A rare feat for a blockbuster, this film exceeds expectations.

Rating: 7/10 (3 July 2004)

These days there are so many blockbusters that are heavily marketed, and we see the trailers ad nauseum before we get to see the film. Most of the time, the film turns out to be disappointing. I certainly felt that way about the first Spiderman.
Spiderman 2, however, is much more than your regular action hero film. We are too familiar with the Clarke Kent/Superman, Bruce Wayne/Batman identity dilemmas, and thought that another Peter PArker/Spiderman will be no different. But Sam Raimi explores this in a much more human and sympathetic way. Interestingly, the film seems to focus less on action, and more on the psyche of Peter PArker confronting his life and fate. Even though he is not as invincible as Superman, and not like Batman with his inexhaustible wealth and gadgets, Spiderman is more courageous and heroic in the way he deals with his problems, and the path he takes.
As before, the scenes of Spiderman swinging through the metropolis are stunning.
Dr Octopus is also a much more multi-dimensional baddie than Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin.
I loved this film and will definitely see it again many times over.