Spiderman returns!

Rating: 7/10 (30 June 2004)

Finally the web slinging hero is back for new adventures. This new movie happens roughly two years after the events of the last movie. We can see Peter Parker in turmoil as he tries but fails to balance his life as Spiderman, his relationship with Mary Jane and his failing finances. This is not the only thing that is troubling our young hero as a new menace in the form of Otto Octavius who is instantly turned into Doctor Octopus because of a horrible accident the fuses four robotic arms to his body.
If you were expecting more action on this film then the previous one then you will surely be disappointed. The action is restricted to probably a quarter of the film concentrated on the end. Well it sure does make up for the better screenplay compared to the next. More of the love story angle than the conflict between hero and villain. Yes this movie is more a love story than an action/adventure film.
Most of the characters have indeed developed in between films and will continue to do so as you watch the film. The most drastic change happens to Peter as he continues to grasp his new life of normal guy/superhero. Here we see him develop as he faces more trials. The only thing that I found quite disappointing with the story of Doctor Octopus which was given less emphasis unlike the first movie. In that movie, we can see the development of Norman Osborne from peaceful father to the maniacal Green Goblin. In this movie we see less of this. Just a short encounter with Dr. Octavius before transforming into Doc Ock.
Well in this day and age of high technology computers that produce effects that were once thought impossible I was not that impressed with the effects of this film. I guess it was really a case of 'oh I've seen this before'. Not taking anything away from the effects people the effects were good but nothing extraordinary.
Well overall the movie did not disappoint me but it also wasn't that amazing either. With a sequel guaranteed, perhaps in the third film the director can do some adjustments so that the film can be better.