The Sincerity of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man

[@StoryStreet]

PATREON: www.patreon.com/storystreet INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/storystreets/ Engagement Question: I could ask you what your favorite Spider-Man movie is, but that seems a touch too obvious. So, instead, what's your favorite end credits song from the Raimi Trilogy: "Hero," "Vindicated," or "Signal Fire"? And as always, thanks for watching the video! I hope it meant something to you.

[@Sauerz]

Hero

[@jademcpeak6301]

Hero x1,000,000. That song was my life

[@rayc7777]

I listened to Vindicated on loop for like a month after watching spiderman 2 lol.

[@rudeboyspodcast]

I can't pick a favorite. I love Danny Elfman's scores so much.

[@RevCuck]

Hero

[@chomosuke0720]

Hour-long video essays on Sam Raimi's Spiderman is my favorite genre

[@gadget5231]

same, but with every MCU movie

[@mikeoxlong6351]

I thought I was the only one 🥲 They help me realize how much of a genius Sam Raimi actually is

[@blxck-mage_]

Hour long reviews of movies is my favorite kind of KZbin videos

[@rhino5250]

Wait where’s the other ones then? This is the only vidnlike this I’ve seen and i need a lot more so put me onto them please

[@maxwllcool]

@@rhino5250 Hi-top films

[@Lechuga1815]

Understanding the Raimi movies is understanding that the main villain is not the main conflict. The conflict is the lesson that needs to be learned in order to defeat the villain correctly.

[@NaveaDraws]

Preach.

[@npcimknot958]

and spidey alwys tries to talk to the bad guy.. and the bad guy actaully uslally is their own killer.. peete doesn't really kill them. it shows that they are still human.. i like that unlike how black and white other comic movies are.. spiderman tries to show.. it was good people that made mistakes.. or went down the wrong path.. but they can redeem themselves- like pete with uncle ben. its a story about redemption, saving yourself.. ' i will not become a monster'- doc oc

[@Lechuga1815]

@@npcimknot958 I'll believe it. I think Peter talking to them is constant across every movie because every villain is being influenced by an outside entity except for Sandman. I think Peter recognizes that and it's almost like his last plea for the person inside to fight the influence before it destroys them.

[@dandywaysofliving]

The 3rd film ends in a sad way you don't catch as a kid, maybe it's the 2nd one? . But when Peter gets with MJ and he flies off in the end of the film. You see MJ get sad cause she's left behind. . Never noticed it before

[@godzillazfriction]

​@@npcimknot958funny how you argue against 'black and white' - while still retaining a one-noted stance regarding a what determines a 'good' person, as well as (im assuming), abiding by the dilemma of 'Hero & Villain' and the other synonym/antonym/etymological terms of it...

[@gavinromero3698]

Here's what I learned from these 3 movies. 1. Spider-man: Responsibility 2. Spider-man 2: Choice 3. Spider-man 3: Forgiveness

[@godofdestructionFTW]

RIP Uncle Ben, and Harry

[@barastyr344]

You want forgiveness? Get religion

[@gavinromero3698]

@@barastyr344 "I'm gonna put some dirt in your eye."

[@galactic85]

Choice isn't a theme. It's something characters do in a story. Both the first and second movie are about responsibility. The first one is about accepting responsibility the second is about abandoning it.

[@ari3mj]

I would argue SM2's theme is sacrifice. Peter was constantly sacrificing his happiness because he couldn't balance his personal and work responsibilities. It ultimately led to him sacrificing his superhero duties so he could live an easier life, although he ended up realizing he could manage to do both.

[@spiderleenie]

"I missed the part where that's my problem" is one of the most brilliant moments in a superhero movie. In fact, it alters Spider-Man's origin to the point of improvement over the comics, in my opinion. I'll never forget seeing this movie for the first time in 2002: the audience applauded at Peter saying that, only to have them gasp in shock when Uncle Ben's killer was revealed minutes later. Peter was wronged, and he did something that most of us would have at least been tempted to do if we had been in his position. It really does showcase how Peter Parker is an incredibly and (at times) painfully HUMAN character, and also how incredibly HUMAN the Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies are. This video essay is 100% correct: We don't get stuff like this in comic book movies anymore, and it's a crying shame.

[@harukrentz435]

Yup raimi's spiderman was so grounded. I feel no connection whatsoever to garfield or hollands spiderman like i did with Tobey Maguires spiderman

[@rohithkumar8708]

​@@harukrentz435 that's because when you watched maguire movies.you were probably a child. 20 years down the line which version of Spider-Man do you think adults would like then. the one they grew up on .. holland. Christopher reeve was so iconic as superman heck he still is and he'sthe true embodiment of superman. but most people prefer cavill.

[@bentpen2805]

He truly is the human spider.

[@leargamma4912]

Very true. Fuck the mcu

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@rohithkumar8708 I saw all three first as an adult not a child. Tobey's Spider-Man by far. Tom's is too silly and childish. Literally cannot watch them again. Andrew's was just forgettable.

[@ObaREX]

That scene. Where Aunt May talks about "the hero in all of us"... I loved it as a kid. But as an adult, it makes me wanna cry. It always feels like exactly the words we all need to hear.

[@WaddleDee105]

It's THE scene I think of first when I hear "Spider-Man 2". Such an iconic moment.

[@guga_dias]

Seeing that scene as a kid really changed me. There's so much heart in Spider-Man 2.

[@cosmicdoggo9296]

There is a hero and a vilan in all of as it us you choice to pick a roud

[@alexman378]

This is the scene I go back to when I’m not doing very well. This month I had a string of successes after years of working on something that could very well fail, and I always had her words in my head. This is what’s missing from many superhero stories. Yes, have the cool moments, have the silliness, but take the concept seriously, give it a heart and a soul. It’s been 20 years, and this is still as inspirational and up to date as they get.

[@aldairreynoso2564]

As a kid you hear it and are all like "Fuck yeah I wanna be like spiderman" As an adult you hear it and say " Fuck, if I can be even a fraction of what peter is"

[@reddogg8100]

“Spider-Man isn’t a hero because of his powers, but because of the humanity of Peter Parker”-lovely, brilliant, and Stan Lee would be proud of You. Thank you

[@pootisengage6672]

Ditko. The creator of spiderman was Ditko. Not lee

[@godzillazfriction]

and i wonder to the original post... what is that 'Humanity' that makes it detrimental of a character such as Spider-Man or anyone in general?

