Movie Review: Spider-Man 2

 In memory of Paul Soles (1930 - 2021)

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review.

Last time, i've covered Sam Raimi's very first Spider-Man film in 2002, it had a great reception (though has some flaws) and most importantly, it made a lotta money at the box-office. In fact, as i said in my review, i had a find memory of this film that i called it the best. But looking back as i grew up, i still love this movie, even i may accepted with some problems. But of course, since this film was a huge success, its no secret that they made a sequel that we asking for.

"Spider-Man 2" is a 2002 superhero film and adaptation of Spider-Man in Marvel comics that was directed by once again, Sam Raimi, produced by Laura Ziskin (for second time) and Avi Arad, then written by Alvin Sargent (for screenplay), Alfred Gough, Miles Millar and Michael Chabon (both of three for story).

After a successful performance of the first film, Sony and Raimi are planned to making a sequel with some new producers and the writers. In the original plan, Dr. Octopus was supposed to be 15 year old  that he wants to taking MJ based on his use of tentacle arms, which Spider-Man and Doc Ock ended up having a battle of the death between of two, including Doc tried to taking Spider-Man's spine on his own for replacement, kinda like when Doc swapping the brain to Parker's body as "The Superior Spider-Man". But of course, that idea was ultimately changed to what we have in order to be safer without some brutal elements from the original script. Not to mention, adding some elements from the comics as always.

When the film came out on June 30th 2004, it was great film, but unlike before, many people considered this as the best Spider-Man film ever with 93% on RottenTomatoes and the late Roger Ebert gave it a perfect 4 stars out of 4 and stated "the best superhero movie since the modern genre was launched with Superman (1978)".

As for me as a kid, i've never gave a chance to see the movie on the big screen since i was gone for activity camping and i never had a VHS or DVD of this film until i finally bought Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy DVD package from i think 2018.

So with all that said, will this movie still the best, or is this film made us losing the power like Spider-Man?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

For the film's story, once again, it has two plots, but this time, its well-written.

Taken place two years after the first film, Peter Parker tries to having two jobs, as photographer and pizza delivery man in "Joe's Pizza" (Pizza time!), but everything thing wasn't the same as before, he got fired for being late to delivered and his check in Daily Bugle is getting low, he's constantly got late from his school with his lack of homework, his aunt May is on the verge of eviction and worst of all, his love Mary Jane Watson is in love with somebody (who happens to be John Jameson) and his best pal Harry Osborn (who takes his father's seat on Oscorp) is losing his respect, leaving Parker is having a major struggle on his double life as normal person and superhero as Spider-Man (which it causes to losing his power). 

Meanwhile, Peter was introduced by Harry to a genius nuclear scientist named "Dr. Otto Octavius", which he's planning to building up a power fusion with tritium, but in order to be safety, during the presentation, he also build four mechanical tentacle arms with A.I., but he controls them with  inhibitor chip, but when he demonstrating "the power of the sun", the experiment is gone wrong that it starts to destabilizing with power spike breaking it that the fusion is turning into a deadly magnet to nearly destroy the city, thankfully, Peter Parker, as Spider-Man, manages to stop the machine after Doc refuses to listen the warning about his power fusion (along with his critical power fusion hits him with destroying inhibitor chip). After the disaster, Octavius was taken in the hospital for taking off his mecha arms, but without his chip to control, his tentacle arms starting to killing doctors and nurses and Otto was broke free, heartbroken for his loss of his wife Rosie, his building was taken away from NY city and his project is ruined, but of course, Otto refuses to let his dream down, leaving himself becoming villain for his unfinished business, which means not only Parker has to dealing himself, but also be aware about Doctor Octopus.

Surprisingly, the story of this movie is pretty impressive, its all about the difficulty of living in double life, even for a young hero like Peter Parker/Spider-Man, since we all know his biggest weakness is his friends and family for keep his identity hidden, unless if he wants to for get off his chest. Which like the previous film, Parker is the main focus in the movie, but the execution is done right to dealing with his flaws, but il get to the characters later on. But most importantly, we always want to be motivated for being a hero aren't as perfect based on our dreams, cause sometimes, if we're in bad luck or declining love or friendship, that will cost to losing the motivation and power for being a hero. Which it explains it has some reference like "Spider-Man No More" and "If This Be My Destiny...!".

