New Escapist column! About Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” and what it means to be a good man …

I published a new one As part of Piece at The dropout this evening. Much has been reported about the new video game Spider-Man: Miles MoralesSo it seemed like a good opportunity to go back and see Sam Raimis Spider Man Trilogy.

In retrospect, one of the most noticeable things about Sam Raimis Spider Man Trilogy is how low the stakes are. Except for the climax of Spider-Man IIPeter Parker is never exposed to an apocalyptic threat. Even when Peter faces larger than life supervillains, Raimi is sure to anchor the films in more relatable stakes. Raimi’s trilogy is intrigued by the question of whether Parker Parker will become a good man. It understands this question as it applies to many young men. Peter’s dark side doesn’t build omnicidal robots or order killer drowning strikes, but rather offers a more mundane evil.

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