In the wake of 9/11, cinematic images involving the World Trade Center were considered more or less verboten, which is why despite the excitement generated by the first teaser trailer for Sam Raimi’s blockbuster-in-waiting "Spider-Man," it was pulled from theaters shortly after the terrorist attack. Nonetheless, this first look at the web-slinger’s maiden big-screen outing is -- despite some footage that seems to have been helmed by a second-unit director rather than Raimi himself -- efficient and effective, concealing (in true superhero style) its identity until the climactic moments.

A group of armed bandits bursts into a bank, menaces customers while cleaning out the safe and then departs via helicopter, cackling with cocky glee along the way. Until, that is, the helicopter is suddenly halted mid-flight and then mysteriously pulled backwards until it once again stops, high above the city, and the camera zooms back to reveal that the vehicle is now snagged in a web spun between the Twin Towers. Cut to Spidey swinging with CG-ified acrobatics, and cue fanboy giddiness. --Nick Schager

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