Despite the focus of Peter, the movie does have the focus on Dr. Octopus, though briefly as we all know, he wants his project to be stay alive that drove him mad, which basically means he's used as a plot reminder for when he'll takes his revenge with his experiment back, but like before, the execution is pretty good for delivery and the likability of Doc Ock.

The story of this movie is pretty good for the execution for how we relate for the struggles and the well written elements.

The Presentation

Unlike the previous film that costs $139 million to make, this one is nearly double as $200 million. For the new presentation, its still looking good as before, but it has gotten bigger and better for how they made.

For the filming, its pretty obvious that its filmed in New York like before, cause you know, Spider-Man is a New York boy, eh? Although there's some shot are filmed in different location as always, including the train fight scene where it takes place in train station called "The Loop" in Chicago, Illinois. But of course, the train fight scene is pretty iconic ranging from fighting between Spider-Man and Doc Ock all the way to how to stop the train fro0m maximum speed.

Speaking of fight scenes, the action scenes are pretty good too, though it was tone down to focus on character development for Peter, MJ and Harry, its a shame, they're pretty to watch, there's the power fusion going critical in the first act, Spider-Man fighting Ock from the bank and climatic round three from catching the train to fighting for stopping the power fusion. Sure it has some non action scene where Spider-Man wings by and losing his power, though its kinda funny, but its for the plot element where Parker is losing everything as i mentioned before.

As for the costumes and effects, they're also good with updates and improvements. For Spider-Man's costume, its the same and never gets old how classic this suit really is on the big screen, in fact, it was designed by James Acheson, which he first started on the first Spider-Man movie, he made an update with toning down the eye-lenses, improving the mask for Tobey Maquire, adding a muscle suit underneath that was made in pieces and the color details made it bolder and richer look. So, nice touch.

As for Dr. Octopus, mainly the mechanical tentacle arms, these effects are done by "Edge FX" which they did with traditional and digital effects on these smart arms. for traditional, they build it over corset, a metal and rubber girdle, a rubber spine and four foam rubber tentacles which they stood 8 feet (2.4 m) and weighing 100 pounds (45 kg), which it looks pretty hard based on its size how Afred Molina walks around with the mechanical arms suit or possibly the weight of its mechanical arms. Speaking of mechanical arms, these claws (which they called them as "Death Flowers") are controlled by the puppeteer who sat on the chair, while the tentacle parts are done by four people to rehearsing every shot with Molina in order to give a "natural sense of movement" based on Octavius' muscle movement at these smart arms.

Of course, not only Edge FX did the traditional effects, but also the CGI. It started with the use of blue/green screen where the tentacles lifting Otto up with its size of 20 ft (6.1 m) high rig. Which the tentacles are scanned from the traditional version, though doing a traditional mechanical arms are mainly used to filming in order to saving money from the budget. The CG in this movie is surprisingly improved while watching, it looks good as always.

One last thing that i almost forgot about the filming, the filming in New York City is pretty cool and challenging that its almost like its filmed in the air. Its because they use what its called "Spydercam", its a camera system that the cameras are suspended in the air from cables and rigging system, in fact, the Spydercam is used every medias from movies, TV show and even sporting events. So in this movie, they use Spydercam every shot in the action scenes to blending stunts performing and CG effects, but they're highly cost-effective to film with his this tricky camera system. But i will say, between this and Evil Dead series, Sam Raimi loves doing camera tricks on the big screen, eh?

However, one problem i have is the soundtrack. Don't give me wrong, Danny Elfman did a great job of his composure since the previous film, but aside for composing some new track in the movie, most of which are recycled from the first film but edited out, when you listen the recycled soundtrack, you'll sadly unhear it. Again, i've nothing against Danny, he did a great work, but i just wish they could've let him doing new tracks than recycled with edits.

Despite some flaws, the movie's presentation is pretty damn good for improvements and innovations.

The Characters

Last time, we have may have a good casts, their characters are good too, but got flawed. In this sequel, they got improved, especially with a struggling to our main hero.

Speaking of which, lets start off with Tobey Maguire reprised his role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man. As i said before, he's started as an awkward geek that he's often got bullied before got bitten by a super spider to receiving powers as "Spider-Man". In this movie, its easy to understanding his struggle of his double life after two years, like we can relate the problems like being ill-prepared to be in loving relationship, losing the trust of friends, arriving late and even a minimal of pay day. We always though its gonna be all good and easy, but in reality, everything isn't perfect anymore, whether we have flaws or even got whole lotta bad luck, that'll lose our chance to shine before we can confessing to get off our chest, especially for Pete whenever he's gotten worse, he'll losing his super powers, which he gives an emotional moments that we can relate and feel sorry for him. But as always, Tobey did a great work of his role as the OG live-action Spider-Man.

