Spider-Man's Finest Hour or Two

Rating: 10/10 (6 April 2015)

For some this review will appear contradictory as almost a year ago I stated that 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2' was the greatest Spidey flick. Consider that statement promptly withdrawn. 'Spider-Man 2' tops it in every conceivable way. It is in my mind a better film than 'The Dark Knight'. 'Spider-Man 2' grips from the get go and its webbing does not loosen its hold until the end credits crawl up the screen. Even the opening titles are imaginative, clips are not shown of 2002's 'Spider-Man' and its events but comic book panels. They dazzle your eyes and keep you waiting and wondering as to how the events will unfold. Peter Parker played by a Tobey Maguire whom embodies nerdiness, has now taken up the mantel of Spider-Man and this takes precedence in his life over his college work, job and wannabe girlfriend Mary Jane Watson played by the marvellous Kirsten Dunst.
Parker even struggles to stay friends with Harry Osborne played by a scene stealing James Franco, who vows that Spider-Man will pay after the events of the first film where Harry saw Spider-Man return his father's dead body to him. Parker is leading the double life but as a new villain emerges to terrorise the city of New York will he be able to protect the ones he cares about? 'Spider-Man 2' raises the bar to staggering heights, heights which even Spidey would fail to climb. What makes this sequel better than its fantastic original is not merely awesome special effects and an increase in budget. 'Spider-Man 2' is more entertaining, romantic, energetic, visually dazzling and boasts one of the best villains of Cinema since the birth of Darth Vader. Alfred Molina as Doctor Octopus or as J Jonah Jameson Editor of the Daily Bugle says Doc Ock for short. Molina gives an all-round better performance than dare I say it Heath Ledger as the Joker. Molina lends Doctor Otto Octavius much heart, emotion and gravitas which contribute to a more engaging character and a better developed one. As Octavius accepts his destiny, he falls into a world of crime which he cannot escape from. He is not a villain by choice, but by consequence. Once his science experiment goes out of control his world does too. Losing his wife does not help matters and he so strongly believes in science and his life's work that he is willing to cause the death of millions or even his own.
The action scenes work so well because we actually get the sense that Spider-Man is a person in between all of this destruction. These scenes which involve a flurry of CGI wizardry see Spider-Man fling himself towards his opponent, but most importantly they look real. Even the emotional aspect is ramped up. Parker loses his job, comes ever so close to failing his college course and finds out that Mary Jane has a new lover. All of which contribute to Peter Parker losing his powers as Spider-Man in the majority of the second act. But it all makes sense. Parker is not invincible as a Super-hero; he is a real person, with real issues and real problems. All of the other Spider-Man films failed to capture this deep level of emotion and make it have an impact on Parker's life as a whole. We get a deeper knowledge of Peter's infatuation with Mary Jane. He loves her, but by the same token, knows that she will never be safe because of his crime fighting life. It is this struggle that makes this tale of heroism so much more than your average film about good versus evil and far more emotionally complex and involving as a whole.
The comedy lends a light hearted feel and tone for the film, it never becomes too serious or too dark, and this is about as far as you can get from 'The Dark Knight Rises' as possible. Furthermore, it relies more on visuals and not the all too obvious humour present in the new Marc Webb films. The score itself is perfection, everything that a Superhero's theme should be and more. Danny Elfman firmly cements himself as a grand composer alongside the likes of John Williams and Howard Shore. In all honesty I could talk about this film for 127 minutes, the runtime of 'Spider-Man 2'. Do you need any more reasons to purchase this film right away? Well let me sum it all up.
'Spider-Man 2' is compelling evidence that the best films don't have to be Biopics or Dramas. But films that offer character development, humour, wit, romance, action and pull on your heartstrings. 'Spider- Man 2' is the greatest Spidey flick hands down, by the longest thread of web that Spider-Man can conjure. If 'Spider- Man' is to undergo another reboot then perhaps it is time to reconsider Sam Raimi as the Director and for Tobey Maguire to don the outfit for one last spin.