[@dirt_dert_durt]

Goddamn if that "I have a father. His name was Ben Parker" line doesn't still bring a tear to my eye. Whoever wrote that should be proud

[@Terryterryterryterryterry]

Yes, and I like how he says "have", not "had". He uses past tense for "was" since he is no longer with us, but he still continues to be his father 😭

[@Devo57]

Richard Parker: 😐

[@piscis210]

Someone needs to tell that to MCU Spidey. He sees Tony Stark as his father figure. What a shame

[@masonedgley9537]

@@piscis210 He didn’t see uncle Ben as a father figure dude he just saw him as a uncle in the respects of the comics he was just so guy he didn’t even give him the great power speech he looked up to be like the avengers (Iron Man) and Johnny storm and the fantastic 4 and a little bit the X-men but not that much. Tom hollands trilogy was more sincere to Stan lee and Steve ditko Spider-Man

[@piscis210]

@@masonedgley9537 Tom Holland's Spiderman doesn't have to worry about money, doesn't have a problem with revealing his identity to strangers, doesn't have his day job as a photographer, doesn't have Spidey senses, doesn't have Uncle Ben, doesn't have Harry Osborn as his best friend, doesn't have Gwen Stacy as his first love, his role model is a billionaire playboy instead of his blue collar uncle, and you're telling me his triology is sincere to Stan Lee? Poor Stan Lee would be rolling in his grave if he heard that.

[@jaxafrass7777]

I honestly think the biggest problem with movies nowadays is that there’s no love in them anymore. Older movies (at least to me) felt like there was so much love and care poured into every corner of the production. So many humanizing little moments that help create the picture. But now movies feels hollow. Corporate. Uninspired. Empty.

[@fantasticbirdblue]

*Tell me you only watch live action blockbusters without telling me you only watch live action blockbusters

[@jaxafrass7777]

@@fantasticbirdblue quite the deduction there. You could just ask what movies I watch.

[@MH-fm8fd]

Underpaying and overworking moviemakers is how we lost that love

[@Mathnicheguy]

Facts.

[@bartekglinski2665]

IMO the new Batman is an example of pure artistic vision in making a modern superhero movie. I highly recommend it.

[@michaelkaduck1915]

"The power of the sun..." "In the palm of your hand." "...Peter?" "...Otto." "Oh, it's good to see you, dear boy." "It's good to see you." "You're all grown up....How are you?" "...Trying to do better."

[@logicerrormusic]

What that movie could've been instead of mostly a gimmick. What could've been.

[@kashtiranaxxheart]

Such a slap in the face.

[@anjetto1]

It's still the 2nd best mcu movie. The 2nd best thing the mcu and Disney has done in the last 20 years is a direct reference to another movie

[@ChronoJedi]

I would have loved to rather hear Otto say " Peter?....... Brilliant but lazy""

[@drybonesmunchakoopas5143]

Liked NWH I dont get how people can dislike it. I guess some folkjust want to hate on stuff. I for one am glad Tobey and andrew Spidermen returned

[@Crikiit]

"Am I not supposed to have what I want? What I need? What am I supposed to do?" Man, those words hit so much harder now that I'm older.

[@lukeamparo6586]

This is what I felt is missing in modern day media and in the MCU currently. Sincerity. So much of our shows feel like they constantly need to be tongue and cheek about everything. Never letting us marinate in the emotions our heroes go through. Always irreverent to a fault. All the heroes in the MCU feel like they want to be Tony Stark, the quipping narcissist with a heart of gold. Now it doesn’t feel special anymore. I look for honesty in the stories I loved once but they’ve progressed into something that inherently feels insincere. I wanna feel catharsis in the heroes I used to admire but I can’t if they spew jokes every 5 minutes. This is why I liked movies back in the day, because it felt sincere. Despite all the camp and the lack of polish and refinement it felt real. From the Raimi trilogy to the Mummy movie with Fraiser. From Shrek to Click these stories had their faults but they felt distinct and sincere in their own way. The early 2000s were rough but they felt more honest than nowadays.

[@gusc906]

This is the truest thing I have ever read on KZbin..

[@aldairreynoso2564]

Even If the bridge scene of the first movie is cheesy. It was a symbolism of people sticking together, 9/11 had just happened and people needed something to hold to and Sam put that In. Knowing that and the heart that went into all 3 is what makes it special

[@firesaint4569]

Oddly enough that’s why I felt like Avatar 2 was such a breath of fresh air. It felt like genuine passion from Cameron and at no point did it try to wink and nod at the audience.

[@JacobVonRoker]

@@firesaint4569 hmmm. i'll give av2 a chance for ya

[@firesaint4569]

@@JacobVonRoker the actual script isn’t the best but I had fun with the world building and characters and the fact it’s played straight, no winks at the audience

[@ThreeRoundBurstMusic]

Completely agree with "you can't have a scene without a quip" remark.

[@TyTimeIsAwesome]

Imagine if Spider Man was made with today this mindset? Oh wait, they did, and it sucked.

[@NoName-ym5zj]

I feel like those movies were very theatrical in an old school kind of way, "Sincerity" is exactly what i feel when watching them, i really wish we could have more of that these days instead of snarky self-aware remarks. What you said about a film being confident enough in itself to play out some of these scenes straight instead of making fun of itself is spot on. It's not cringe to be sincere.

[@ShatteredGlass916]

Hahaha true, most of these newer Superhero films seems to try so hard to be self-aware, too many deconstructions tryhard (yeah, just how many "Evil Superman" do we have again?), just pointing out their own stupid tropes and spams snarky sarcasm that's basically shooting their own foot because in the end they do need those same tropes they kept making fun of to survive

[@NoName-ym5zj]

@@ShatteredGlass916 i think the truth is that those people ( not all, but quite a lot of them) who are currently making these movies in reality look down on their own work, they are cynical and self-absorbed and stories about good vs evil are beneath them is what they think. But they cannot voice those feelings, cause they would loose their jobs, so they project all that internalized hatred in their work.

[@VerkatosEnsei]

I like that, "It's not cringe to be sincere" are very good words to live by

[@Duothimir]

​@@ShatteredGlass916 It's more novel when Superman *isn't* evil these days.

