SPIDER-MAN 2
****1/2 out of *****
Reviewed by Finger_Of_DOOM

Genres
Action
Superheroes

2004
Directed by
Sam Raimi
Written by
Stan Lee and Steve Ditko (comic book)
Alfred Gough & Miles Millar and Michael Chabon (screen story)
Alvin Sargent (screenplay)
Cast
Tobey Maguire .... Spider-Man/Peter Parker
Kirsten Dunst .... Mary Jane Watson
James Franco .... Harry Osborn
Alfred Molina .... Doc Ock/Dr. Otto Octavius
Rosemary Harris .... May Parker
J.K. Simmons .... J. Jonah Jameson
Donna Murphy .... Rosalie Octavius
Daniel Gillies .... John Jameson
Dylan Baker .... Dr. Curt Connors
Bill Nunn .... Joseph 'Robbie' Robertson
Vanessa Ferlito .... Louise
Aasif Mandvi .... Mr. Aziz
Willem Dafoe .... Green Goblin/Norman Osborn

Following the mega success of Spider-Man it was a no brainier that a sequel would be in production sooner rather than later. With all the behind-the-scenes crew back for another spin, director Sam Raimi was set and ready to go when an unexpected hitch slowed the production down just a smidge. Their star, Tobey Maguire, had reportedly been having back problems after the intensely gruelling and physically demanding role of Red Pollard in Seabiscuit and at one stage Raimi had lined up Jake Gyllenhaal to replace Maguire if need be. But all was eventually right and Maguire showed up for work as usual, although the film’s release was pushed back from May to June, a whole month longer for fans to wait for what was gearing up as the most anticipated movie event of the summer. Things were rolling smoothly with all preliminary cast back in place; Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris and J.K. Simmons all returned as Mary Jane Watson, Harry Osborn, Aunt May and J. Jonah Jameson respectively. The cast got a few new additions along the way, most notably the new villain Doc Ock played by talented actor Alfred Molina.

A rigorous filming schedule began in New York in April of 2003 to make the June 30 2004 start date and included shooting action set pieces on intricate sets and soundstages, as well as blue and green screen effects work, miniatures and stunt work. Spider-Man 2 opened to not only rave critical and fan reviews but was also met with the same admiration at the box office, taking in a record breaking $40,500,000 million in its open weekend and grossing over $370 million in the US alone. This made it one of the biggest films of all time and it also surpassed the original film both at the box office but also in the film itself which was better and bigger than the first.

Spider-Man 2 takes place roughly a year after the first film left off. Peter Parker is consumed with his alter ego and his personal life is slipping away including his relationship with Mary Jane who is experiencing success in her acting career with an ad campaign as well as starring in a stage production. Meanwhile, Peter’s friend Harry Osborn is now CEO of his father’s company, OsCorp, and is in the process of rebuilding it to its former glory, this time with his investment in a scientist, Otto Octavius, and his creation of a new energy source. During a demonstration of the machine a terrible accident occurs killing Otto’s wife and scientific partner and transforming the genius scientist into the devastating Doc Ock. With mechanical tentacles now fused to his body which can take control of his mind, Doc Ock is on a mission to complete his fusion machine but he is in need to of single resource that only Harry possess, so the two strike a deal for Spider-Man’s demise.

Spider-Man 2 is in every way more exhilarating, fun, action packed, and adventure filled than the first. Raimi has chosen not to follow in the same vein as other big budget superhero films of the past with overexposed action and no central heart or theme such as the later two “Batman” films, but instead create an adventure that is grounded in reality in terms of the human characters, which is where this film’s roots are the strongest. The idea that Peter Parker is an just like anyone else with real problems and issues is clearly outlined in this story, making him not only a realistic character but one that the audience can also relate to. This is something deeply rooted in the source material that fans have grown to love over the years. This truly one of those cases where the filmmaker is aware of what his subject matter is about and demonstrates a genuine care for it. Being a fan of the series from youth, Raimi was the best choice for bringing the webhead to the screen. Taking time to develop this flawed individual and his exploits as Spider-Man is at its core the essence of what makes these films so successful, and it’s nice to see that no matter how overblown the budget has become the art of telling a story is still taken very seriously. While at the same time you’ll still see some terrific special effects that will blow you away including the main villain Doc Ock, wonderfully brought to life by experienced and talented stage and screen character actor Molina.

While the action is like taking a ride on the world’s fastest and coolest roller coaster the relationships that are presented on screen between the principal cast is the real icing on the cake. Of course what would a superhero film be without your occasional helping of cheesy dialogue? While this film does include its fair share, the overall sense of cheesiness is outweighed by the emotional impact shared between MJ and Peter. Stylistically, the film has gone leaps and bounds over the original, the swinging Spidey is flawless melded with the actual stunt work and both the real and created backgrounds that make up New York. Artistically and technically, Spider-Man 2 swings way ahead of the first and I honestly can’t wait to see what Raimi and company have in store for us in the third and supposedly last instalment of this already awesome film franchise.

Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here.

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