A Hugely Entertaining Film that Challenges Our Values

Rating: Null/10 (6 September 2004)

Spider Man II
Here are some challenging questions posed in this film: · Is it all right to commit an evil act as a means to an end that is very good? · Can we defeat evil with diplomacy, rather than force? · Is it OK to lie to someone you love to protect him or her? · Can you renege on a promise to a deceased ancestor if you now see that the pledge is no longer good for you? · If the person you meant to destroy turns out to be a trusted friend, what do you do? · Should you marry someone who constantly flirts with danger like a racecar driver or astronaut?
Few films ask these questions, and when they do, we expect the director to be a Woody Allen, David Mamet, Ingmar Bergman or Spike Lee, and the film to be a serious work of art. But these questions are all raised in Spiderman II. Believe it!
Make no mistake that this movie delivers special effects, heroism, and exciting chase scenes. But the real payoffs for me were the cosmic questions posed above. The story is standard fare of an evildoer (to borrow Bush's expression) who wrecks havoc in order to monopolize a chemical needed to develop a super energy source. At first, he's a world-renown scientist (Alfred Molina, now playing Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway) until his experiment backfires and turns him into an eight-limbed monster known as Doc Ock (for Octopus). It's then Spiderman's job to disarm him.
None of the characters, however, are stereotyped as good and bad guys. All have personalities that reveal the good and bad in all of us, and each is challenged at some point to make a moral decision of great consequence. That these questions can even be framed for us to consider would in itself make the film worthwhile.
The main actors, Spiderman/Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) and his girlfriend, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) are as expected very likable: introspective, humble, caring and sweet. Unlike crime-fighters like Clint Eastwood and the Terminator, Peter doesn't sport macho mannerisms, and Ms. Dunst does not flaunt bare skin or hanging breasts. (As you may know, Peter is to Spiderman what Clark Kent was to Superman, his ordinary citizen identity.) Many male viewers will identify with Peter's hesitancy about commitment. Does he avoid asking Mary Jane to marry him because it would detract from his mission in life to fight crime and evil, or is that a convenient excuse?
Other interesting people are Spiderman's sympathetic aunt (Rosemary Harris) and the flamboyant editor (J.K. Simmons) at the local paper. Cameo appearances by Willem Defoe (Green Goblin) and Cliff Robertson (Uncle Ben) tie this movie to its predecessor. James Franco, the Goblin's son, is back and wants to avenge his father's killer, Batman, who unknown to him is also his best friend, Peter Parker.
You now see why I posed the questions at the start of this piece. The action scenes mix nicely with poignant moments. Some viewers may not appreciate this nuanced script with its moral complexity, but I expect them to be few in number. Early box office returns seem to support this opinion.
Seeing this production at an IMAX made it more enjoyable, but you should appreciate it wherever you see it.