Chapter 17

More than halfway through the premiere of Spider-Man, the final climax and ending are fast approaching. By now, the media and film critics have forgotten their initial criticisms and are completely engrossed in the plot.

Although this is a popcorn action movie, which typically follows familiar patterns, Spider-Man is a cut above the rest. The film's unique style, the director's camera work, and the deeply compelling performances by the actors set it apart from ordinary action films. It simply feels right—entertaining, emotional, and captivating.

After a romantic moment with Gwen, Peter Parker heads to the Osborns' house. Concerned for Norman Osborn's safety after witnessing the Green Goblin attack Osborn's corporate executives, Peter plans to warn Norman to be more cautious. After all, Norman is not only his best friend's father but also a scientist he deeply admires. However, when Peter arrives at the Osborn house, he finds Norman in poor health, seeming ill. Norman makes an excuse to send Peter away, but Peter's sharp eyes catch sight of the Green Goblin's equipment hidden in the house. Realizing that Norman Osborn is the Green Goblin, Peter rushes to the police station to inform Captain George Stacy. Unfortunately, George, already biased against Peter, dismisses his claims—after all, how could a respected entrepreneur like Norman Osborn be the Green Goblin?

Frustrated, Peter leaves the station. On his way back, he encounters a building explosion with a child trapped inside. Embracing his responsibility, Peter dives into the fire without hesitation, heroically rescuing several children. Initially, the police officers at the scene want to apprehend this "wanted criminal," but his selfless actions move both the officers and media reporters. For the first time, Spider-Man begins to establish a heroic image among the citizens of New York.

As Spider-Man flies into the sea of fire, the scene is so intense that even fans in the theater want to applaud. Suddenly, another explosion occurs upstairs. Spider-Man quickly swings up, only to be met by three cold, shining darts aiming straight for him.

"Hiss—"

Although 3D movies weren't yet popular in 2006 and Avatar was still three years away, the director's use of shooting techniques made this surprise attack incredibly thrilling. The audience instinctively wanted to dodge the darts themselves, a testament to the film's visual impact.

Luckily, Spider-Man's spider-sense kicks in, allowing him to dodge two of the deadly darts. However, the third one is too fast, slicing open a wound on his abdomen. It turns out that the explosions were caused by the Green Goblin, who wanted to lure Spider-Man into a trap. Additionally, one of the executives who betrayed him lives in the luxury apartment, and the Goblin is cleaning house.

"Little bug, I didn't expect you to take the bait so quickly. I was worried you wouldn't come, hahahaha—"

"Didn't your teacher teach you? Spiders are arthropods!"

The Green Goblin's indiscriminate bombing of civilians for revenge enrages Spider-Man, leading to their second intense battle. The two showcase their powers in the burning building, cleverly using their abilities and the environment to outmaneuver each other. The combination of wits and martial prowess is impressive, with every moment filled with lethal intent. It's like dancing on the edge of a knife, teetering between life and death. The second round of the hero-villain showdown ramps up the stakes even further.

The audience, gripped by tension, can hardly breathe. Even the typically reserved Sister Shitou reaches out and clutches Xu Can's arm in suspense.

After a brief yet fierce fight, the Green Goblin, once again defeated by Spider-Man, plans to retreat and regroup. However, the battle leaves Spider-Man's mask damaged, and although his entire face isn't revealed, the Green Goblin nearly deduces his identity from the subtle features that are visible.

After the battle, Peter, now wounded, finds it inconvenient to return home—Aunt May would surely worry about his injuries. So, under the cover of darkness, he sneaks to Gwen Stacy's balcony. It begins to drizzle as Gwen, worried after hearing the news of Spider-Man's heroics and his fight with the Green Goblin, stands on her balcony, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Just then, Spider-Man quietly swings down behind Gwen. She turns around in surprise, and sure enough, it's him!

"Peter!"

Gwen, overjoyed, gently lifts Spider-Man's mask just enough to expose his lips, and they share a kiss.

"Ohhhhhhh—"

The iconic scene of Spider-Man kissing Gwen upside down in the rain ignites the theater, prompting spontaneous applause from the audience. Fortunately, everyone present is a fan of Spider-Man and the movie, so this reaction only heightens the excitement.

"It hurts!"

After a while, Peter's wound begins to bleed, and Gwen quickly notices something is wrong. She pulls him inside and tends to his injuries. With Peter shirtless, showing off his muscles, Gwen tenderly cleans his wound, and the two share another passionate kiss. The chemistry between them is palpable, leaving the audience intoxicated by the romantic tension.

The next day, Peter arrives at school, still injured. But he's not the only one there.

"Hello, Parker!"

With a shrill laugh, the Green Goblin swoops down over the school.

"Shit—"

Peter is horrified.

"Harry, take them away quickly!"

"It's too dangerous. You can run away, and I'll call the police!"

Harry Osborn is sincere in his concern.

"No! Go quickly!"

Peter knows that the Green Goblin has discovered his identity and is after him. Harry, being Norman's son, should be safe. Sure enough, Harry helps the other students escape while Peter dashes into the school building. The Goblin's aircraft shouldn't work in the narrow corridor, right?

But the Green Goblin, a madman who doesn't follow the rules, chases Peter into the corridor on his glider, flying low.

The two engage in another fierce battle in the hallway. The film doesn't forget to insert a Marvel Easter egg—during their life-or-death struggle, Mr. Stan Lee, wearing noise-canceling headphones, is busy in the video room, oblivious to the chaos behind him. The tension is so thick that it creates an absurdly humorous moment.

Fans are stunned. Spider-Man even uses his webbing to deflect a dart, saving the old man's life.

"Peter, I'm just cleaning up. Those executives owe me! They deserve it!"

"Oh no no, Mr. Osborn, you really should see a doctor. I've heard the psychiatrists in state prisons are quite effective. How about I take you in for a consultation?"

Despite the peril, Spider-Man's trademark humor shines through as he mocks the clearly unhinged Green Goblin.

After an intense battle, the Green Goblin forces Spider-Man into a dangerous situation with darts and bombs. But brave Gwen comes to the rescue, using a fire extinguisher to spray smoke at the Green Goblin. Spider-Man seizes the moment, using his web to hurl a pumpkin bomb at the Green Goblin.

Boom!

The Green Goblin is severely injured, but the explosion also damages the toilet, allowing the Goblin to escape through the sewers.

If the first battle was just a trial, the next two rounds are progressively more dangerous, leaving the audience on edge for Spider-Man.

Keen-eyed viewers notice that before fleeing, the Green Goblin gives a sinister glance at Gwen Stacy. Will she be in danger next? Could the tragic death of Gwen from the comics be reenacted in this first Spider-Man movie?

As the film approaches its final scene, veteran comic fans are filled with dread, their hearts pounding in anticipation.

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