[@HB448]

Fr movies today get way to meta if we look at the mainstream overall

[@Retrophoria]

I never understand the complaint about mj being "dated". She acts exactly how most non superpower people would act in life threatening situations they have no control over. Do people want her to be confident for no reason? Or show no fear at all?

[@northproductions6104]

Anyway, three of the five times she’s in danger she actually tries to fight, but it’s just that those troubles are to powerful for someone who doesn’t have powers. Also remember when Eddie was about to kill Peter in Sp 3? If MJ didn’t drop that cement block on his head, things could have went badly

[@jamestolbert1856]

I know but you don’t always have to be the damsel in distress. Just look at the live action version of Scooby Doo’s Daphne

[@purerage7963]

Tbh I think the whole damsel in distress critique doesn't hold water. Being a relatively easy trope to lean on doesn't make it bad. Imo there are much less likeable things about MJ as it is. I sympathize with her troubled upbringing, but she does a bunch of mean-spirited things in the first 2 movies especially like kissing Spiderman while dating Harry, kissing Peter at Harry's dad's funeral, or running out on her wedding. It's a bit too much red flag behaviour and it would've been nice for her to have more character nuance like most Raimi characters rather than generally being the object of desire. That I believe is her fatal flaw and makes her come off as unlikeable/dated.

[@Retrophoria]

@@purerage7963 it’s clearly shown in the first movie that harry was treating Mary Jane poorly so I don’t see how it’s “mean spirited” that she would start to fall in love with Peter a guy who has been nothing but kind to her and uplifted her throughout the movie. And I also don’t see the mean spiritedness of kissing Peter at Norman’s funeral since she had just been through a traumatic experience that made her realize her true feeling for Peter she was also broken up with harry at this point. Running out of her wedding isn’t great but shit at least she had some agency in the story. She made her choice for better or worse and you have to respect the writers for giving her that. She wasn’t just waiting on the sidelines until Peter was ready to date her she made that choice for herself and of course that took a lot of courage.

[@holderrrrname]

Is that the lemur thing from that pre-wild krats show

[@ShepardOfficial]

I've seen alot of video essays. This is honestly one of the best I've ever watched. The understanding of what Raimi was trying to do. He literally took the message of the video "understanding" and held to that while making his breakdown. Instead of hating the 3rd movie like it's popular to hate Nickelback, he sat down and really watched it. Understanding how the higher ups made Sam include Venom and how despite that, he used it as a way to show the penalties of insincerity. What an artist Raimi was to somewhat make that work. And what an observer to make a video dissecting that very thing.

[@TheMamaluigi300]

To be fair, hating Spider-Man 3 in itself seemed to have went out of fashion recently.

[@mottom2657]

@@TheMamaluigi300 SM3 has got a lot of appreciation recently, a lot due to Bully Maguire memes. Also, with Andrew's Spidey redeeming himself in NWH, the ASM duology will be more loved in the coming days.

[@ZeroDividedByZero]

Why is it popular to hate Nickelback? Are they bad? I will admit I find "Photograph" goofy asf, but still.

[@Ceizure]

I grew up loving SM3 and nickelback both are bangers

[@procyon2424]

​@@ZeroDividedByZeroSomeone started it as a joke but it got really far out of hand and now everyone's lost the joke

[@ruthielalastor2209]

Why would you make me cry like this??? This is beautiful.

[@coffee6058]

MCU fanboys when every emotional moment isn't immediately ruined by some one liner or laugh track tier visual gag

[@masonedgley9537]

Raina fanboys when they copy from the cartoons and have no understand of what makes Spider-Man Spider-Man and where there isn’t no screaming women and damsels in distress

[@masonedgley9537]

@@PzedP1818 I don’t even like the mcu that much I just like Spider-Man

[@ShadowbannedAccount]

@@masonedgley9537 Who the hell is Raina?

[@aranighosh3945]

​​@@ShadowbannedAccount he is a former Indian national team cricketer.

[@aranighosh3945]

​​@@masonedgley9537 Mary Jane is much more than a damsel in distress(particularly in the first movie). If you don't want to make an effort and understand the movies and the complex characters, its your problem. Also what do you mean by "Raimi fans" ? I am a Spider-man first and foremost and I believe Raimi made the best live action Spidey movies (upholding the spirit and values of the original Ditko Lee Comics) by far i.e Spider Man 1 and 2. The only movies that perhaps surpass his work are the animated Spider-Verse movies. Judging a Spider-Man movie solely by shallow criterias like - i) Spidey's quip machine rotor mouth ability to tell jokes ii) Young actor playing Spidey Is Nonsensical. Ps: I have just watched Raimi's Spider Man trilogy + MoM.. Nothing else. So you can see I am not a blind Raimi fanboy. I love these movies based on their own merit.

[@renatafnedab3003]

“This 26 year old high schooler.” 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💯💯

[@xenon6947]

Still better than Iron Boy Jr.

[@cronos4024]

I did not expect that this video would guide me and get me to start telling a story I wanted to tell for a very long time. To actually start that journey and put it to paper, no matter its quality. It was, strangely enough, just the right thing I had to hear to end the stagnation, the doubt, the fear of inferiority to simply take a first step towards my biggest dream. I did not expect this video of all things to be what brings me to this point, yet here I am and I just want to say: Thank you

[@StoryStreet]

Good luck on telling that story!

[@donutholebandit]

I can't wait to read it!

[@tonnentonie2767]

@@donutholebandit he making meinkampf2

[@donutholebandit]

@@tonnentonie2767 funny joke.

