By Leonard A. Fiore
Your friendly neighborhood Spiderman is back and swinging high in Spiderman II. The sequel to the 2002 blockbuster brings back familiar faces and a new nemesis. Tobey Maguire reprises the role as Spiderman / Peter Parker, not only facing a new villain, but going through a dilemma of his own. Kirsten Dunst, as Mary Jane Watson, returns along with James Franco as Harry Osborn, Rosemary Harris as Aunt May, and J.K. Simmons as the relentless Daily Bugle editor, J. Jonah Jameson.
Spider-Man’s new nemesis Doc Ock, a man with four mechanical tentacles and played by Alfred Molina, is a better villain than the Green Goblin from the first movie. Sam Raimi used the right chemistry and focus on the main character in the first Spiderman movie. He does these things even better in the sequel, not only making Spiderman / Peter Parker a much stronger person going through a lot, but also working the same magic on the other returning characters from the first film. The action sequences, including Spiderman’s confrontation with Doc Ock, are impressive and eye-catching. I liked this sequel for its unexpected surprises and the plot’s tight focus on the main character. Those who are not fans of Spiderman should see this sequel anyway for how great it is. But be sure to see the first movie, if you have not seen it yet.
Siderman II is not only a better film than the first, but one of the best superhero films I have ever seen. The wait was well worth it. This film has fast-paced movements in the action sequences, yet those with visual impairment of any kind should not have any difficulties viewing this film. Spiderman II hit stores on November 30th
Spiderman II is Rated PG-13.
