A Great Genre Movie!

Rating: Null/10 (20 July 2004)

As a huge fan of Comic-Book films, I must admit that I get irritated when people berate a film like Spider-man for being unrealistic or unbelievable. If you want something real from a cinematic experience, then maybe you should go and
watch a Lars Von Trier film (that is not meant negatively, I think he's done some great work.) But Spider-man 2, more so than the first film, is of the Comic-Book genre. I believe Spider-man 2 is more like the film Sam Raimi would have made the
first time around, had he been braver, or received less badgering from the
studio (or whatever it was). A Comic-Book film has to be big and bold, and it has to have little regard for realism. . .because, such as in this case, the story is about a guy who acquires superhuman powers from a genetically modified spider. . . if that is the premise, and you know that before you enter the movie theatre, why on earth are you
complaining about a lack of realism. I loved this film, in all its outrageous, cheesy, fantastical, big budgeted glory. If you know how to watch a film of this genre, its a joy. We all know about sequels never living up to the expectations of the original film, but Spider-man 2 exceeds them. The story is well structured and carefully conceived, continuing many of the
themes from the first film. The wealth of screen writers that seem to accompany projects such as this have made a well rounded story and script. . .a rare
occasion when too many cooks haven't spoiled the broth.
Peter Parker's struggle with his identity is both comical and heart-felt, and Tobey Maguire does a fantastic job. Alfred Molina makes a superb villain, a hard act for James Franco to follow as the next nemesis to Spider-man.
The film is consistently stunning from start to finish, thanks to the amazing visual effects, and ace cinematographer Bill Pope (of Matrix fame). And once again, a Comic-Book film isn't a Comic-Book film without the huge
orchestral sound of Danny Elfman. After working on 'Batman', 'Darkman', 'Men in Black' and 'The Hulk'. . . its not surprising that he was picked for this gig too. . .and he does a fine job. Spider-man 2 is a fine effort and in my opinion, it is one of the best genre
sequels we've seen, along side the fantastic X-men 2.