A far more satisfying outing for our favourite web-head

Rating: 9/10 (17 April 2006)

Having just recently written a review for the original Spider-Man, I decided to continue the trend with Part 2. Something I'm all too eager to do, since in my opinion, Spider-Man 2 is considerably superior, and offers up a much more multi-layered adventure.
Picking up two years where the original left off (and for any newcomers, there's a nicely animated prologue through the opening credits), Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is between jobs as a pizza delivery boy, photographer for the Daily Bugle, continuing his studies at university, and living up to his responsibilities as Spider-Man.
That's a lot of things for one man to do. And not surprisingly, it's getting him down. Peter's web-slinging is constantly getting in the way, causing him to lose his job as a pizza boy, his grades are starting to suffer, and putting a strain on his friendships with Mary-Jane (Kirsten Dunst) and Harry Osborn (James Franco).
MJ is sick of Peter standing her up all the time, and has gotten engaged to astronaut John Jameson, son of (gasp!), J.Jonah Jameson! As for Harry, he is still bitter over his father's death at the hands of Spider-Man, and since Peter takes so many pictures, Harry assumes he's covering for him. And then there's Aunt May (Rosemary Harris). The bank is threatening to foreclose on her house. And if all that weren't enough, Peter's powers are suddenly fading in and out for some (wisely never explained) reason.
All this has plunged our hero into the teen equivalent of a mid-life crisis. Peter is left with one inescapable conclusion. It's time to give up Spider-Man. Bad timing! Dr Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), a respected scientist, is working on an experiment with creating a ball of self-sustaining energy combined with nuclear fusion. To stabilise the experiment, he uses mechanical limbs. But the experiment proves unworkable, causing the lab to explode, and fusing the limbs to Octavius's body. Thus Dr Octopus is born!
The metal limbs seem to have taken on a life of their own, and have made Dr Octopus (or Doc Ock as he's affectionately known) mentally unstable. Refusing to give up on his experiments, he turns to a life of crime, rebuilding his lab, and won't allow anyone to stand in his way. Making a deal with Harry, Doc Ock will deliver him Spider-Man in exchange for what he needs to try again. Even if it means kidnapping Mary-Jane.
Phew! That was quite a bit of plot developments to write about. But I feel it was necessary, because it proves how much is going on in this film compared to the last one. Sam Raimi has polished his act, and crafted a superhero film that is much more accomplished. The characters are fleshed out more, Raimi has broadened his horizons, shaken out the flaws the original had, and Spider-Man 2 is all the better for it.
Raimi's direction is damn near flawless this time round. Where the first one wandered about a bit aimlessly from time to time, here everything comes together in a most satisfying way. Tobey Maguire again is spot-on as Peter Parker, especially since he gets more exposure than Spider-Man. And he also seems more confident in the suit too, bringing an electrically charged fierce determination that lights up the screen.
Kirsten Dunst is much improved too. She had a tendency to be an annoying screamer last time. She still does occasionally, but not as much, and brings a more feisty side to MJ that makes her an appealing love interest.
Alfred Molina is wonderful as Doc Ock. He turns the character into a tragic figure. A man who had a great job, a beautiful wife, and then lost it all through science gone bad. Sort of similar to Peyton Westlake in Raimi's Darkman. Doc Ock is very intimidating with his metal limbs, stomping the ground announcing his presence (Jurassic Park?). He looks very impressive, and makes more of an impression then Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin.
James Franco is also much improved from last time. He was the most annoying character in Part 1 because of his insipid sulkiness. Here he channels it into his passion for eliminating Spider-Man. The two best scenes for him are when he unmasks Spider-Man. A rare case where the trailers don't lie. And the very creepy scene where Norman Osborn's ghost (or possibly Harry's growing instability) appears to Harry and shows him his destiny.
Fortunately, Aunt May isn't shortchanged. She does wonders with the scenes she's given. The moment where Peter confesses his part in Uncle Ben's death is marvellous. The look on Rosemary Harris's face is unforgettable. A sign that the relationship between her and Peter may never be the same again.
And J.K. Simmons is given more to do as J. Jonah Jameson. Again chewing on the scenery. Stealing every scene he's in. Last time he just disappeared from the film. Here he's in it right up until the end. And I'm certainly not complaining.
The action scenes are far more ambitious too like the storyline. The two most memorable ones are Spider-Man trying to stop a runaway train, and the final battle with Doc Ock. The train scene is pulse-pounding entertainment, and you feel just as tense as Spidey does. And Doc Ock finally regaining control is gratifying, and even makes him seem heroic in his last moments.
All the plot threads are neatly woven, and lead up to the wonderful climax. MJ discovers the truth. Where will this lead? We'll have to wait. But hints are dropped at this stage at the possible directions. I can hardly wait for Part 3.
Spider-Man 2 is a triumph on all levels. All the main characters get an effective payoff, and even Willem Dafoe and Cliff Robertson make cameos. Sam Raimi has crafted a far superior film, and makes the wait unbearable for the next exciting instalment.