Review of Spider-Man 2 (2004) by Harry W — 31 Jul 2016

With Spider-Man (2002) presenting a new standard for the superhero blockbuster film, Spider-Man 2 had a lot of success to live up to.

The story structure to Spider-Man 2 is very much the same as its predecessor. Peter Parker is struggling with standard issues of youth; he's having difficulties with his education and he can't balance everything with a proper work life all while his love of Mary Jane Watson is constantly on his conscience. There is much to the film which comes off as being familiar, but the story finds a way to expand upon what was begun in the first Spider-Man by displaying Peter Parker's struggles to live up to the name of the superhero he has created. We see him struggling to with an identity crisis; an inability to exist in the form of a human being trying to live the life of an everyman while also having to be New York's go-to hero in times of crisis. It's quite a compelling story to watch and the script really raises some interesting concepts regarding Peter Parker and the management of his relationship with Mary Jane Watson. The script in Spider-Man 2 is rich in characterization, ensuring that the experience is compelling. Yet at the same time, Sam Raimi keeps the charming tone of the first film to ensure that this sequel doesn't sacrifice the goofy fun charm of its predecessor.

As the film focuses on developing what has already been established by the origin story of the first Spider-Man film, Sam Raimi makes the effort to have fun with the universe he has already established. He does it with a greater exploration of style, bringing over the same sense of imagery which empowered the first film. The grand scope of scenery gives the film an appropriately large scale story and the cinematography captures everything as a sweeping spectacle. And while Spider-Man was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, Spider-Man 2 actually won the award. It's clear that the visual effects quality has stepped it up since the last film as there is far more detail in the design of the characters. The detail in the mechanical limbs of Doctor Octopus' suit is brilliant while the familiar sights of Spider-Man swinging across the city are bolstered by a far more detailed design of it all. Of course its the action scenes where the visual experience really shines. Effectively mixing actual stunt choreography with visual effects, Spider-Man 2 has a lot of exhilarating action to boast about. There are many big scale fight scenes ripe with explosions and fun comic book-style ass-kicking, and many of the fight sequences occur within extended shots that display the visual maintaining a lasting value. As well as being impressive quality, there is an increase in the action quotient since the first film which is mediated well with the slower nature of character-driven narrative. Spider-Man 2 is rich in imagery and supported by a powerful musical score and sound editing. Sam Raimi's ability to combine style and substance in Spider-Man 2 is a real testament to his talents as a director.

And once again, Spider-Man 2 brings a talented collection of performances out of its cast.

Tobey Maguire steps up his game for Spider-Man 2. While Spider-Man spent much of its time characterizing Peter Parker with stereotypical teenage movie tropes, Spider-Man 2 only uses them occasionally. Most of the time Tobey Maguire has to engage with the real emotional struggles of Peter Parker and does it with a kind of stoicism to support his need to remain silent about the truth. Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker with a greater emotional sensitivity which makes him all the more sympathetic this time around, and he also boasts a more energetic spirit during his web-slinging scenes which shows off a greater understanding of how to play Spider-Man as well as Peter Parker. Tobey Maguire is able to set Peter Parker and Spider-Man aside from each other through different characterization while also keeping in mind that they are one and the same, effectively grasping the multiple identities of his role with a greater tenacity. Tobey Maguire's performance is far more emotionally compelling this time, and he has a greater tenacity over the more intense moments of the script so that his subtlety is given a better mediation. He really offers an effective reminder of just how he earned the role in the first place.

Alfred Molina is perfectly cast as the film's villain. Doctor Octopus is a far more intimidating antagonist than The Green Goblin. While The Green Goblin was a mix between legitimate and cartoony, Doc Ock is a straight-up villain; a man consumed by his own obsessions and relentless in his pursuit of power. And Alfred Molina hardly gets enough screen time to support the power of his performance, he makes a real stand whenever he is present. Alfred Molina commands his role with a deeply engaging line delivery and a booming voice to propel it, putting raw physical energy into his words and a real angry spin on his movements and facial expressions. Alfred Molina's realism makes the villain a really powerful one, and his sophistication and genuine intelligence makes him a perfect fit.

Kirsten Dunst supplies an effective effort. Most of her role is playing into the romantic edge of the story, but Kirsten Dunst does it really well because she has such a sweethearted nature to her that sympathising comes with ease. Kirsten Dunst isn't precisely given much to expand upon the role of Mary Jane Parker, but the material she works with is very legitimate drama that shows her real talent as an actress. Kirsten Dunst shares a really passionate chemistry with Tobey Maguire, so the two really lead the film as a touching couple.

James Franco seems more pretentious this time around since Harry Osborn has refused to grow out of his childish roots without ever maintaining a feeling of legitimate angst. But Rosemary Harris carries over the sweet and gentle nature of May Parker for a second round in Spider-Man 2, making a really touching presence whose chemistry with Tobey Maguire aids the film through its moments of sentimentality.

J.K. Simmons' second appearance as J. Jonah Jameson, Jr. is as hilarious as the first one. He remains swift with his relentless aggression and timing. And Bruce Campbell's second cameo for the series puts him in an entirely different role this time, and the part of a snobby theatre usher gives him a moment to shine some comic gold on the film.

Spider-Man 2 has some familiar story elements, but it remains a deeply character-driven story with an array of talented performances and an increase in spectacle.