As good as the first film

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2004)

Spider-Man 2 has received the best reviews of any film so far this year. I'm not about to buck that trend; it is indeed a triumph.

Equal in every way to its predecessor, the movie kicks off with a brilliant title sequence incorporating paintings depicting scenes from the original film. The story picks up two years after part one with Peter Parker trying to attend college, hold down jobs (from which he keeps getting fired) and be Spiderman all at the same time. The pressure is really getting to him, and worse, his spider powers seem to be suddenly failing at inopportune moments.

Mary-Jane, with whom Peter is still secretly in love with, has become a successful actress and model. Meanwhile, Harry Osbourn still swears revenge against Spiderman for killing his father (aka the Green Goblin in part one). He has inherited his father's company and is funding the dangerous fusion research of one Dr Octavius. In the tradition of all movie and comic book scientists, something goes horribly wrong in the experiment, and Octavius finds himself possessed by four AI mechanical arms which take over his mind and turn him into classic Spiderman villain Dr Octopus.

The entire cast acquit themselves superbly. We really care about what happens with not just Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) but everyone else from tormented villain Dr Octopus (Alfred Molina on top form) trying to regain his sanity to Peter's Aunt May (Rosemary Harris), who is about to lose her house because she's behind on mortgage payments. Best of all, Harry Osbourne (the brilliant James Franco) is evolving into a fascinating character; a young man spoilt by riches yet tormented by his dead father from beyond the grave. His obsession with killing Spider-Man not realising his true identity is brilliantly handled and has a splendid pay-off/set-up for part three.

Speaking of sequels, those among you familiar with the comics will spot not one but three characters available to become super villains in future instalments. The producers are wisely keeping their options open, and if the success of this film is anything to go by, the franchise could run and run.

What really sets Spider-Man 2 apart from the usual mindless summer blockbuster fare is its dedication to character and plot. Director Sam Raimi wisely keeps the human drama at the centre, with the stunning action scenes advancing rather than holding up the plot. There are several amazing set pieces, particularly one involving a runaway train. Comedy plays a big part too. There are many hilarious moments, such as a scene where Parker washes his Spiderman costume in a laundrette. Another moment with Spiderman in a lift is a hoot. Skinflint Bugle editor Jameson (JK Simmons) provides loads more laughs here than he did in the first film. Also, there are amusing in jokes for film buffs and fans of Raimi's earlier horror films (including a very funny Evil Dead reference). There is even a hilarious and highly effective homage to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

The special effects, needless to say, are amazing. The film looks bright, vibrant and colourful, and Danny Elfman's dynamic and emotive music score underscores the drama wonderfully.

Spider-Man 2 is at its heart a hugely poignant coming-of-age story, as Peter Parker comes to terms with his destiny as a superhero. I could greatly expound on the endless positive moral and spiritual messages in the film, but I can't be bothered to. Instead, stop reading this and go and see it!