It's all in the pacing...

Rating: Null/10 (29 June 2004)

Probably the best comic-book movie ever.. and certainly a blockbuster which is added to the "much better than the first" sequels list. Spider-Man 2 has its high melodrama. Some of the scenes, like those with Rosemary Harris, are heartfelt but they feel as if they belong in family films. Perhaps that combined with the romance plot could drive off the cheers of some comic book fans and teenage or middle-aged males looking for action. Really, this movie should appeal to the kids, girls (especially teen girls), moms, and grandparents who watch it too because the softer side does do the trick, even if a little forcefully. Personally though, the movie had some nonstop action scenes. Doctor Octopus, whose very concept could seem hilarious to some people, is done VERY well. Alfred Molina is possibly the best acted comic-book villain ever, save for maybe Sir Ian Mckellen's Magneto. He brings a horror film villain feel to the role, and does extremely well interacting with those robotic tentacles. Personally I think that the combination of the tentacles and Molina steal the show at certain points. The physics are maybe absurd here (the cg "fusion" experiment, the train, some of the web tricks, the climactic battle's solution, (how are the tentacles powered, anyone?), and much more) but you can blame that on the comic book. Ah, and then the self-confidence plot, the true drive behind the film. I myself identified with Peter Parker's woes. I've been through many of them - being late to a deadend job, exhaustion, studying troubles, problems dedicating to the girl due to worrying for her, a mean boss, guilt with the family, and many more. The film starts out with these issues and has some unique ways to keep your interest in Spidey's fate as Parker. The romance too is very classic. I felt as heartbroken as Toby Maguire's Spidey during moments like when he had to take photos at a snobby high society gathering - of his love Mary Jane with... well I'll let the film surprise you with that one. Sam Raimi's pacing is perfect. It felt like a collection of comic books, like a nice long storyarc. There were highs and lows, as well as suspense that tops even Evil Dead 2's manically frantic chills and thrills. Definitely on par with X2, if not better. And certainly a greater film with the general audience.