Spider-man 2: A sequel that at least meets the success of the first

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2004)

When everybody started leaving the theater at a screening of SPIDER-MAN 2, I believed that I had just seen a movie that, while not being the best movie, was still entertaining, had fine acting, and left me in question and wanting to see the next installment, which is scheduled to come into theaters in 2007.
On the plus side, much of this movie was at least as good as the first SPIDER-MAN movie. More angst-ridden than its prequel, Tobey McGuire does a good job characterizing Peter's internal battles. He portrays this character with passion and believability, which leads me to believe that Tobey McGuire is a very capable actor. Also, this movie had its funny moments. I always enjoy unintentionally funny TV shows and movies. Also, Kirsten Dunst portrays Mary-Jane Watson well, with her conflicting emotions and big break at the end. Also, I liked how Peter Parker is often shown as just your average guy, which is much of the movie's appeal.

I can definitely find some cons about this movie. For example, sometimes the action just got a little boring, which is weird, because a lot of people on the message boards are saying that the dramatic parts got boring. Also, I don't think that Doc Och was properly cast, because there was just something about him that made him seem seem unreal, even amusing. Speaking of amusing, there were just a few moments that were just a little too cheesy for me, like when (spoiler) everything is in slow motion and Mary-Jane is in her wedding dress as she skips through the park while pigeons fly around her, and when Peter is walking through the college and "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" is playing in the background. Also, Aunt May really got on my nerves sometimes. She seemed so helpless, even stupid as the movie progressed.
Overall, I believe that Spider-Man 2 doesn't surpass it predecessor, but is still a good movie. Spider-Man 2 is appealing to just about anybody, and is appropriate for anyone 6 or over. You will not be sorry if you go to see Spider-Man 2 in theaters, but you won't be completely awed by it either. I give this movie 8.5 stars out of 10. The end of this movie left me smiling, but not standing up clapping either.