Spiderman 2 casts a strong web

Rating: Null/10 (30 June 2004)

My spider senses are tingling over the next installment of Spiderman, number 2 to be exact. If only all sequels were half as good. Not only does it rock, but it also has oodles of heart and feeling to make this the best comic book adaptation to date. Yes, that's saying a lot but it just shows a healthy appreciation of the effort and results of doing a superior sequel to one of the most successful super hero films ever. Spiderman set box office opening records and garnered solid reviews. Just as X Men 2 improved on its original film, Spiderman 2 does an even better job with some significant enhancements to storyline and plot.
In this story, Peter Parker, AKA Spiderman, is experiencing self-doubts about his purpose in life. His heroics are mocked and capitalized by the local newspaper editor J. Jonah Jameson (J. K. Simmons is a hoot) while his personal life takes a heavy toll. His love for Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) must take a back seat to his heroics lest she be in harm's way. Eventually he goes through what might be called super hero depression and starts to lose his powers. Meanwhile his best friend, Harry (James Franco), still vengeful about Spiderman supposedly murdering his dad in the previous film, is now head of the same technology firm and readying a new fusion power device with a scientist Dr. Octavius (played with gusto and depth by Alfred Molina). Naturally the experiment goes bad and Dr. Octavius is now part man and part machine dubbed Doc Octopus. Seeking more power, he trades the safe delivery of Spiderman to Franco in exchange for more nuclear elements to power a bigger fusion reaction. Add to this the kidnapping of Mary Jane in the clutches of Doc Oc and, well you get the picture, except it is done so well.
Virtually the entire cast reappears from the original film whether in dream sequences or cameos, and they are refreshing to see again in the context of this film. Stan Lee makes his obligatory cameo as well as Ted Raimi (director Raimi's brother) as assistant to Jameson. Bruce Campbell (a long time Raimi crony) has an amusing cameo as a theater usher. Director John Landis is almost unrecognizable as Peter's doctor. (Trivia- Landis and director Raimi had cameos in the television adaptation of Stephen King's The Stand.) The villain, Doc Oc, is well played by Alfred Molina. James Franco's character does move forward is his character's arc, and there is a nice setup to the next film (which is certain). Rosemary Murphy as Peter's Aunt May has a significant presence in this film-her speech to Peter Parker midway through the story is truly a highlight as it marks the basic theme. Kirsten Dunst is adorable as ever. Tobey Maguire IS SpidermanÂ–who else can engender the right mix of pathos and super heroics?
The first half of the film is identical to the first film but it is in the second half where it takes the initial themes developed in first half and develops them to an emotional punch. And boy what a second half! Not only suspenseful and dramatic, Spiderman 2 is also wildly funny in places. There are some poignant moments of revelation and the story keeps upping the ante in really satisfying fashion. After all, Marvel Comics, the source for Spiderman, was unique when it imbued its heroes with emotions and problems. The spirit of Marvel lives on in this film's structure.
Credit goes to a battery of writers especially Oscar-winning writer Alvin Sargent (Julia) who really delivers a first class script. The film doesn't feel the need to constantly bombard the viewer with nonstop explosions and chases. What's nice is that it takes its deliberate time to flesh out the storyline and characters without skimping on the appropriate action scenes. There is a tremendous set piece on an above ground New York subway train, which climaxes in a rousing and touching finish. Just that scene would have saved any movie. In this, it is one of several.
As a treat for fans, references abound throughout the film to previous Spiderman incarnations such as the musical theme from the 60's animated show, the main title credits include key scenes from the first film, and, in particular, the memorable rain soaked kiss in the first film figures heavily here.
Production values are good but the special effects are exceedingly impressive (better than before) especially the Doc Octopus sequences.
Sam Raimi has made the perfect comic book for adults. The second half reaches levels that many films let alone comic book adaptations have aspired to but rarely reach. Raimi and company have set the bar extremely high for the next sequel.