Spiderman 2

Release Date: June 30, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for stylized action violence
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Alfred Molina, Brooke Adams, Dylan Baker, Elizabeth Banks, Bruce Campbell, Daniel Gillies, Donna Murphy, Vanessa Ferlito, Ted Raimi

Plot:
Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man returns in the sequel to the record-breaking blockbuster movie debut for Marvel Comics' flagship character. Tobey Maguire returns as Peter Parker, the nerd-turned-hero, to face new threats to New York City and the people he loves.

Review:
He slings his webs on buildings and faces off with Doctor Octopus, a multi-tentacled menace. Sounds simple, but it isn't at all. Heres a superhero film that shows both sides of spiderman, as a hero and as a human being. There are plenty of other superhero films that lack any sense of feelings and background for the person behind the mask and costume, but Spiderman 2 has it right.

In a comedic fashion, Peter Parker strolls around the city to his home and to his college like a clumsy man. If anyone has known the history of Peter Parker then they would know it to be accurate. There is comedy in Spiderman 2 that is effective and very much needed, but its a shame that there is also a point in which it reaches an unnecessary sense for comedy.

There is a couple of scenes of instrument playing and signing that was used for comedy which was wholly unnecessary. To not ruin points as such, I will refrain from exposing the scenes. It sure was bother, but not something that beat down the film because it was simply a small obstacle in what was experienced well throughout the film.

Actor Tobey Maguire has an incredible sense of innocence that it almost seems like he is overacting. With a character that is lonely, clumsy and has to save the world everyday, one can only imagine the state they would be in. It seems a bit forced for Tobey to act in the beginning of things, but once the film reaches its mid point, that all changes.

It can only be said that his performance is acceptable, but not great. His presence is great and his baby face matches well with Spiderman. Something that the X-Men films have trouble with is having a big chunk of time for each character. This isn't a problem with Spiderman 2 because the focus of hero is only one and the focus for the villain is simply one.

Because of this, the film gets to concentrate on Peter Parker and his life. To add to that, of course it gets to show the villain side of things and Mary Jane. The villain in Spiderman 2, Doctor Octopus is played by Alfred Molina who gets a handful of screentime with his tentacles already intact. Its only so, that there isn't as much a development as The Green Goblin had in the original Spiderman.

Spiderman 2 overall is more on delivering than developing. Which can certainly be a good thing, considering this is the second film and the introduction has been done already. And one of the right things it does is having Spiderman choose either crime fighting or love. Mary Jane Watson played by Kirsten Dunst is of course the love interest and things move quickly with her.

Sam Raimi is once again in the Director's chair and he knows how to do his job well. With plenty of thrills and a nice mix of drama and action, Raimi has made an enjoyable and memorable film. His direction at times is beautiful and even stunning. Even when Spidey's webslinging becomes repetitive, it still is a joy and the strong filmmaking is present.

I want to go ahead and name the few flaws that Spiderman 2 does have which prevents it from being the best summer film. However, with doing so I will ruin for those who have yet to see the film. To not spoil it and let those who have not seen the film read this, I will simply say that the trust in which people give is not enough to continue on without wondering.

That should pretty much explain what I am saying was wrong with the film. Along with the rushed love sequences, that is really all Spiderman 2 lacks. Even with all of Spiderman 2 flaws, there is no stopping this solid summer flick and it will certainly do justice to everyone. Sam Raimi for the most part gets it right with this film, if a couple of misfires.

Spiderman 2 is fun, entertaining and better than a lot of the summer films of the year. The movie has a sense of never stopping and gripping you straight from the opening scene. Its basically entertainment at its finest with a strong story to balance everything out. However, It almost seems Spiderman 2 came and delivered too much and this might be Spiderman at its peak. I fear the turnout of Spiderman 3, hopefully it will prove me wrong.