[@rottensquid]

I've watched this whole video, but I think the opening point you make about its unfiltered sincerity is particularly interesting. I don't think people bury their films in quips, sarcasm, and even bathos, because they're afraid to be sincere, I think it's because sincerity like this is genuinely hard to do. You unpacked that interaction in the opening of the essay beautifully, but just look at how much story it clearly contained, and how little is actually stated in the dialog. From that interaction, we can see Mary Jane's yearning to be seen as worth something, how it drives her to be the trophy girlfriend of a bully, and how she knows, on some level, that Flash Thompson doesn't really see her. And that Peter does. He sees her the way she yearns to see herself, but can't. And she recognizes that. And she sees there's more to him than he gives himself credit for. That's all very sincere stuff. But it's not simple. It's quite rich and complex, and none of it is spelled out. I think the films get away with letting their romances and human drama have such a sappy tone because they earn the right. Beneath the schmaltz is genuine substance, that stands up to scrutiny. If you're only looking at style, you will only see the schmaltz. But there's a reason that style exists. Sometimes, it's the best way to express the story. It's easy to assume that all schmaltz is bad because its been used so often to cover up empty, shallow romance stories. But now, it's quips, sarcasm and bathos jokes that cover up bad storytelling. But here's the thing. You go back and watch RDJ quip his way though The Avengers, and it's all solid character work, supporting good storytelling. James Gunn's moments of Bathos in GoTG serve to emphasize his characters and the way they cover up their pain. All these storytelling tones are useful to the right story. It's only when the writers use them in place of story that they become cliches. A veteran film director like Sam Raimi knows to use the right tone for the right story. Sometimes, you need naked, desperately earnest sincerity, because you're doing a love story and you damn well mean it.

[@manny12000]

Finally another Spider-Man video

[@paterpater100]

This is what we've all been waiting for

[@jgarcia4617]

You too?

[@MiguelGonzalez-sl5hw]

Thank HiTop films for that lol

[@PervySage723]

The "sincerity" in these movies is why its my favorite trilogy

[@Redwood1860]

The third movie does not deserve the hate it receives. I agree that through the messiness of the plot, it shares the same beats and heart of the first two films. Great video.

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

The entire theatre was laughing AT it when we saw it, the emo montage etc.. I've never been in an audience that laughed AT a movie before or since It improved *significantly* with age

[@drybonesmunchakoopas5143]

@@unbearifiedbear1885 I dont think it "Improved" people just started seeing it was a good film, its not like the film changed or something people just realized what it was a began to appreciate it for what it did instead of exaggerating its flaws like they used to. Its funny cause I loved, loved, LOVED spiderman 3 even when evryone was bashing on it, now all the sudden people start to like it too which made me happy. Its the same thing that happened with the star wars prequels people used to hate them(Even though IMO their good movies) and years later people began to love and apricate them too realizing they were good films after all.

[@godzillazfriction]

​@@drybonesmunchakoopas5143 same thing with the rebooted DmC game which wouldn'tve gotten backlased when it would've finally released with the 2010 tgs trailer where the characterisation of dante and the story where different and now ppl are looking back on that trailer and see the potential that it had in just 1 minute that a long time ago DMC fans were having none of it and acted childish which also Ninja Theory or the head of NT also responded childishly even though they were changing the reboot as much as possible to be more inclined towards the original instead of their 2010 TGS version

[@VladDascaliuc]

@@drybonesmunchakoopas5143 Spider Man 3 isn't a good movie by any means, but it's enjoyable. The Prequels aren't good movies either (Except maybe the 3rd one), but they do try to add meaningful stuff to their universe. I do not know who you mean by "people".

[@drybonesmunchakoopas5143]

@@VladDascaliuc Well good is subjective and I disagree on both instances. What I mean by "people:" is that there are now a lot more individuals vocal about how they like these movies and several who changed their mind on them

[@lemmihilldrix1450]

“Spider-Man isn’t a hero because of his powers, Spider-Man is a hero because of the humanity of Peter Parker…” THIS… this is why Spider-Man is my all time favorite hero and why he’s the most relatable hero in all of Marvel and DC; it’s because he isn’t perfect and experiences the every day struggle of normal human beings. He’s broke, has relationship issues, has problems being a hero because it clashes with his real identity, etc. He’s not a god-like being from another planet, or a playboy billionaire who has everything. He is a kid from Queens who suffers arguably more than any other hero but despite everything falling apart in his personal life, he continues to do what’s right. That is the essence of Spider-Man and that’s what makes him a true hero

[@galactic85]

The "silliest" or "cheesiest" parts of these movies are always the moments where people in colorful costumes are fighting each other. And I don't mind that because superheroes are kind of silly. I love them but they are kind of silly and there is nothing wrong with that. But the moments outside the costume? The moments where the characters just talk? Raimi treats those moments with care and sensitivity. The scene in the second movie where Peter tells his aunt that he is responsibile for uncle Ben's death on its own feels like it could be cut straight out from a drama film. Raimi takes the character moments seriously. That's why these movies work.

[@Duothimir]

I mean, the costumes serve practical purposes. They were originally based on actual athletic wear, which is flexible, durable, and breathable to keep the wearer cool during strenuous physical activity. The bright colors, too, were based on a psychological effect to appear more friendly and approachable, not to mention making them easier to spot if they get injured in a disaster zone, much like real life emergency response personnel. Not that anyone ever actually thinks about these things.

[@lexinicole4317]

@@Duothimir None of that changes that it’s a little goofy looking

[@johnrockyryan]

​@@lexinicole4317 so the train Fight is goofy

[@limaalphacharlie]

Rosemary Harris as Aunt May is THE aunt May. My mom took me to see the first film three times. I loved the scene where he banters back and forth with uncle Ben. Don’t start without me! And don’t start up with me. Gold. That scene when Aunt May says he’d be proud of him for graduating high school, even as a kid I felt the emptiness of a goal achieved, and not having the people that saw you start that goal, see it through. Gold.

[@markgundle4150]

I really love this analysis. It even carries over into the MCU in a way; Peter 1 is at his lowest and fully prepared to give up on the goal of curing and potentially redeeming the villains in his care. It's Peter 2 reaching out and with Raimi-grade vulnerability and sincerity that gets Peter 3 to open up as well, and ultimately gets Peter 1 to slow down and remember the key lesson about being Spider-Man; a lesson about power and responsibility. You cracked this character and series in a way I don't think anybody else has.

[@GabesEdtiz]

If you don’t mind me asking, what did you think of Goblin’s character in NWH? Do you think they simplified him too much?

[@markgundle4150]

​@@GabesEdtiz To be completely honest, I didn't notice it that much. With so many characters and having to operate under the assumption that at least one person is walking into the theatre with zero knowledge of who / what came before, it makes sense that you'd have to pare down a character to their barest elements to make room. That said, every time someone says "power of the sun in the palm of my hand", take a shot.

