And Away We Go!

As promised, I'm about to hit you up with my thoughts on that spider-Man 2 flik. So, yeah, definite spoiler warning, right here.

Hope you saw that, cuz I'm gonna ruin the movie for you.




Okay, to start with, the entire main cast from the first film returns. Yes, the ENTIRE main cast, including the two people we thought we'd never see again. To some that's great, but there are those out there who dislike Tobey (Dorian is one, over at postmodernbarney) and I can see their point, but personally I think he's pretty good. James Franco still doesn't get enough screen time (that may change come Spidey 3) and, IMO Kirsten Dunst gets far too much. Her MJ doesn't do anything for me, and while I think she's a talented actress, her portrayal of this role is just all wrong (See Dino P's blog, tho you may have to scroll down a bit, he tends to agree with me, or maybe I agree with him!) Aunt May is great, except that Raimi has her playing her character a bit over the top at times (moreso in the first film than this one). Simmons returns as Daily Bugle publisher Jameson, and gets even more screen time, thankfully. He's probably the most perfectly cast role I've ever seen. He takes over any scene he's a part of immediately, including an important MJ moment at the end of the film Campbell makes another cameo, this time as an usher, and turns in another hilarious performance. Bill Nunn returns to the role of Robbie Robertson, one of Pete's few friends at the Bugle, and still doesn't get enough screen time. I'm hoping his role becomes much bigger in the next film. Ted Raimi returns as well, playing great off of simmons Jameson, just like in the first film. Also we have Elizabeth Banks returning as Miss Brant. We even have the return (of sorts) of Spidey's future nemesis in Dr. Conners, his one arm and all. The big surprises were Cliff Robertson returning as Uncle Ben, albeit in a dream sequence, but it becomes a pivotal point in the film, as does Norman Osbournes appearance. Yeah, that one shocked me. Unlike Norman's portrayal of madness, it seems Harry's will be played a bit more seriously, for that I'm grateful. So, like I said, the entire main cast makes return appearances, and I for one think it's probably more a testament to Raimi's directing, and his likeableness (is that a word?)anything else. Now, for the new guy on the block, Dr. Octavius, played brilliantly by Alfred Molina. Next to JJ Jameson's scenes, Doc's are hands down the best. His few moments with Peter were great, his relationship with his wife, the few exchanges he has with Harry, his eventual turn as a villain, the fight scenes, his decent into madness, his realization that he is in fact mad. All of it, great, perfect. This is perfect casting, and Molina proves why he is definitely the best actor in the film. He rarely comes off as campy, and brings life to a character that I've always hated.

Now, onto the plot! If you've seen the trailer, I'm sure you know pretty much what the film is about, which is sad really, because it probably would've had a greater emotional effect had you not known going into the film. So, Peter gives up his life as Spider-Man, essentially turning his back on those in need (and even does so on screen at one point, which was hard to watch) for a chance at a normal life. What he doesn't realize is that the people around him have basically moved on with their lives, Harry has become a brooding alcoholic, and MJ has found another love, while Autn May is becoming homeless. I did like the fact that it seemed no matter which life he chose, someone was going to suffer because of it. He neglected his friends and family as Spider-Man, and neglects the people of the city with his choice to be Peter Parker. Makes for an interesting dilemma. Ock's motivations are pretty simple (maybe a bit too simple) but Molina's so great you almost forget about them. Somewhat like the first X-Men film, where Magneto wants to turn everyone into a mutant, not exactly a great plot there, but the performance is good enough that you can forgive the lack of real motivation for the character. Still, it's better than the stuff they gave DaFoe in the first film, a lot better. MJ seems almost pointless, I would've much rather seen Peter interested in a new girl, trying to move on past her maybe. Harry's perfectly written and acted, I just wish he'd gotten more screen time. Like all comic based films, it's sure to have a few moments of hokeyness, and this one does. Fortunately they aren't drawn out, and when the action picks up you tend to forget them, if even for a moment. I did have my problems with the subway scene, seeing as a bunch of people now know what the hell Spidey looks like. Raimi seems to insist on keeping moments like this (like the scene towards the end of the first film) in the picture, and they are hokey. Somewhat touching, but still hokey as hell. All in all though, the script is great, and in some cases it's saved by the acting.

The special effects are leaps and bounds over the first film, and the fight scenes look dynamic. The puppeteering and CGI mix on Doc Ock's arms blend flawlessly. Speaking of, the tentacle operators and Molina worked well together. That may sound stupid, but when you watch the film you never feel like Molina is uncomfortable with the fact that he's working with puppets. He helps bring the tentacles to life, and the puppeteers did a damn good job.

That about sums up the basic stuff. Overall this is a damn good superhero film, far, far, better than the original. All things considered, when compared to the first film it might just be the best sequel ever made. However, much like the material (and characters) that inspired the film, it has its flaws, but if you can accept that, and just say that the flaws are part of the films character, then you should come out of the theatre smiling. If nothing else, your kids (if you have them) will love it.

-L