Spider-Man 2review by Russ Breimeier |
posted 6/30/2004
2 of 5
Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina) is about to turn into something very nasty
Ah, right, Dr. Octopus—how could I forget? Here's even more evidence that Spider-Man is focused on the right things: unlike Batman and other films, the spotlight is on the hero, and the villain is secondary. Octavius' experiments go awry, fusing a set of mechanical tentacles to his body and giving him a Jekyll & Hyde type disorder. It's a bit creepy the way the filmmakers infuse these robotic arms with their own personality, as if they were living snake-like creatures, and many will find this sympathetic villain a more fearsome foe than the Green Goblin. Indeed, his escape from a hospital in which he attacks (kills?) several doctors plays out like a sci-fi horror movie—the action is intense, but it's nearly bloodless.
A showdown between Spidey and Doc Ock
Spidey's battles with Doc Ock are vital to the movie's action, but they're not the heart of the film. This is really about the nature of heroism, making the choice to either use one's gifts for the benefit of mankind or to ignore them and let someone else worry about the world's problems. Must Parker forever heed his uncle's advice ("With great power comes great responsibility"), or can he pursue his dreams and still do what's right? Can he do both?
Kudos to director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead) for making a film that is entertaining from practically every angle. The special effects are somewhat improved from the first movie, giving viewers a more seamless distinction between fantasy and reality; though you can tell that many of the effects are computer generated, you'd expect Spider-Man to move with the fluid agility of animation. This is not a wall-to-wall action movie, but the thrills are there without dumbing down the story or resorting to extreme violence.
It's also a very touching and dramatic film, and I think most will also be surprised at how genuinely funny it is. There are scenes with Spidey in an elevator and at the local Laundromat that are played to great comedic effect. Longtime Raimi actor Bruce Campbell also makes another Spider-Man cameo, this time as the world's most annoying theater usher. And J.K. Simmons (The Ladykillers) as Jameson steals nearly every scene he's in, perfectly capturing the news editor's manic egotism and belligerence. The filmmakers have wisely given him more screen time for this film, and they could use him even more for the next.
Spider-Man saves the day … and Aunt May (Rosemary Harris)
The quibbles with this movie are so small, even the most fanatical of comic book geeks can overlook them. Spider-Man is not given nearly enough of his funny wisecracks, probably because he's so miserable in this film. The script lays it on a little thick when it builds upon Parker's troubles, as well as delivering the corny (but true) speeches about doing the right thing. The best action in the film is mostly seen in the trailers, and much of the action you haven't seen is too similar to that of the first film. It would have been nice to see one or two truly awe-inspiring scenes of something new.
But never mind those things. This is a fun movie—a crowd-pleaser surprisingly wholesome in content and appealing to a broad audience (though I recommend parents at least consider the PG-13 rating because of the action's intensity). Columbia has already slated Spider-Man 3 for 2007—astute fans of Spider-Man folklore will note that they've left the door open for as many as three possible villains in the next movie. Frankly, I think they should make several more of these films, as they're likely to get better with time. Here's hoping Tobey Maguire, who has committed to Spidey 3, is up for even more. Like his cinematic alter ego, he should accept his destiny as Spider-Man, hands down the best comic book franchise on film.
Talk About It
Discussion starters
- Why do bad things happen to good people? Can we escape our problems by insulating ourselves or shirking responsibilities?
- Are we defined by our actions or the people we spend time with? What roles do responsibility and duty play in shaping our identity?
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