An Action-Filled Romantic Thrill-Ride (Contains Spoilers)

Rating: Null/10 (1 July 2004)

I saw this movie a few hours ago, and there is absolutely no comparison to how good this movie is; not even the original film can be compared! This film takes a dark (albeit slightly comedic) look at the life of Peter Parker, and the pressures he is being left to face.
It has been 2 years since Peter narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Green Goblin, also known as Norman Osborn, late father to Peter's friend Harry. As for Harry himself, he has become an angry, heart-wrenching alcoholic, who blames Spider-Man for the death of his father, and hates Peter for his "friendship" with him.
Mary Jane has changed a lot; she is now the star of a hit Broadway play, is successful, and also engaged to the son of J. Jonah Jameson! In the two years since that fateful day in the graveyard, she finds herself so deeply in love with Peter, but unable to depend on him because he has had absolutely no time for her (or anyone else, for that matter). She is fighting a war within herself, wrestling with the decision to confront Peter, or to simply move on with her life.
Meanwhile, Peter witnesses an experiment in fusion by the brilliant Otto Octavius, who assists himself with four mechanical arms to do his work. But when a test goes horribly wrong, the good doctor's dream is destroyed. Rising from the ashes, he vows to make anyone pay who dares to interfere with his quest to rebuild his life; even if that means hurting innocent people. Soon, everybody's favorite wall-crawler arrives, thus starting a "battle of the titans" for the safety of New York's populace.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD! -------------------------
(1) In a very climactic scene, Octavius (nicknamed "Dr. Octopus" by J. Jonah Jameson) delivers Spider-Man to Harry Osborn's home, after defeating him in a battle royale on-board a speeding bullet train. Harry, hellbent on avenging his father's death, removes Spidey's mask, only to recoil in shock as he discovers Peter Parker's secret! It is a very monumental moment, one that is echoed near the end of the film.
(2) In the final battle between Spider-Man and Ock, Spidey's mask is torn off, revealing his identity to the doctor...and to Mary Jane Watson, who is held captive! After convincing Octavius to put aside his maniacal ways and help him, Peter realizes that "MJ" is watching. Freed of the burden that his double-life imposes, he is finally free to declare his love for her; there is a wonderfully romantic scene with the two of them, near the end of the film, as well as a few well-placed quips.
(3) The ending of this film sets up what will become Spidey's most challenging battle, for the planned "Spider-Man 3", set by Marvel and Sony to be released in the summer of 2007.