Review - Spider-Man 2

"Spider-Man 2" is the sequel to the popular comic book movie, "Spider-Man."
We once again join up with our old friend Peter Parker...who now struggles through his complicated double life. He tries the usual things...holding down a job, taking care of his Aunt May, making time for Mary Jane Watson...but when you're also trying to save the world as Spider-Man...it gets a little hectic. Peter gets a chance to meet one of the great scientists of the world, Doctor Otto Octavius. Dr. Octavius is about to experiment with a highly unstable element...and has four metallic arms to assist him. Unfortunately, an accident leaves his wife dead...and the arms permanently fused to his body. Going mad from the input from the arms, Octavius transforms into the evil Dr. Octopus. As if that isn't enough for Spider-Man to deal with...he must also contend with Harry Osborn, his best friend who blames Spider-Man for the death of his father (who we all know was the Green Goblin...except Harry does not know this). It all becomes too much for Spider-Man...who hangs up his costume and turns his back on his life as a super-hero. Will he unretire in time to save the city from Dr. Octopus?
Many people consider "Spider-Man 2" to be better than the original. There is a deeper storyline, which focuses on Peter's dual existance...and the toll it takes on his life. One can only imagine what that must be like...to live with such amazing abilities...but to have to pay such a high price for having them. Tobey Maguire gives an outstanding performance as the ever-conflicted Peter/Spider-Man...to the point where you can feel for him wanting to go back to his "normal life" as a college science geek. Alfred Molina also gives a great performance as Octavius/Doc Ock...a classic case of a man who isn't truly a bad guy...but extraordinary circumstances have driven him to do things he ordinarily would not do.
As with the first movie, the special effects are fantastic and the action sequences are top-notch. But again, it is the performances that set this one apart from the original.
For a web-slinging good time, "Spider-Man 2" is second to none.
Starring - Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, and Donna Murphy. Directed by Sam Raimi.
Time - 2 hours, 7 minutes. Rated - PG-13 (Action movie violence, some language)