos is the next best thing! I love the 80s-ness!

Finally, 'tis the season for beer drinking! Here is one site's list of 15 of the best Christmas-themed beers you'll find this year.

Feliz Navidad!

List O' Links for Friday, November 14th, 2014

It's Friday, and I haven't posted anything since Sunday. Should I post a List O' Links? Why not?

Skeletor is really good at insulting people. Really good.

Someone has uploaded the entire 1967 Spider-Man cartoon series to YouTube--in one 7-hour block. Well, get to it!

The business world is frought with cutthroat competition and shrewd gameplay. For a small example, just look at the seedy world of--fruit flower arrangements. You'll never look at pineapples shaped as sunflowers the same way again.

Don't let it be said that this blog doesn't provide a public service. Here are 17 things we learned from cartoon public service announcements. Be the change to want to see in the world, people!

Finally, if you're a dude--scratch that, if you're a man--you may want a resource to help you be a better one (however you define that). An interesting and fun resource is The Art of Manliness, a long-running free online magazine that features articles, podcasts, and videos of ways in which men can improve themselves as fathers, husbands, and men in general. From grooming to dress to behavior, this site covers all the bases. Highly recommended!

Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Random Images of Awesomeness--Cosplay Edition!

Every once in awhile I like to post some of the cool images I come across during my travails along the Internet. Today, I feature a special category--cosplay, the hobby of dressing like your favorite fictional characters. I use to think of cosplay as quaint, if a little weird, but I've come to appreciate and respect it much more lately. Here's a look at some of the best I've seen!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you--Lil' Doctor Doom!

This is a fantastic cosplay of the Joker as he appeared in The Killing Joke. Very well done!

A great version of Spider-Man. I love the wide Todd McFarlane-style eyes and the prop of Peter Parker's camera.

"Mail this, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope!"

Here's a image I've featured before. Flame Princess from Adventure Time.

Also from Adventure Time, Marceline the Vampire Queen--with ax bass!

On Twitter and Facebook, I have profiles as the character Zombie Sophia, the young girl who was missing and found as a zombie on the TV series The Walking Dead. A fan sent me this great picture of her in character. I love it!

An amazing version of Starscream from the original Transformers cartoon!

Finally, with the release of the Evil Dead remake imminent, there's no better way to end this post than with this:

Thanks!

Random Images of Awesomeness Part II

I come across a lot of cool images in my Internet travels, so as I've done once before, here is an entire post showcasing them. I won't comment on most of them, except where some explanation may be in order. Enjoy!

 Cosplay of the character Flame Princess from Adventure Time.

Baby Princess Leia. Awwww.

Thanks!

List O' Links for Friday, March 1, 2013

Welcome to the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Spring is a mere three weeks away. Melt away the last vestiges of winter with these hot links! They're Lemongrab approved!

It's been exactly one year since we lost Davy Jones of the Monkees. Here, on the eve of northern New Jersey's Monkees Convention, Al Bibgy remembers the short-statured but big-hearted Monkee.

Also from Al Bigby, an article from a 2005 issue of Video Watchdog magazine reviews the DVD box set of the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon series.

Megan Fox has been cast as April O'Neil in Michael Bay's forthcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, a move that has several fans scratching their heads. Here are 8 other actresses who may be better suited for the role (I like the Emma Watson suggestion myself).

Here is some awesome fan art of Destro and the Baroness from the G.I. Joe franchise. Great work!

Finally, does it seem incompetence is taking over every aspect of our lives? It may very well be, at least judging by the goof-ups and gross mistakes showcased in the great Web site You Had One Job.

Have a great weekend!

Spider-Man Fan-Made Film from 1969

I was reluctant to post this at first, since this is appearing all over the Web lately, but then I figured, what the hell? Stuff like this is exactly what this blog is all about, so why not feature it?

Here is an 11-minute fan film of Spider-Man made way back in 1969. The maker of this film, Dan Glut, went on to become a TV writer for Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, as well as Transformers. I guess we can consider him a pioneer in fanboydom.

Enjoy, and have a great weekend! Keep cool!

Spider-Man: The Capture of Captain America

Happy Independence Day everyone! I hope you all get a chance to relax and enjoy the day with your families, and appreciate the freedom we experience, because there are many others on the planet who don't have that experience. I also hope the day mobilizes you to act on the values you hold dear to continue to make America a great country.

My way of doing that--blogging about Spider-Man. God bless America!

I wanted to continue to keep the patriotic theme going this week, but with a brand new movie featuring my favorite superhero opening yesterday (and his 50th anniversary coming up next month), I wanted to acknowledge that as well. I think I've found the perfect solution to kill two birds with one stone.

Today I present to you an episode of the 1981 syndicated Spider-Man cartoon. This forgotten series existed for a year before the debut of the much more popular series Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends that aired on NBC Saturday mornings in 1982. In fact, I didn't know it existed until a few years ago!

In this episode, it's up to Spidey to locate the kidnapped First Avenger himself, Captain America! See where the patriotic theme comes in? Cap's captor--the Red Skull, of course. Can Spidey take on the Nazi menace and save ol' Cap from certain doom?

Of course he can.

Enjoy!

