Tobey Maguire returns as Peter Parker, a.k.a Spiderman, in “Spider-Man 2”, based on the popular comic series by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, who appears in a heroic cameo role. Director Sam Raimi and filmmakers make every frame count beginning with a creative art work sequence by Alex Ross that summarizes the previous installment and ending with a great setup for the next installment, due May 4, 2007.
Peter finds great success in his superhero duties, but can’t seem to catch a break (or even a snack), as he rides an emotional roller coaster while trying to balance his personal life, attend college and make a living. Peter keeps a high sense of honor, righteousness and admirable heroism that makes him an admirable protagonist an audience can identify with.
His relationship with life long love, MJ (Mary Jane Watson), played by Kirsten Dunst, strains, but the genuine care and honesty remains.
“You’re such a mystery,” she tells him.
Their honest performances are very natural and sustained, but when Peter can’t meet MJ’s desires for a closer life, she gets engaged. No chance of a raise from Daily Bugle editor J. Jonah Jameson, well played again by J.K. Simmons, who continues to sling slander at Spidey to sell more newspapers. Of course, friend Harry Osborne resents Peter’s job and continues to seek vengeance against Spider-Man.
Peter begins to believe that he’s not supposed to have what he wants and needs.
“You’re brilliant, but lazy,” says Peter’s college professor.
“You’re a nice guy, but you’re not dependable,” says Peter’s boss Mr. Aziz.
Do nice guys finish last? Not in this case. Peter’s steadfast composure and honesty amid all of these personal attacks and life challenges eventually provide the strength he needs to succeed with the busiest life possible.
Wait, I don’t think Spider-Man has enough to do…how about a nemesis to battle against?
In this episode, Dr. Otto Octavius (a.k.a. Dr. Octopus), well played by Alfred Molina (“Maverick”, “Species”), fits the bill. He seeks to use fusion to put the power of the sun in the palm of his hand with nanotechnology and AI arms, but the arms end up having a personality of their own.
Raimi uses varied camera techniques throughout the film to produce memorable sequences, including some furiously paced hospital mayhem, great point-of-view shots and a back-and-forth pan technique on a balcony that still surprises even though you probably know what will happen. Unfortunately, previews give away a potentially great surprise sequence in a restaurant.
Fight choreographer Dion Lam and wire technician Yick Tin Hung help create some amazing action sequences where figures fly through the air and maneuver through the urban settings. Many of these scenes surpass what any stuntman could accomplish, so naturally filmmakers turn to special effects for these action sequences, which are again by John Dykstra. The effects and sets blend seamlessly except for one notable scene when “Doc Oc” finds his lair.
Besides the action, the film provides some great humor. The elevator scene is priceless and Maguire pulls it off so well.
Look for standout supporting roles from Mageina Tovah (TV’s “Joan of Arcadia”) as the daughter of Peter’s landlord, and Raimi movie vet Bruce Campbell. Screenwriter Alvin Sargent, who won Oscars® for “Ordinary People” and “Julia”, produces the plot with “screen story” writers Michael Chabon (“Wonder Boys”) and the team of Alfred Gough ‘ Miles Millar (both worked on TV’s Smallville, “Shanghai Noon” and “Shanghai Knights”). The plot creates great new opportunities while tying up some loose ends, especially a great interior scene where Peter talks with his Aunt May.
Returning music composer Danny Elfman adds great impact to the story and the music soundtrack includes songs by Hoobastank, Maroon 5, Train, Yellowcard, The Ataris and Dashboard Confessional.
Filmed in California, Chicago and New York City, “Spider-Man 2” comes highly recommended (***1/2) and has a rating of PG-13 for action-related violence. If filmmakers continue on this path, the Spidey film trilogy could potentially surpass “The Lord of the Rings” series at the box office. Previews don’t give away all the surprises, but you must avoid looking at the cast list before you see the film.