After that, we have the main villain in this move, Otto Octavius, aka Dr. Octopus or Doc Ock (played by Alfred Molina), a genius scientist with his passion projects of mechanical smart arms and his power fusion. Since we had Green Goblin who wants to manipulating Spider-Man on his side, we have Doc Ock who's surprisingly a memorable villain in this movie. He started quite nice when he was introduced, but when he presented his passion experiments, it went all down from hill when he his power fusion went wrong and his control of his mecha tentacle arms is completely lost and controls on their own, now we have our villain that he's driven insane for his power of the sun, in the palm of his hands, but in a likable way, he has some sinister moments, but he also gave us a sense of humor, which is something that Alfred Molina incorporate his character from pure evil to sardonic sense of humor, even though when like Sam Raimi, he's a fan of Marvel comics, but haven't been familiar with Doc Ock. Aw well, at least he's having fun with his role and its no wonder why we love Doc Ock. And i guess it explained that, as im working my review, he'll coming back in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" for multiverse purpose.

Anyway, back to the original cast, with Mary-Jane Watson (reprised by Kirsten Dunst), as i said before, she's damsel in distress and the love interest of our main hero. In this sequel, after being considered as a friend from Peter and he constantly arrived late and others, MJ, despite she still having a feeling for Pete, the relationship is fell apart when she's having a date with John Jameson (played by Daniel Gillies). But as we all know, despite she's with John, she's still can't stop thinking about her, despite the rejection from Peter's secret. But of course, she did a good work on her role.

Next up is Harry Osborn (reprised by James Franco), as always, he's the son of Norman Osborn and Peter's best pal. But in this sequel, aside of taking over his late father's seat in Oscorp, he's started to losing his interest to Parker's friendship and of course, swearing his father's grave that Spider-Man murdered his beloved father, which despite he's been treated as an after thought in the movies, but we can all agree that with his father's death, he wants revenge against our hero. Which we all know he's gonna be the next villain in the future. Like i said as im working my review, whether you love or hate him behind the scenes, i think he did a good work of his acting.

After that, we have Aunt May (reprised by Rosemary Harris), once again, she's a beloved and respectful mother figure to Peter, even if its not easy to live without Uncle Ben, despite she's on the verge of eviction (though Spoiler Alert, she decided to moving a new home after declining the deal). She's pretty much like before, but rather gave a plot point from Peter Parker for share the story for what happened from the first film and even tried to be motivated by her aunt from forgiveness and believe there's a hero out there. But as always, Rosemary did a nice work of her role. Although the movie also brought back Uncle Ben (reprised by Cliff Robertson) in the flashback, but alternate about Peter's declining his superhero with "Spider-Man, no more".

And finally, i saved the last is of course, J. Jonah Jameson (reprised by J.K. Simmons), like before, he's a mean boss from Daily Bugle based on his belief that Spider-Man is pure evil in New York. In this sequel, we eventually see more of him for his fun dialogue and of course, a memorable performance from Simmons, but of course, he might also became a part of meme that when we asking for advance profit, he laughs out of don't give a crap with "Are you serious? Pay for what? Standing there??". Like always, whether you love or hate him, he's such a memorable recurring character.

As for the rest, its same thing as always, but once again, il give you some interesting facts.

There's Dr. Curt Connors (played by Dylan Baker) who's the physics professors in Peter's school, Mr. Ditkovitch (played by a Russian-American actor Elya Baskin) who's Peter's landlord who kept asking for a money on propose like any landlord A-holes out there, along with his sweet and clumsy daughter Ursula (played by Mageina Tovah). There's Jameson's pals who're the same as always, Betty Brant (reprised by Elizabeth Banks) who's his secretary, Robbie Robertson (reprised by Bill Nunn) who's sorta rebellious employee who's still believes that Spider-Man is the hero and Ted Hoffman (reprised by Sam's brother Ted Raimi) who's his assistant for the covers and reports.

Once again, since this is Sam Raimi's film, Bruce Campbell will always be there. This time, he plays as an usher in the doors when Peter arrived late to watching the show, though he's more like playing as himself, i wonder if he secretly hidden his trusty Boomstick and Chainsaw hand to "Groovy" with Spidey.

