Let's not mince words- This film kicked proverbial ass

Rating: 9/10 (23 June 2005)

This is the perfect summer blockbuster.
Generally I tend not to be a fan of these dubious blockbuster movies that've been in vogue in Hollywood summers for a few years now. They're all well and good to go see with a gang of friends after the BBQ or before the beach party- but as a rule, and though it's a clichéd sentiment, they just lack heart.
This, though, is something different. Spider-man, the original movie, was something that I wasn't awaiting with my tongue hanging out in hungry anticipation. I ambled along to the cinema a week or so after opening night, practically by accident, expecting an entertaining romp on a summer evening with my BF- but expecting nothing more.
What can i say- I came out in love with the movie. Although i'll be the first to admit that in the past I've ranted in unison with the most stuck-up of critics on the damage and evils of CGI and the blockbuster breed of movies in general, I simply turned around when i saw this movie- luscious effects, excellent cinematography, downright nasty villain, great direction and scripting. Add in the ever so slightly angsty performances of the ever wonderful Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst plus ace cast set against an achingly beautiful NY backdrop, and this was just one of the best films of the year.
And now, the sequel. Wow.
This movie is really really better. where the first stood alone as a melancholic tale of the loneliness that must be endured by a good man, the second film deepens and expands upon the real themes that were found in the first. "Sequel" is a word with bad connotations- and one almost feels the term is unjust for such a wonderful movie. This is a movie which is rich, romantic, funny, poignant, and just exciting as hell.
Whether you're marvelling at the swooping, poetic magnificence of Spiderman's sky- scraper acrobatics, becoming emotionally entangled in Peter's raw deal in life, biting nails in the jaw-dropper actions scenes or shedding a surreptitious tear for the lovers of this entrancing tragi-comedy, i just advise you to watch out. You might end up loving this movie a little more than is socially advisable.