Review: 'Spider-Man 2' Dazzles With Effects, Emotions

'Spider-Man 2' (PG-13)(out of four)

Get ready to get caught up in "Spider-Man 2" -- an awe-inspiring superhero journey that is every bit as much about the emotional complexities of the characters as it is its dazzling special effects. Sparked by brilliant performances across the board, an intelligent script and genre-groundbreaking direction by Sam Raimi, the follow-up to the 2002 blockbuster is not only a spectacular cinematic achievement that exceeds its amazing predecessor, it's arguably the best superhero movie ever made.

Picking up two years after the original left off (the first movie's events are recounted in comic book fashion throughout the opening credits), we find Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) as all but a lost soul. He's accepted the great responsibility of his great power, but fighting crime as Spider-Man has left him drained physically and as a result, often finds him missing his college classes or getting fired from his jobs -- and he's always behind on rent.

Worse yet, Peter's Spidey commitment is also taking a toll on the people he loves most. First, he's alienating Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), who's finally realizing her dream of becoming a stage actress, but doesn't yet feel complete because she still loves Peter. But since he's unwilling to commit (and she obviously doesn't understand that he's ultimately trying to protect her), M.J. has decided to move on with another potential love.

Then there's Peter's best friend, Harry Osborne (James Franco), who has taken control of the family business of defense contractor Oscorp. Despite his newfound success, Harry is perpetually brooding with anger because Peter makes his living at the Daily Bugle taking pictures of Spider-Man. With their friendship falling apart, Harry becomes more hell-bent than ever on getting revenge on the web-slinger, convinced he is responsible for the death of his father, Norman (Willem Dafoe), aka the Green Goblin.

Even Peter's Aunt May (Rosemary Harris) is losing faith in her nephew -- a person she so desperately needs as she continues to struggle with the death of her husband, Ben (Cliff Robertson), and the threat of eviction from her home.

Matters become further complicated when Harry introduces Peter to his longtime idol Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), a brilliant scientist whose experiment with fusion material is primed to put Oscorp back on the map. Peter admires Octavius' talents but recognizes his flaws, which are fully realized when a tragic accident fuses an experimental set of tentacles to his body. Branded Doc Ock, the now maniacal scientist is determined to finish his project, which ultimately could wipe New York City off the map.

Why is all of this such a problem? Well, since his spider-like skills are starting to fail him along with his personal relationships, it makes it all the easier for Peter to say, "I am Spider-Man -- no more."

If you loved the first "Spider-Man" (it was a no-brainer for my Top 10 list in 2002), there is no question that you are going to immediately embrace this film from the very first frame. But don't expect the film to merely repeat all the thrills that made the first one such a joy to watch. While it's a sequel by definition, "Spider-Man 2" is more the continuation of the saga.

That's because Raimi, who pulls out all the stops in terms of visual effects, pays even greater attention to the growth of the characters. Clearly he understands that the reason Peter, in particular, has resonated with people over the years is because we can relate to him. Here, we can't help but get engaged in the idea of being responsible for the ones we love, even if it means sacrificing our own personal satisfaction.

While some filmmakers may rely on special effects alone to draw us in, Raimi knows how smart his audience is and rewards them by delivering a balanced film that's satisfying on all levels.

The first smart move came with the hiring of "Ordinary People" and "Julia" screenwriter Alvin Sargent. Guided by Sargent's script, Raimi not only puts us in touch with Peter, but several characters' emotions in "Spider-Man 2" with some intimate scenes that utilize close-up shots. Whether its Maguire, Dunst, Franco, Harris, Molina and/or Donna Murphy -- who has a small but pivotal role as Octavius' wife -- all of the actors subtly execute the scenes with brilliant ease. Sure, it's a superhero fantasy we're seeing here, but these characters feel real. Some scenes are so powerful that you may very well find yourself choking back tears.

It's hard to imagine this sequel without any of the original actors, particularly Maguire, who has come to embody Peter and his alter ego. Thanks to another soulful performance as the conflicted hero, Maguire delivers every time: whether it's in small encounter with any number of the ensemble cast members (Raimi delves deep into many of the characters' conflicts) or his intense physical battles opposite Molina.

The film's jaw-dropping special effects -- which in addition to being better, technically, than the first film -- are fresh and exciting. Among the most thrilling scenes are Doc Ock's lab accident, fights between Spidey and Doc Ock on a clock tower and commuter train, and the film's climactic showdown. Composer Danny Elfman enhances the film throughout with another triumphant score, which blends in seamlessly with the action, as well as the drama.

The film is sure to draw audience members of all ages, and for the most part, the action-violence in "Spider-Man," while intensely paced, is no more harmful than the first film. Two particular scenes -- the accident that turns Octavius into Doc Ock and a subsequent scene where surgeons try to remove his newly-fastened tentacles -- may concern parents enough to either cover their smaller kids' eyes or take them on a quick refreshment or restroom break.

While there are plenty of internal and/or physical struggles going on in "Spider-Man 2," the film is balanced by fine doses of humor, too. At the forefront again is the prime hoot from the first film, J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons), the cigar-chomping newspaper honcho whose rapid-fire quips draw a laugh every time.

But Raimi doesn't rely solely on Simmons for his only source of comedy: there's an appearance from his "Evil Dead" wise-cracking anti-hero Bruce Campbell -- as well many surprising laughs including a homage of sorts to "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and scene where a super-powerless Spider-Man is forced to take an elevator.

As for the villain, Raimi made the perfect choice in casting Molina as Doc Ock. His role somewhat hearkens the classic monster movie melodramas of old, as Molina skillfully plays the character as monster not so much of being misunderstood, but one that is capable of doing good. The problem Doc Ock has here is that the tentacles have the power to enslave his mind; and those mothers wield a tremendous amount of physical force, too. He'll be a tough "oct" to follow.

Start spinning that third web, Spidey -- it will be interesting to see who you'll take on next.