Definately better than the first film *** SPOILERS

Rating: 9/10 (6 July 2004)

I saw Spider-man 2 over the July 4th weekend and I loved it. The special effects were mind blowing. The fight on the train alone was worth the price of the movie. Director Sam Raimi managed to have the feel of the first film, and turn it into something better. All of the actors did a fantastic job in this film, especially J.K. Simmons as Daily Bugle editor and chief Jonah Jameson. Jameson is such a great character, and I loved how he had more scenes the second time around. I also loved the fact that Cliff Robertson came back to do a cameo as Ben Parker in a dream sequence where Peter discusses his feelings on being Spider-man with his dead uncle. The show stealer however, was Alfred Molina as Doc Ock. He managed to turn the character into one of the best villans ever to be seen on screen. Like most villans, he starts out as an honest and nice man, only to wind up letting his emotions get the better of him.
You could tell that Smallville creators Miles Millar and Al Gough wrote the script to the film, because there were elements of Superman in the movie, like Peter running and ripping open his shirt, Peter losing his powers and wanting to become human to be with the woman he loves, etc.. The film also showed the future of Smallville as well by letting us see a super hero's best friend find out his true identity to turn him into an enemy. The film definately had a Superman like feel to it at times. This is not a bad thing though, since Superman is my all time favorite hero.
As good as the film was however, I cannot give it a perfect ten. There were a few things that bothered me about the movie. I just want to note that before I list my few complaints about the film, that I have not read the comic book. If the film follows the events that took place in the comic book, it is hard to hold them against Sam Raimi, because he was trying to be loyal to it.
The first is obviously so many people finding out about Spider-man's true identity. I mean, it is one thing to have Mary Jane find out, as well as Harry. But, to have a whole subway car full of people find out, and then have them swear not to tell anyone? Also, as good as the scenes with Spider-man were, there were not enough of them. The movie should have been called - "Spider-man 2 : The Peter Parker show". Last but not least, is the ending dragging out. I think it would have been great to end the movie, right when Harry discovered the glider and the room with all of the bombs. That would have set up for the third film perfectly. Instead, you have to stretch it out to make sure Mary Jane runs to be with Peter at the end. As others have mentioned, it was also strange, that Mary Jane had a frown on her face at the end of the film.
Overall, I would give the film a solid 9/10, and I highly anticipate the third film.