[@misterbobby8913]

Oh my gosh. Dude. I love you. 1:06 into this video and I am so satisfied with what you said. 100 percent what I've been saying and feeling for almost a decade now, in regards to the mcu. So sick of it's unnecessary quips. Been sick of it for almost a decade now. And the way you articulated it was Truly amazing. I'm not a comic book fan per say. I'm a Cinema enthusiast. And this Raimi trilogy , is True Cinema in every each way.

[@josephk6214]

I'm glad it's not just me. It's insane how acts of sincerity and genuine connection get played for laughs in a lot of blockbuster films (MCU in particular) or are perceived as sappy/corny more often than not. I'm not entirely guilt free of the latter, but that mostly falls into my judgement of execution of a movie's sincerity as well as my own levels of cynicism with modern filmmaking lol. Avatar 2 was such a needed jolt of fresh air for me along with Top Gun and some other surprises as someone who enjoys watching fantastical (or not) characters just trying to deal with relatable drama. But I'm getting upset with all this Spidey news about Tobey Maguire being ready to do Spider-Man 4 after all the years I spent reconciling with the fact we weren't ever gonna get it. Time and hope are cruel lol

[@slyvesterakaspookmcskull6113]

You might want to chek out Puss In Boots 2, unironically one of the absolute best animated movies i have ever seen.

[@josephk6214]

@@slyvesterakaspookmcskull6113 Puss in Boots was one of my surprises for sure! So good, it creeped into my 2022 top ten lol. Last thing I expected to do around noon that day I went to see it was get watery eyed for a Puss in Boots sequel lol

[@wordsdistorted]

This is one of the better video essays I've seen on Sam Raimi's Spider-Man. Thanks for putting it together and out there. The market currently is very obviously over-saturated with super-hero stuff, but I do miss these simpler times when it was less about keeping a brand relevant and more about trying to tell a good story that just happened to have super-heroes.

[@Zombiesnyder13]

They gave AVI ARAD a big thank you in the credits of NWH But do you know who else deserves a big thank you? LAURA ZISKIN It was because of her and her partner (the screenwriter Alvin Sargent) that the original trilogy had so much depth Arad on the other hand just wanted to use the movies to sell toys

[@sumittirodekar1161]

Yeah Bro I watched Spiderman 2002 making She looked like a Passionate Hardworking for The project ( Sometimes she looks like she's the original Director of Spiderman than Sam Raimi ) R.I.P to her But Movie Industries need these types of peoples more specially at Modern Day Cinema

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

It was because of Avi Arad that we missed out on so many really cool potential crossovers. That man is the real villain of the Raimi trilogy.

[@PacmanLickThisGuysAs]

fuk avi arad, all my homies hate avi arad

[@hrr597]

Of course (((He))) had to sell toys

[@zenocrate4040]

"Arad on the other hand just wanted to use the movies to sell toys." That certainly explains why the makers of the steadily deteriorating films that followed this wonderful set of human dramas wanted to thank him. It is evident that the people behind subsequent 'Spider-Man' movies know more about plastic figurines than authentic, humane relationships.

[@cheezemonkeyeater]

The scene with Peter telling Aunt May the truth is such a wonderful scene. It hits so hard and it shows that Sam Raimi understands something that a lot of film-makers just don't: the power of emotional contrast. Humans are creatures of contrast. We understand the world through conflicting ideas. We understand wet, because we've been dry. We understand hot, because we've been cold. And we know joy because we've felt despair. This scene show Peter doing the right thing for the first time in the movie and he's met with his aunt being so shocked by the revelation that she can't process it and has to leave the room - but Peter can only see it as her rejecting him because he only has his personal perspective to interpret the world. And the movie lets us feel that. For several scenes, we go on thinking that Peter might never see Aunt May again, only for her to eventually invite him over on the grounds that she needs help moving, but in truth she does it so she can thank him for the truth. The truth was what she needed to hear and even though it hurt at first and she couldn't deal with it in the moment, long-term it was better for her to know. She can appreciate the fear Peter felt in taking that risk and she loves him all the more for it. And it ONLY works because Sam Raimi was smart enough to know he had to make us feel bad in order to make us feel really good. That's why I hold Spider-Man 2 as the best superhero movie. Marvel films - at least pre-phase 4 - might have been more technically competent at times. They might not have had flaws that were as easy to put your finger on, but at the end of the day, the MCU has always been afraid to let the audience feel really bad, and so the movies never make us feel really good. In seeking to not make us have to deal with uncomfortable emotions, it denies us genuine emotional catharsis. There can be no triumph without the possibility of failure, because humans are creatures of contrast and understand things only by their opposite.

[@clown-cult96]

Spider-Man 2 is my favourite of all the Marvel movies so far and I’m not ashamed to say that, even with your entire video being absolutely amazing, your discussion of that particular movie brought me to tears.

[@seriousproductions1224]

It's the perfect comic book movie.

[@Fullmetalnyuu0]

Same, it got to me

[@jamichealruiz]

Same aswell movie is 🔥 and my childhood

[@AlexYBITW]

Why would one be ashamed of saying " Spider-Man 2 is my favorite Marvel movie " ? It's literally the greatest superhero movie ever made.

[@adityanarain9428]

Spiderman 2 is one of the greatest movies of all time.

[@Vman_95]

When I was little I used to skip to the action scenes, but the more I grow and watched it again, I realised these moments in between matter most🔥

[@nicholasloduca6668]

Something you touched on here also reminded me of a reason I always liked the Garfield Spider-Man; they weren't afraid have scenes with nothing more than two people talking. Mark Webb understood the importance of Peter's personal connections and the strength of Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's chemistry and was unafraid to put that front and center in many scenes

[@israelp348]

Finally! I enjoy TAS1 quite a bit despite it's issues, there were some absolutely fantastic scenes that were emotionally resonant.

[@VicksV20]

Dude you brought tears of joy on my face and a new way to look at the Rami’s Spider-Man movies. Thank you , from the bottom of my heart for this video , there are no words that can describe how good it is. You not only showed what those movies are about , but what life is about. ❤️

[@JusticeKorsgaard]

This is an absolutely beautiful video that touched me emotionally and perfectly illustrated why this trilogy is to me and so many others is one of the best in cinematic history. Bravo!

