Critical Outcast

Movie Review. Spider-Man 2
The Webhead has finally swung back into theaters, and this time he's bigger and better than before. I saw what was possibly the most anticipated movie of the year this past week, and it was well worth the wait. The primary cast return, along with director Sam Raimi.

Ten years ago, I never would have thought that a director best know for the horror/comedy trilogy Evil Dead would be a top Hollywood power, directing what is becoming one of the best franchises in history. But here he is, the style, wit, and look of his early works is intact, but now it is combined with a much higher budget and A list talent.

As I slumped down into my seat and waited patiently, yet anxiously, for the screen to flicker to life, I wondered if all the positive reviews could possibly be true. I let my faith in Raimi assure me that it would be good. The trailers finished and the opening credits started to roll, I knew the reviews were true. The credits had paintings by Alex Ross throughout, capturing many of the best moments of the first film. This fact let me believe that they would not forget what has passed, and that the threads from the first would be followed up on here.

The characters all grow and breathe with more life here than they had in the first. There are doubts and insecurities, strength and heroism, good and evil, love and rejection. We get a more real idea of what it could be like to be a super hero, it's not all good.

Tobey Maguire returns as Peter Parker, and things have changed since we last saw him. He is no longer close with MJ or Harry and he is struggling to make ends meet. It is hard trying to save the world while also trying for your college degree AND hold down a job to pay for a lousy apartment. I never really thought much of Maguire as an actor before he was picked to be Spidey, he always seemed sort of bland, but he really nails this character. He has that innocent idealism about him, always trying to do what's right, yet also feeling conflicted about who he is and what he is supposed to be. Of course, as this is happening, a new villain appears.

This time around we have Dr. Otto Octavius, better known as Dr. Octopus, a scientist who has created a four limbed mechanical attachment to assist in his experiments with fusion. In a freak accident, he becomes fused with these new limbs and is soon locking horns with our hero. Meanwhile, Peter is reunited with MJ, and a not so happy Harry Osbourne.

The way all of the characters are interconnected and the way they build off of the story that came before is masterful, it works better than even X2. Probably because there are fewer characters vying for screen time.

In many ways this film is more successful than the first. Visually, New York City seems to be more fully realized than in the first, and also, the special effects are much more convincing. When Spidey swings through the city now, there is more weight to the movements, they seem more realistic, even during the spectacular clashes with the CG Doc Ock tentacles during their face-offs, most notably when climbing the clock tower. With comic book adaptations, there is always the problem of introducing your heroes and supporting cast, yet having enough story to support the film. There is no doubt that Spider-Man has enough history created to fill a film, the problem is cutting down. The first film did a great job of introducing our hero and his friends and getting to the story. Sequels have the advantage of not having to do all of that introduction. We already know the characters, this allows us to get right into the story, as well as expanding on the emotional depth. For example, in the first, we don't even see the spidey suit until an hour into the film, there goes an hour, now that we know the origin and the suit, we jump right into Parker's current status and the intro of the new villain.

There was wonderful casting done. I really like the fact that they casted for the character, rather than trying to cram a "star" onto the payroll. Alfred Molina is an excellent actor and inspired casting, he brings true emotion to Ock, where we feel for him, as we hate him at the same time. Also, the brief appearance of Dr. Curt Connors, portrayed by Dylan Baker, a fine character actor. To those unfamiliar with the comics, Connors is none other than fellow Spidey bad guy The Lizard. Let's not forget Raimi mainstays that get appearances. Sam's brother, Ted Raimi, as Hoffman, Jonah Jameson's assistant, and cult hero Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead Trilogy) as an usher. You may remember Campbell in the first film as the ring announcer at the wrestling match.

In closing, this is arguably the best spandex hero film made to date. This includes X2, which is also up there. It is also fast becoming one of the most popular franchises ever. Hopefully, Raimi and crew will stick around for a few more films. This is definitely a must see film, and one of the best movies released this year.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Also at Blogcritics.org.