List O' Links For Week of 3/26-4/1

As you can tell the last few months, I haven't been nearly as prolific a blogger as in the past. But that doesn't mean I'm not on the Web--quite the contrary. I'm always coming across cool and interesting stuff, so much so that I'd like to start a new feature at the blog that showcases some of the things I find. I hope to do this weekly, but we'll see how it works out. Here we go!

At comic book journalism site Comics Alliance, staff writer Chris Sims explains in fascinating detail why Spider-Man is the best comic book superhero ever.

At the espionage in pop culture blog Double O Section, author Tanner educates us on the surprising antagonism between two British pop culture icons--The Beatles and James Bond.

At ComicBooked.com, writer The Ronyn explains why Michael Bay isn't to blame for desecrating the Transformers--Hasbro is.

Pac-Man is still a video game icon, even after 30 years. But you know who doesn't get credit--the Ghost Monsters. D.S. Cohen at About.com remedies that here.

Finally, Tuesday's Forgotten Film/TV has been one of the most important features sustaining the blog the last year or so, but that's not the only way to experience overlooked art. You should also check out the Monthly Underappreciated Music at Todd Mason's blog and Friday's Forgotten Books at Patti Abbott's blog.

Have a great weekend!

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, "The Bride of Dracula"

It's become an unofficial tradition of my Halloween countdown to feature a spooky cartoon featuring my favorite superhero, Spider-Man, and this year I have a good one.  In this episode of the early 80s series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Spidey and Ice Man try to rescue Firestar from becoming "The Bride of Dracula."  This is an episode right up Chris Sims' alley.  Enjoy!

Spider-Man as Pitchman

"Spider-Man, Spider-Man, sells a product like no one can..." Those aren't the real words to the famous theme song to his 1960s cartoon series, but Spidey has been used to shill some products and services from time to time.

First up is an item I've posted before. This is a commercial for the old video game made by Parker Brothers for the first Atari home video game system (later renamed the Atari 2600). I love the look of this commercial, especially the awesome Green Goblin costume!



Here's two for McDonald's Happy Meal toys.




This Spidey fan gets to swing right along with Webhead--in his imagination.



In this famous commercial for Visa check cards, Spidey and his Marvel friends are ready to help, until it's revealed to be a false alarm. Guest starring a surprise hero!



In another financial services commercial, we learn that although great at web swinging, his golf swing is terrible!



Here, Spider-Man congratulates some 70s-era youngsters for wearing Sanger Harris clothing. There's nothing creepy about that, right?



Finally, to show that Spidey isn't all about the Benjamins, here he is in a PSA urging everyone to vote.



Excelsior!

Spider-Man, "The Trouble With Snow"

That's exactly what those on the east coast are dealing with today, so this installment of the original Spider-Man cartoon series is appropriate.  Just stay away from the giant snowman.  Otherwise, enjoy!

Spider-Man: Magic Malice

Today at the blog I continue a small Halloween tradition: a cartoon featuring Spider-Man battling his arch nemesis, the Green Goblin. Here, Spidey stops the Goblin from obtaining a magician's powers in "Magic Malice." Enjoy!




Guess what, folks: unless I get a small window of opportunity over the weekend, which isn't likely--this is it for me for this year's Countdown to Halloween. As always, I had a great time showcasing all this cool stuff, and I sincerely wish you'll stick around after Halloween. There's more great stuff the rest of the year and beyond. Thank you for visiting, please come back. Most importantly,

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Spider-Man Rockomic: From Beyond The Grave

After a week+ long absense, I return to the blog with a cool treat: the 1972 record album Spider-Man The Rockomic: From Beyond The Grave.  This was an LP-size record with an original Spider-Man story and song.  An extremely scratchy copy still exists in my collection I inherited from my older siblings (the accompanying comic was lost to the ages before I can remember), but thanks to a generous YouTube user, I'm able to present images along with the story.  Most comic book fans reading this are already familiar with this and may even have it, but for those for who this is brand new, enjoy!

Mego Superhero Doll Commercials

You know what I would've liked to have found underneath my Christmas tree this past Christmas? Some cool, good condition superhero dolls by Mego. Mego was a toy company, no longer in existense, that made some awesome superhero dolls in the 70s. Every member of Generation X I know had at least one, if not several; I had Spider-Man and the Hulk. They are highly sought after collectors' items today. Here are some commercials from back in the day displaying their awesomeness.







For everything you could possibly want to know about Mego, go to the Mego Museum here.

Thanks!

Spider-Man Really Likes Fruit

It's back to normal here at the blog, as we put the holiday-related posts behind us and go freeform for a few weeks.

Today, we learn that Spider-Man really likes fruit--a lot. At least according to these public service annoucnements from 1980. Thanks to Bill Doughty of the blog Trusty Plinko Stick for bringing these to my attention a few months ago.

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends: The Triumph of the Green Goblin

Today we go back to the early 80s (my favorite era) for a great episode of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. Peter Parker and his super-powered pals are at a Halloween party (actually, it's just a generic costume party, but let's pretend it's a Halloween party) where they run into Spidey's greatest villian, the Green Goblin (who also showed up in last year's Halloween celebration). Enjoy!