[@JugaJuga14]

This nearly made me cry… 15 times? How dare you. In all seriousness, this was a great essay and renewed my love for not only Spider-Man but story telling in general. Thank you x

[@andy_hay23]

I’ve seen countless of these, most of these types of videos focused on a technical aspect on how Raimi did this or that. This video captures the heart of these films better than any other! For some reason your War for the Planet of the Apes, Avatar Last Airbender and now this are borderline therapeutic videos to me! Thank you for pouring your heart out like you do

[@jamestolbert1856]

I love the Green Goblin! He’s not just Norman’s frustration and violence externalized but also him trying to validate his actions and deserves the praise he/Norman deserves. He also challenges Peter’s worldview of great power to come with great responsibility

[@yash_kapoor]

After seeing someone say Raimi was pretentious I’m glad I can use this video to wash my eyeballs. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Breadloaf-kr4gi]

I saw that tweet too lmao

[@daniel5730]

How the fuck is this even possible, the trilogy is very simple (in the best sense, of course).

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

Lmao fr? Shallow people use that word way too much, being pretentious is what people do when they have nothing to say, not when they say things you dont care about or fail to understand

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

@@daniel5730 exactly, it's so simple literally this was my mums idea of a "kids film" 💀

[@johnrockyryan]

They say that cause there use to the MCUs mindless action scenes, Sam Raimis Spiderman trilogy has actually love and thought put into it just like what the title of this video says its not pretentious its sincere

[@tumisekhame9621]

I have no words, just thank you for this masterpiece of a video.

[@21700r]

I still think this is the peak of live-action Spiderman to date, I love a lot of what came after, but nothing else has reached the heights & emotional beauty of this trilogy. The Train Scene in 2 is one of the greatest moments in the history of superheroes on screen

[@Grayfoxhound]

Many tears throughout this, beautiful analysis, what a gift you gave about these amazing films

[@EnkiDootDoot]

You know, I’m something of a Spider-Man appreciator myself. Really though, this is such a fantastic analysis with an equally profound message. Thanks for making this dude.

[@kxjab]

That bit about how Peter and Aunt May's bond grew stronger because of Peter's sincerity, actually legitimately helped me open up to my parents and patch up a ton of old wounds. Amazing content man, your writing and analysis is on point. You deserve way more recognition man. I'm usually not even a video essay guy either, but for real this is top tier writing. Okay I'm done glazing as the kids say. 😂

[@oceantorrents]

I think you make the best essays on film on KZbin man.

[@Weezing336]

The villains also fit into the 70's. or the 80's. or the 90's.. not just the 60's. Because villains used to be fun. Superheroes used to be in a heightened reality and be proud of it. Watch the 90's animated Spider-Man series. The Raimi movies mirror any 90's take on Spidey as well. I miss when characters acted like real people, as they do in Raimi's movies. Real conversation or feel like an actual person. There was drama and emotional stakes.

[@brianfarnsley8631]

Wow. I cried a lot during this. I felt a lot of sincerity and thought in this. Well done

[@Devil-Made]

As someone who hopes to be a writer someday, I gotta say your videos are immensely valuable to me. There are a lot of channels devoted to the art of cinema, many more devoted to explaining the plots in movies and tv, but yours is the only one I know of so lovingly devoted to the art of storytelling. I think of your videos as something I might’ve been shown on the last day of a creative writing course before the end of the semester. An effort on the part of the professor to show their students that the class may be over, but you’ll be learning the craft for the rest of your life and here’s a sample of the kind of valuable information available to you if you know where to look… I learn a lot from your videos, and I hope you keep it up for a very long time.

[@ayyykassie]

this made me cry. i grew up with this trilogy, and it has always been special to me. i remember watching this with my brother.

[@joeyblaze2509]

I always knew the Raimi movies were grounded in human emotions, but this essay is freaking phenomenal

[@smellslikeupdog9271]

This video is a lot more emotional than I thought it was going to be. I love this!!

[@Juacamoleconnachos]

I didn’t expect a video essay about spiderman to make me cry, but here I am

[@thegermanempire9015]

One of the best videos I've ever watched. Simply fantastic.

[@jinxedangel2]

Already watched on Patreon but watching again for that YT algorithm. This video brought back my love for this trilogy, it wasn't perfect and some of the acting/ graphics don't hold up today but there IS a humanity that I feel is heavily missing from superhero movies these days that this trilogy had. Also, that subway scene is my FAVORITE of the whole trilogy, it always makes me tear up because that community feeling is so beautiful. The Miles Morales game has a similar scene and boooooooy did I CRY

[@sebastiengendron6427]

so true, I remember when the first iron man movie came out, Tony's construction of his first suit from a box of scraps while he was trapped in cave, was visually stunning. the movie stands on its own long before it connected to the MCU franchise. what made Tony so likeable in the first movie was that he was just a (rich) guy with quick thinking when resources were limited, but he managed to whip up an armour that would function just long enough for him to escape that cave, compare that to the CG armour in the MCU and the fact that he figured out TIME TRAVEL.

[@jinxedangel2]

@Sebastien Gendron yes! A classic 🤘 even the Blade movies having no connection to the MCU (yet), yes I know some people won't consider those superhero movies, had some awesome moments visually and emotionally. Maybe it's because we've seen most of these stories before? And I've seen more interesting to watch stories in the animated DC cinematic universe.

[@QuidamByMoonlight]

This is one of the absolute best video essays I’ve ever seen on KZbin, right along with Like Stories Of Old and the like. Your retelling of Sam Raimi’s seminal work is as captivating as the original movies, and gives me a new appreciation for this art, and yours. Thank you for your sincere and authentic contribution!

[@joshuahatch6221]

It's not often I comment on videos but it's worth saying how deeply this one touched me. As someone who is so often terrified and who has even been discouraged from being himself. It is truly incredible to hear these messages. Of accepting one's truth, sharing that truth, and reciving and embracing truths of others. These are hard things for me to do, and it finally makes sense why these films still resonate so deeply with so many people myself included. It's easy to mock sincerity and to shame it. Funnily enough living these films in and of itself is a struggle against that sincerity at times. But I want you to know that what you highlighted in these films is important and means something. The art you've made has made connection and beyond that has inspired. So thank you for making this art and highlighting an aspect of these movies that goes unappreciated.

