Spider-man 2 proves once again that there is hope for Superhero sequels. The film continues the stunning sequel trend set forth by X-men 2 and delivers the audience with a great piece of storytelling. Spider-man 2 succeeds its predecessor in the depth of the story, caliber of action, and the development of the characters.
It starts out with the perfect example of Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) struggling to keep a job as simple as pizza delivery (no offense delivery men, I thank you for your hard work) as the pressures of superhero service continue to interfere with his ability to keep on task. On top of that, his socially inept character has forbidden him from actively pursuing the gal of his dreams, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). Peter is struck with lovelorn when he discovers, after a particularly hilarious bit outside of a theater performance, that Mary Jane has moved on and is love with someone else. On top of that: she's engaged. Oh does the plot thickening never cease to...thicken...
Scholastically, Peter's life isn't much better as he has an overdue project on a famous scientist Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina). Otto has proposed an infinitely renewable power source a la mini-suns. Unfortunately, Otto has miscalculated (but...Otto never miscalculates) and the project ends up with hideous results. The 4 mechanical appendages he created to help him manage the mini solar flares of the energy source have fused to his nervous system turning him into some half-man, half-octopus, half-machine villain. Why is he suddenly villainous you ask? Plot device. AND...because the artificial intelligence of the octopus arms has encroached upon his own mind giving him evil impulses.
Finally, Peter is dealing with his ex-friend Harry Osborne (James Franco), who's late father played by Willem Defoe, was killed as he played bad guy in the guise of the Green Goblin. How unfortunate. And after the closing events of Spider-man, wherein Harry sees Spider-man delivering his father's corpse to the comfortable couch in the Osborn mansion, Harry has it in for Spidey and anyone who conveniently takes pictures of him for the Daily Bugle (that means Peter Parker...pay attention).
The plot runs...thick...and yet the film handles all of the twists and turns of the superhero's life with little error. The stars keep the characters enjoyable and the action keeps you on the edge of your seat. Which is criminal really, since you paid for the entire seat...and you're only using the edge. What gives? Discount?
Tobey Maguire is believable and a true delight in his reprise of Tobey Maguire. Spider-man 2 gives Peter Parker much more depth allowing the character to resent the heroic mantle thrust upon him by the haunting words of his late Uncle Ben. "With great power comes great responsibility." What a guilt trip. If only Ben knew that would mean his nephew would risk life and limb every night to fulfill his cranky dead uncle's wishes. I doubt he realized the impact of his words. Talk about shortsighted, no?
Kirsten Dunst has caught her breath just in time to scream again. And oh what a scream fest Spider-man 2 has prepared for us. Granted, this time Mary Jane isn't the only screamer as Alvin Sargent deemed it necessary for every woman who appears on screen to have seizures of the voice box whenever danger rears its ugly head. But Mary Jane satisfies and thus I give Dunst the credit. She develops the character giving her sympathy and reason for not waiting around until the clumsy awkward Peter gets the nerve to make a move.
The true star of the story is Alfred Molina as the unfortunate multi-armed villain. Molina gives the character soul making him less an evil shell and more a tragic character whose circumstances seem out of his control. While Spider-man's villains are noted for keeping this tragic characteristic, Molina gives the concept an added edge and an air of sophistication and credibility to what could otherwise have been a horribly silly film.
Bruce Campbell makes another appearance, this time as the hilarious lobby-guy at Mary Jane's theater production. Oh the hijinx. The brilliance of Campbell's performance is just astounding, he's so funny. Also making the typical cameo appearance is Stan lee. Of course.
Spider-man 2 is a spectacular Superhero flick that sets a high bar for future graphic novel flicks of all kinds. Acting, special effects, soundtrack, and plot all come together to create, albeit a long, but beautiful symphony of flawed characters and blockbuster action. Good job, comic book movie genre, you've delivered once again, even if Peter Parker can't (joke referring to events in the movie. How clever I am).
"Spider-Man 2" opens June 30, 2004 and is rated PG13. Action, Comedy. Directed by Sam Raimi. Written by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar and Michael Chabon (screenplay), Alvin Sargent (screenplay). Starring Alfred Molina, Bruce Campbell, Dylan Baker, Elizabeth Banks, JK Simmons, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst, Rosemary Harris, Tobey Maguire.
