Spider-Man 2 (2004)
This summer a man will face his destiny. A hero will be revealed
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Donna Murphy, Daniel Gillies, Dylan Baker, Bill Nunn, Vanessa Ferlito, Aasif Mandvi, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, Ted Raimi
Director: Sam Raimi
Running Time: 127 minutes
US MPAA rating: PG-13UK BBFC rating: PG
Action, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Even if film franchises adapted from comic books have the advantage that their source material comes readymade in serial form, it is always difficult to carry off a successful sequel - which must be both similar enough to the previous film to remind viewers of what they liked first time round, but different enough to avoid the diminishing returns of pure repetition. Certainly 'Spider-Man 2' retreads all the themes of the first film - earnest, awkward Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire), now in college, must learn once again about the responsibility that comes with power, struggle to find room in his webslinging schedule for a personal life, and defeat yet another mutated human enemy (Doc Ock, played by Alfred Molina) who is imperilling New York City and, more particularly, Peter's aunt May (Rosemary Harris) and best friend Mary-Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) - all of which is woven around the evolving soap opera of Peter's difficult relationship with Mary-Jane.
The team of screenwriters for 'Spiderman 2' has opted to go the way of 'Superman 2', unmasking our hero to his girl, and having him renounce his superpowers for a more ordinary life, only to return to the fray when he sees the consequences of his absence (a plot in fact as old as Homer's 'Iliad'). Yet 'Spider-Man 2' really works. For a start, still in the director's chair is Sam Raimi, who once again demonstrates an ability to craft excellent sequels, as he did with his 'Evil Dead' series (fans of which will be delighted by Bruce 'Ash' Campbell's hilarious cameo in 'Spider-Man 2' as an officious theatre usher).
The film strikes just the right balance between dizzying aerial action (with special effects and high-flying fisticuffs far more heart-stopping than in the original) and grounded human drama, so that we get to know the characters (even the villains) enough actually to empathise with what happens to them. Parker's superpowers may distinguish him from everyone else, but the film focusses far more on his human vulnerabilities, like losing his job, struggling to pay the rent, falling behind in university - and these failings and inner conflicts, far from disappearing whenever he dons his Spider-Man costume, continue to haunt him as he fights crime, even making him (temporarily, of course) lose his super mojo. Indeed, the costume itself brings its own set of comic problems, staining the rest of his clothes red at the local laundromat and causing him to complain of itching and tightness in the crotch. Such banal details bring Parker down to the earth that the rest of us inhabit, and suggest that his (and our) adventures in everyday life can be just as heroic as his acrobatic wrestles with Doc Ock.
Production on the first
It's Got: A modest, serious, yet goofy hero; a villain whose eight limbs and inner conflicts make him a close-fitting match for Spider-Man himself; a stylishly horrifying image (that is straight out of Dario Argento) of a screaming face reflected in the flying sherds of glass that are about to hit it; breath-taking stuntwork and special effects; some knowing humour (Aunt May throwing out Parker's 'dreadful' comic books, an usher declaring "no-one will be seated after the doors are closed - it helps maintain the illusion", a busker singing the old 'Spider-Man' song, and the question being raised of how much money the Spider-suit could make on e-bay).
It Needs: To be seen by the Bush administration (and is not James Franco's character Harry Osborn - made rich and powerful on his father's merits rather than his own and determined to carry out vengeance on his father's behalf despite the destructive consequences - a sly mirror of Bush Jr?)
Alternatives: Spider-Man, Superman 2
Summary: Superlative Spidey sequel, with a considered moral response to 9/11 that is distinctly lacking in America's political leadership.
External Links
Official Web Site
Spider-Man 2 at the IMDB
Comments5 Comments |
| I never like writing bad reviews so I apologise if people disagree with me . I don't like spiderman 2 the plot seems absurd and it seems to be they same film as the previous one but with a diffrent villain. I appreatiate the bush 911 message but that isn't enough for me alone. I prefer the BATMAN franchise. |
| Comment by:- grant | | 28 August 2004 | ip: logged |
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| Comment by:- kevin strilchuk | | 01 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| spiderman 2 is an amazing film. its better than the first film. i would rate this film 10?10. the storyline of the film is very good, the stunts , the visual effects and direction is excellent. well, spiderman 3(2007) will be more interesting, it should be more better than part 2. |
| Comment by:- Anonymous | | 10 September 2004 | ip: logged |
| the movie rocks |
| Comment by:- kayla | | 25 October 2004 | ip: logged |
| A great follow up to the original Spider-Man release, Spider-Man 2 has all the special effects and action found in the original. Toby Maguire comes across as a relatable superhero -- much like Christopher Reeve in the Superman films. A good night's entertainment... |
| Comment by:- gilletbd1977 | www.thedvdreport.com/dvd_revie... | 19 January 2005 | ip: logged |