[@ThisChannelIsNoLongerActive777]

This has to be one of the best videos i have ever watched. I know someone in my life who desperately needs to see this. Thank you StoryStreet.

[@psychedelicbreakfast9578]

This video was amazing from start to finish. The one trilogy that reached and touched my heart the most since I was a little kid... And you gave me so many new, exhilarating perspectives on it that I couldn't have imagined that I could love this trilogy more. I was so moved, so provoked into thinking a little deeper into this story and its fascinating, fleshed-out characters. I couldn't tell how one hour went by and I am sitting here at the end of the video with tears in my eyes. I love this trilogy so much, it teached me when I was a kid all the things I care for now, and I can still learn something new from it, with a new perspective. I am 25 years old now, still in the same struggle that Peter had; trying to figure out what I am supposed to do and choose to do the right thing. And still, whenever I see these movies; it inspires me in all the ways known and unknown to me. I love it, and I love you for doing this incredible work on this one of a kind piece of art, all about what it's like to be human. Thank you, Sam Raimi. Thank you, StoryStreet.

[@salmence100]

What an incredible video man. Your use of music makes me FEEL what you're saying, love it.

[@eenayeah]

I don't think I've ever cried during a video essay before. I can't believe it. I'm subscribing.

[@rendirahman5609]

made me cry. Thank you.

[@DavidMartinez-ce3lp]

There was a certain innocence and depth these movies had that superhero movies lack today.

[@anchorageant7545]

I had 3 mini cry’s during this video, this felt like a switch went off in my head after hearing this. Thank you, you deserve much more, BRILLIANT!

[@alivin3]

ive watched a lot of raimi spider-man video essays. I get super fixated on long videos a lot so I hear a lot of the same talking points and whatnot. This is one of the best raimi videos. I feel like you actually explain things in the movie instead of just saying what happens.

[@Iamtherealspidey]

So many real NEEDED messages in this trilogy, & in this video. 🙏🏼

[@peterjackhaynes8045]

I've never teared up at a video essay before but this one managed to change that

[@maxpokhiton8242]

Man, your videos... This is incredible, made me cry for 5 minutes straight, want to become a better person, then - a villain. This is a full blown movie. Amazing. Amazing!

[@LibertyScholar]

2:59 "This 26 year old high-schooler" ha!

[@jinxedangel2]

I literally screamed because that was so random but so accurate 🤣🤣🤣 no wonder Peter never felt like he could relate to his peers lol

[@Frogman1212]

Bugle Headline: Man deliberately enrolls in high school several times despite never completing assignments. Connected in the disappearence of multiple underage girls.

[@MaryumGardner]

Thay is Dawson Casting for you

[@prosper624]

No exaggation. This is one of the greatest creative works I’ve ever seen. Thank you for making this, man 🙏

[@woollypar353]

I feel like I've unconsciously picked up on the sincerity of these movies. I love these things to death, out of nostalgia and just because I've gotten so much watching them again as a young adult. They mean so much to me and some of that sincerity has bled into my own art. Whenever I draw or write I do my best to put my entire self into it, partly because I want to make something good, but also because I want to be heard the way I'm able to hear other artists who tell their stories. Thankfully I think the sincerity of my work found an audience that appreciates it, even if that audience is small Also Hero is my favorite credits song for the movies, it's great and the Snapcube fandub of the PS4 game used a parody cover of it for their credits (another flawed but great Spider-Man movie)

[@MaryumGardner]

Hero by Chad Kroger 😎 and I on the same boat too. This film came out when I was 2-3 yeara old

[@platanoluver]

nothing warms my heart like a video essay that gives love to these movies. they'll always be perfect. thank you for giving me another perspective of SM3. lovely job

[@Site_42]

New Story Street video; my writer sense is tingling. Also, Vindicated is number one no question.

[@MyOrangeString]

I really needed that. Thank you.

[@RarelyEvenn]

You never cease to amaze bro. You are otherworldly talented at this. Finding away to be captivating, poignant, and entertaining all at once is simply amazing. Keep doing your thing bro!

[@Esyajj]

this essay genuinely made me cry because it hits so close to home. I've messed up so many things constantly over the last couple/few years because I've spent so long trying to find many truths in myself and in this world and because I put myself on some false pedestal and gave myself some false sense of "knowing" who i was and i became so selfish, bitter, arrogant and just simply rude to everyone i genuinely cared about and hurt them and destroyed all my friendships and relationships when all i ever truly wanted was to do right by them and support them wholeheartedly.

[@l0l1ta]

i always think about how mj was in a play literally called the importance of being earnest and how peter could never show up to see it. the perfect allegory

[@cannonsword1]

the script and music is tear jerking

[@rickblaine9670]

One of my favorite KZbinrs covering my favorite movie EVER (Spider-Man 2) and the related trilogy? This is something else!

[@chiaginyu8120]

as a kid, who had a rough family and school life, this movie was what gave me joy, i would watch this movie over and over again as it was my only source of entertainment at the time

[@aghilton8531]

Spectacular break down. Every time I forget how much I enjoy the Rami movies, someone like yourself comes along to share their perspective and I’m reminded of how awesome the story telling is in these films

[@tsyku.]

This is by far the most incredible video essay that I have ever seen. Everything has been broken down perfectly and explained in such a beautiful way. This is the only video essay to have ever enticed such an emotional response for me. The messages of each movie mean a whole lot and you can really see the beauty in the simplicity of each individual idea. I have always had a deep love for these movies my whole life, but after sitting down and watching this video, I feel a deeper connection to the truer depth of the story and for that I thank you.

[@mk_wizard]

In some ways... the third movie's flaws helped drive its message and made the art of it complete.

[@davemac9563]

Spider-Man 3 is an interesting film to me. I love it so much, but what I find fascinating about it is the movie has this meta feel to it of what Raimi was struggling with. Lot of movies are straight up ruined by studio execs, and it feels like the directors give up. But Spider-Man 3 feels like it’s putting up a fight. Like Rocky. The world might have dealt a killing blow to Spider-Man 3 at the time, but now, it stands the test of time. And judging by the re release numbers, there’s still a fan base around this movie specifically.

[@TyTimeIsAwesome]

@@davemac9563 Lol it has not stand the test of time. If anything, it became one of those so bad it's good movie. It became a meme. By no standard does it even come close to the first two film.