There's Scott Spiegel played as a guy who attempted to eating a slice of pizza before taken away is only the screenwriter of several films (including the classic Evil Dead 2) and he's Sam Raimi's second best pal from their past.

There's one of train passenger who's played by surprisingly Phil LaMarr, who's best know with appearance in Mad TV and numerous voice acting roles, including his iconic role, Samurai Jack.

After that, there's one doctor in Doc Ock's operation before the chaos was played by the director of underrated comedy films, John Landis, which he's done with National Lampoon's Animal House, An American werewolf in London, The Blues Brothers and even two music videos of Michael Jackson like "Black or White" and the iconic "Thriller".

And lastly, when there's a film based on Marvel comics, Stan Lee will always showing up in the big screen.  This time, he did the same thing from before, only where he grabbed a woman from a falling concrete debris from the building.

Though they're sorta the same as before, but they got improved from the first movie with their development and as always, good acting.

SPOILER ALERT for those who haven't seen the movie or don't mind

The final act is the same thing, but more satisfying in the end.

After rebuilding the power fusion and accepted the deal from Harry Osborn for having a new tritium, Peter Parker (being powerless) comes to see MJ in the restaurant for their confession for what's wrong about them. Before she asks him to kiss, an incoming car flies outta nowhere and he saved her! Which means Dr. Octopus is looking at Peter about Spider-Man, but after rejected for nowhere to be found, Doc has kidnapping MJ for his hostage, as a result, Peter has finally regain his powers for "The Power of love". After stealing to get his spider suit back from Daily Bugle, Spidey is fighting against Doc for the third round from the top of the tower to catching the train. 

After the fight, Doc put the train in maximum speed to forcing Spider-Man to stop the train by himself to save the passenger, which he dramatically succeeded, despite he accidentally unmasking himself to revealing his face in front of passengers, but don't worry, they won't tell the secret. But Doc isn't done, after pushing away the passengers and knocking down Spidey, he took the body to Harry and immediately took the tritium, leaving Harry has been waiting for so long to kill our hero, but when he pulled out the mask, he's shocked to realizing that he's Peter all along! 

With no time to questioning about the death of Harry's father, Spidey reaches at the abandoned lab to not only saving MJ, but also facing against Ock for the final round, after electricuting Octopus and ripping off the plugs, the power fusion is still work, but on the verge of wiping out New York. So Peter (unmasking in front of Doc Ock) is begging to stop the machine from destruction, which he tells him in inspirational truth from Aunt May, he has to leting go his dream for the greater good, which the truth is eventually worked to Otto, as he not only accepted it (along with now controlling his smart arms), but he proceeds to sacrificing himself to stop his power fusion by pulling it down to the water. However, not only Peter saved MJ, but once again, he revealing his identity which he tells her that it will to much trouble when the evil threats will knowing between himself and Spider-Man when they're going after Mary-Jane.

Meanwhile, Harry is left alone, not before he sees his father from the mirror, telling him that Harry is next up for avenge the death, but Harry refused at first, but after throwing his knife at the mirror and checking around, it's revealed that its a secret hideout of Green Goblin for Harry all along! And finally, MJ is on the marriage with John, but she rejected the wedding day, as she ran to see Pete again to stay together in relationship, since she was surprised and impressed about his identity, which Parker accepted her feeling about his double identity, as he flies away as Spider-Man from more crime occurred.

Pretty good final act with a satisfying ending.

And now for my final opinion of this film.

Overall, since many people considered it as the best Spider-Man film, i will definitely agree. The story is well-written, the presentation is impressive and the characters went from good to memorable.

Sure the movie still have to flaws with some characters remaining the same as before and the soundtrack is although its good, but felt like its recycled from the first film that i wish Danny could've make more than let the editor borrowed some and edited out.

Is this a highly recommended film? Hell yeah! It is a pretty damn good film that you definitely check it out, its one of the best as we know it, no wonder why 2004 had some best films (Well, except for Disney).

For my rating, i would've give this one a perfect 10, but due to some flaws that i pointed it out, il dropping it to 9/10.

So this ends of my review, but until next time, we're going to the last one, which when i saw as a young fella, i though it will be a good one, but as time went on, this is something wasn't supposed to be for the final result, but had a cult following with memes as always.

Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out.