Spider-Man is an American superhero film based on the popular Marvel Comics character Spider-Man released in 2002.  It was directed by Sam Raimi and stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and Willem Dafor.  The film was actually a victim of "development hell" for 25 years, wherein the project did not push through past the pre-production stage. 

However, after multiple good reviews and smashing box-office success, Spider-Man becomes the highest grossing film of 2002 and the second most popular film based on a comic book.  The success of the film led to two sequels.

The film begins with Peter Parker, a high school student, being bitten by a genetically-altered spider that gained him new abilities.  After misusing his new-found "powers," which indirectly caused the death of his uncle, he decided to put his abilities to good use and becomes the heroic Spider-Man. 

Peter hopes to win the heart of Mary Jane Watson, the girl he has loved since he was a boy, and battles the villain named Green Goblin, who incidentally is the father of Peter's best friend, Harry Osborn.

Critical reaction to the film was mostly positive.  Film review site RottenTomatoes.com calculated a 90-percent overall approval based on over 200 reviews.  Film critics are all praises on the casting, mainly Maguire as Peter Parker, as one of the high points of the film.  However, some say that the Spider-Man superhero is "inherently unsuited for live-action translation," and that some scenes lack impressions of weight and tension.

The film earned $114,844,116 during its opening weekend and became the fastest theatrical release to reach the $100 million mark, crossing the milestone in just three days.  Spider-Man also had an all-time record for the highest earnings in a single day with $43,622,264 on May 4, 2002.  As of October 2008, it ranks eighth in the all-time American box office.  Meanwhile, the film also grossed $821,708,551 worldwide, and is ranked at #18 at the worldwide box office.

Spider-Man has also won several awards ranging from Teen Choice Awards to the Saturn Awards.  It was even nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound. 

Danny Elfman brought home the 2002 Saturn Award for Best Music, while Raimi, Maguire, and Dunst were all nominated for their respective positions.  It also took home the People's Choice Award for "Favorite Motion Picture."