That kiss scene may just the most iconic image of not just Spider-Man, but superheroes in film, full stop. That it sits alongside Heath Ledger sticking his head out of a police car or Iron Man landing in Afganistan is testament to the cultural significance of Sam Raimi's first Spider-Man. X-Men had set the precedent of modern superhero movies a couple of years before, but it was Raimi's movie that really set out just how the genre could work. The first summer blockbuster released following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Spider-Man marked the start of a shift in Hollywood action, with the visceral fantasy of the nineties (see the World Unity Fair) giving way to a grittier, less forgiving style (the final fight is particularly brutal). It was inevitable, but with the New York setting (and the city pride present in the final act) it feels incredibly impactful and almost cathartic. But it's not just as a pop culture artefact that Spider-Man is of worth. It's a genuinely good action movie that, bar some slightly cheesy moments betraying superheroes finding their feet in film, stands up today. Particular kudos goes to Tobey Maguire, who plays likeable geek literally before it was cool. There's certainly some decisions that still rile up purists (biological web-shooters and the Power Ranger-esque Green Goblin suit) but in terms of tone Spider-Man gets the character spot on. Raimi went back to the original sixties comics, ignoring much of the nonsense that's been introduced since, and thus delivered something that got to the essence of the character with little baggage. Whenever you hear "with great power comes great responsibility", it's coming from the mouth of Cliff Robertson.
