The Spectacular Sacrifices of Peter Parker

Rating: 9/10 (3 August 2005)

The writers and filmmakers of this sequel to Spider-Man(2002) are to be commended for at least one thing: they actually advanced the story of Peter Parker and his acquaintances. The characters progress forward, a novel concept these days, and so this is not just a rehash of the first Spider-Man movie. I believe the writers, perhaps with director Raimi's input, consciously made this decision, so that we have that sense of actual changes happening to the hero and his supporting cast. It's staggering to think they spent $200 million on this but I guess that's what you need to perfect the computer FX - Spider-Man now looks realistic in every shot, not just 75% of 'em.
It really is two years later from the end of the 1st picture: Parker (Maguire) juggles college, part-time jobs, and super-heroing - all not very well. With only 24 hours in a day, why should this be a surprise? Something's got to give, and it turns out to be super-heroics. The central theme continues from the first film, that Parker sacrifices pretty much everything to continue in his role as mankind's helper - until, that is, psychological blocks in his mind cause his powers to peter (no pun intended) out. The story is based a lot on the key issue, #50, of the comic books, from the sixties, as well as Annual#1, in which he seems to lose his powers. The introduction of villain Dr.Octopus in issue #3 is also pivotal. Doc Ock (Molina) is another revelation here - they gave him a wife here, contrary to the books - but this turns him into a sympathetic figure, despite his raw power and the havoc he causes. As Stan Lee himself would say way back when, the most interesting villains are the tragic ones. Molina's final scene is truly haunting, as a result, and trademark Raimi.
Also continuing from the previous film is the unrequited love for Mary Jane (Dunst). But, this thread definitely advances leaps & bounds by the end. I hope they continue in this vein in the 3rd film. I hope there's a marriage by the end of that 3rd pic and things don't just stagnate. I hope Harry's (Franco) story evolves and maybe concludes. This could be the makings of a really great trilogy. The writers also pulled a daring stunt in having Spider-Man's identity revealed to so many people throughout the film, but it all works in underlining the enormous sacrifice required by Parker on a daily basis. Above all, it helps if you don't have just a faceless super-hero.