"Spider-Boy 2" Aims to Please It's Targeted Audiences (and probably will), but Offers Something for the "Babysitter Viewer" Too.

Rating: 6/10 (24 November 2006)

With his performance in "Spider-Boy 2," Tobey Maguire firmly establishes himself as the "thinking person's" Ralph Macchio. The almost 30-year old Maguire's on screen adolescence is virtually undiminished from episode 1, but the darker themes in episode 2 are an intriguing disconnect for older, more discerning viewers (those dragged to see the movie by younger, less discerning ones). I have no doubt that straight girls under 16, and gay men over 40 will enjoy this one as much as the first one, but there is also a little something here for the indifferent captives in the theater as well. Now that the "Batman" series has been resurrected with Christian Bale as the Caped Crusader, I'm thinking that Maguire should be on a short list for Robin should that character show up again in the future, thus sealing the poor actor's fate as an omnipresent junior action hero (while he laughs all the way to the bank, no doubt). Anyone for a big budget, live action version of "Jonny Quest," or "Speed Racer?" Call Tobey!