Spidey's Back and Better Than Ever

Rating: 8/10 (1 July 2004)

(Possible spoilers)
"Spider-Man 2" is definitely a rarity. It is one of a very limited number of films that outperforms the original. What "Spider-Man" brought in action, drama and comedy is all back and even better. The second installment in the web-slinging series delves more deeply into Peter Parker's mind (and heart) and brings a lot more drama into the film with it. The mysterious relationship with Mary Jane Watson, along with the stress of working, paying the rent on his less-than-spacious apartment, and his grades slipping leads Peter to rethink his purpose in life.
Peter decides that he has too much on his plate and needs to do what is important to him. This leads to a great scene in the movie with the musical accompaniment of BJ Thomas' "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head."
The amazing special effects from the first movie return and are even more awe-inspiring this time around. The action is just as good and the story is better. The transitions from heart-pounding action to heart-wrenching drama are extremely well done and makes the movie likable on so many levels. The film did a good job tying up all the loose ends while still leaving some openings for the third installment.
This is a good summer flick for people of all ages, there really is something everyone can appreciate in the movie. I don't think fans of the original or of the comic book series have anything to be disappointed in from this effort.
8 out of 10.