Spider-Man 2 is a 2004 film directed by Sam Raimi and it stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Alfred Molina, and J.K. Simmons. This is the sequel to the blockbuster hit of the first film and this film was a blockbuster hit as well. The film is about Spider-Man trying to have a normal life as he fights Doctor Octopus as the villain.
Opening Thoughts:
As like the first film, I grew up watching Spider-Man 2 as well. I first found out about this movie by watching a TV ad of the film. I was watching the series finale episode of Friends and when the commercial came on, they played the TV spot of the film. I was so hyped when I first saw the TV ad. Nowadays it’s easy to know what movies are being made, etc because of social media. But back in 2004, you either had to find out by TV or if someone told you about it. At least that was my case. So when I found out Spider-Man 2 was going to be released soon, I just couldn’t wait to see it. I saw the film in theaters during my vacation at Chicago and it was an amazing experience. When the DVD of the film came out, I got it and saw it numerous of times along with the first film. I love Spider-Man 2 more than the first film and I think majority of people would say the same thing.
The Positives:
Spider-Man 2 is not just a really good movie, it’s a GREAT movie. The main great thing about this film is the plot. Peter is having trouble to have a normal life while being Spider-Man and on top of that he has to face Doctor Octopus as the villain. The scene where he gives up being Spider-Man was a definite highlight of the film. I think that scene alone really showed how great this film is. We’ve been used to the first movie of Peter being the iconic superhero before this movie came out. But after this movie, majority of people would agree him giving up as Spider-Man took everyone off guard. The scene where Peter puts his costume in the trash and walks away is iconic since this transpired in the comics as well. The action scenes especially the train fight between Spidey and Doc Ock was top notch. The scene where Spidey takes off his mask and saves the civilians on the train is probably the second best moment of the film. The scene showed that people of New York City needs Spider-Man as their beloved hero. The scene where Aunt May gives a lecture to Peter how there’s a hero in all of us is also a powerful moment of the movie. The pacing was well balanced and Danny Elfman’s score of the film makes the movie come to life once again! The main titles that had Elfman’s legendary theme was clever since it showed several montages to sum up the first movie. There was a lot of character development in this movie with all the main characters that was introduced in the first film. Tobey Maguire nails it once again as Peter and Spidey. His character no doubt had the best character development in this movie. He learns more of what it takes to be a superhero and he learns he has to make sacrifices to do what’s right. Peter’s best friend Harry probably has the second best character development. After what transpired in this movie, it becomes really personal between Harry and Peter. Mary Jane, J. Jonah Jameson, and Aunt May also had good character development and you love the characters more in this movie than the first film. You also understand Doctor Octopus’ motives as well as a villain and he also shined in this movie. The scene where Spidey explains to him what is right and making sacrifices as a person while he was unmasked was a great scene.
The Negatives:
I actually have no issues or even nitpicks with this movie. The film is a true stellar!
The Verdict:
Spider-Man 2 is no doubt one of the best comic book films of all time. It’s definitely the best of the trilogy but it is not my favorite of the trilogy. I will reveal which movie of the trilogy is my favorite when I do my review of the third film. I’m going to rate Spider-Man 2 five out of five stars. The film is no doubt a masterpiece! If you haven’t seen Spider-Man 2 yet, I would highly recommend it! You’ll be beyond satisfied!
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Stay tuned for my next movie review and that is the final sequel of the Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Spider-Man 3! 🙂
A truly great movie. Not just superhero one. Nice review.
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Thank you so much. I highly agree. It’s just a great movie in general. It’s one of those rare sequels that’s actually better than the first film. Nowadays, it’s usually the first film that is better than the sequel.
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