[@bankruptedwizard1413]

As someone who is in the middle of writing his own story (ironically about superheroes), I think I needed this video more than ever. Not just to see how good superhero stories are written, but how to be sincere as an artist. There I times I wanted to reconsider elements of my story or take them away because I thought people wouldn't get it or not be interested in it. However, as an artist it is important to take into consideration the criticism of what people say about your work, but also to work on your art as authentically as possible while taking that into consideration. Making art or writing just to cater to people's interests or benefits can limit yourself in who you are as an artist and a person. To show what you care about, what values you uphold, what your truths are, that is reflected in your art. Be sincere in who you are as an artist and as a person. It might hurt and it might be difficult to do, but that is when you start to feel like yourself and be happy about who you are. Thank you for this video, man. I needed this more than ever.

[@corneliusquincydavenportic1913]

You made me feel like I was watching these movies for the first time again. Thank you

[@JMH475]

Sam Rami’s first Spider-Man has always been my favorite I know a lot of people like the second one more but the first is just always a great watch nice video ❤

[@xChaumersxlolzers1]

You perfectly explained why I love these movies so much; the honesty and sincerity present within the trilogy was something I never saw in other superhero movies growing up and is what made me such a fan of the character of Spider-Man. Thanks to your video I have an even deeper appreciation of these films and can finally explain to others, on an emotional level, why these movies connect with me so much. I hope to be able to apply your message of sincerity into my life, not only spread my own truth, but to hear the truths of others as well.

[@harold3141]

22:11 this scene was genuinely so beautiful it felt like she really expressed her love. such a good trilogy

[@unbearifiedbear1885]

This might be one of the best realised retrospectives in the history of KZbin Huge kudos, dude... wow

[@SX-sv6vo]

Brilliant video essay. I just binged all Spiderman movies except for the Across the SpiderVerse movie which is supposed to be the most acclaimed. I am 47 and watched these movies with a 12- year-old son and 10-year-old daughter. Each Spiderman is a slightly different version of the character and generally appropriate for its audience at the time. Tobey, Andrew, and Tom are all excellent actors for their respective Spiderman. I've always enjoyed Tobey's version, but you made me appreciate it even more and validated my love for it and Tobey in it. Tobey was the Spiderman whose relationships with his enemies and loved ones were personal and helped him grow in meaningful ways. This felt more authentic and true to me and gave this trilogy more depth. Andrew's version was all over the place and his movies just did not impact me at all. He deserved a better trilogy. Tom's Spiderman took awhile to get where Tobey's was even in the first Spiderman- the true sacrifice of Spiderman. I didn't truly enjoy Tom's Spiderman until the end of No Where Home and I felt like it was the original Spidermen, Dr. Strange, along with the death of May that finally impact him and changes him to truly BE Spiderman not just an earnest kid who wears the suit but THIS Peter Parker IS Spiderman worthy of the suit let alone the name. As an English teacher of 20 + years, I can tell you that learning lessons (through stories and experiences) is the hardest for young people to comprehend and harder as generations go by. It's appropriate that Tobey's Spiderman didn't need much to understand and take seriously the advice and wisdom of his loved ones, but Tom's Spiderman took much more to realize his lessons. Much like today's generation-too much social media and inauthenticity to filter through to get to the heart and truth of the matter. Despite Tom's Peter, Ned, and MJ having great friendships... they are essentially very similar. Ironically, even though they look very different in ethnicity, they are very similar in everything else...intelligence, interests, experiences, etc. Tobey's Spiderman has MJ and Harry and they are all different despite looking the same. Different interests, intelligence, and background. Yet, they are able to have some connection with eachother and support eachother despite their differences. They actually show in the end how much they deeply love eachother DESPITE their differences. The first Spiderman has so much more emotional resonance and yes, SINCERITY. I think as time goes by, these characteristics will help the original trilogy feel timeless. Perhaps, why Tobey is still seen as generally the best Spiderman. His Spiderman feels like a true hero and it's in those quiet moments of contemplation and vulnerability that humanize him and make us feel for him and appreciate his sacrifice.

[@nihilistichorse9650]

Thank you. I needed to hear this, I'm writing this in tears as someone who has spent their entire life doing the Eddie Brock method of just pleasing people no matter what and erasing and isolating myself in the process. I want to be sincere, Wish me luck.

[@user-qs8hm6wi4o]

I wasn’t expecting to watch this video in its entirety. But as soon as it started it kept my attention. This movie has depths of sentimental value to me. This trilogy plus the cartoons is why Spider-Man is my favorite superhero and there are valuable life lessons to go along with it. You sir, did an amazing job on the video essay. Bravo.

[@tonymalagon9644]

I never hated Spider-Man 3. I always enjoyed it. It came out when I was in 6th grade. I remember watching a pirated dvd of it because my foster parents though superhero movies cause children to be violent. So I brought it to summer school and watched it in class.

[@zekthan32]

Once again ive found my self heard, seen, and absolutely touched by your work. Its everything I need to hear, everytime. There isnt anyone doing what YOU DO that ive found that really understand and appreciates the human experience like you do. I cry, i laugh, I feel seen, and I leave knowing that being "good"( Being kind and humble and caring and stupid and foolish and resilient and idealistic is what ultimatly makes me absolutely HUMAN ) is ok, despite how hard it is.

[@theequitableprose]

I don't live as many opportunities to be sincere as I should. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[@hawkhunter12]

Feels like a masterpiece the way you describe it and if i had never seen any of the spiderman movies i would have thought it was perfect. Thank you for telling a story and being able to see what sam rami wanted us to see

[@maxmiliandealy9839]

I have to say your take on Eddie, and the general duality of this movie has to be one of my favorite takes I’ve heard. After you pointed out the hollowness of Eddie’s character it made me imagine pretty much exactly what you said about the issues with Sam, and Avi. It’s neat that just about everyone that watched this as a child has grown to enjoy it in some way or another. The third movie I mean…

[@CringelordJen]

i couldnt have watched and experienced a better essay for a trilogy that i grew up with. this was nothing short of beautiful to sit through and i look forward to see more heart to heart stuff like this in the future from anyone. thank you for making this and i hope that whoever else reads this is well and if not that tomorrow treats you better because tomorrow is always a chance for a better day for you. take care of yourself