Even better than the first Spider Man

Rating: Null/10 (29 March 2007)

Having been a long time fan of Spider Man, I can't help but feel connected to this series. Seeing the web-slinger up on the big screen was a day dream that I indulged in as a kid often enough while reading the comic books. I was thrilled with the first Spider Man film and after seeing this second installment, I'm pleased to say, I'm convinced the Spider Man movies are in good hands.
Spider Man 2 takes the familiar characters and moves them forward in their aspirations and their troubles. This was why Marvel Comics have been so successful over the last thirty years - because they put so much of these human elements in their stories.
Alfred Molina joins the group this time as Dr. Octopus. I have enjoyed Molina's work for a number of years now (mostly British productions) and was glad to see him slated to play Doc Oc. Tobey Maguire instills in the character of Peter Parker very convincingly, the very issues that someone thrust into such a destiny would be faced with, he's just a college kid and still going through the rigors of growing up. I love the scene where he has saved the people on the run-away train from certain destruction and passes out, lying on the floor of the train without his mask, when a bystander says with a tone of astonishment - "He's only a kid." Excellent touch.
This film is not without its flaws - but very few. The scene where Spidey confronts Doc Oc and tells him that he has to destroy his invention for the sake of saving the city and its people, and the Doc simply replies - "Yeah, you're right." is a stretch to say the least (I don't remember Doc Oc necessarily being that compassionate in the comic book - and he always came back to wreak more havoc) But I won't knock the whole film because of this scene - its too well done in all the other areas. The effects are better and the fight scenes exciting and the tension between Peter and Harry grows. And even the Aunt May character continues to develop well in dealing with the loss of her husband. And I can't forget Kirsten Dunst as MJ who struggles with her feelings for Peter - her last line - "Go get'em Tiger is perfect for the set-up for the next film and is a line right out of the comic book. The visuals are the real appeal of this movie but the characters are believable and you identify with them immediately. Can't wait for Spider Man 3.