Rating of
3/4
A decent, but not perfect, sequel
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/01/08
Set two years after "Spider-Man's" origin and battle with the late "Norman Osbourne/Green Goblin," (Willem Dafoe, who returns in a cameo) the story of "Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" continues in a fair sequel featuring the villian called "Doctor Octopuss" (Alfred Molina).
Most of the main characters in the first film are back, with the addition of "Peter Parker's" (Tobey McGuire) college Professor and "Dr. Otto Octavius/Dr. Octopuss". Most of whom have their own personal problems.
One problem that is not clearly defined is the reason "Peter" keeps losing his powers for brief periods during the movie. I could not figure out if it was the explosion that turned "Dr. Octavius" into "Doc Ock," which "Peter" witnesses, or another reason that is not explained.
One of the best parts of the movie is that JK Simmons, who stole scenes in the first film as "Daily Bugle" Editor-In-Cheif "J Jonah 'JJ' Jameson," is a more major character in this movie. "JJ's" son, who gets engaged to "Mary Jane Watson" (Kirstin Dunst). His best scenes are in "JJ's" office at the "Bugle".
Molina, on the other hand, was a bit stale as "Doc Ock". He didn't seem all too menacing or maniacal as somebody who lost control of his mind should have in my opinion.
Another disapointment, and this is a minor one that has no impact in the plot of the movie, was the cameo of "Spider-Man" creator, Stan "The Man" Lee. His cameo was so short, that if you blink you will miss it - which I almost did.
The visuals in this movie were pretty outstanding. Watching "Spidey" swinging his webs to get around New York City were as amazing as they were in the first movie. The fight scenes were also well done and shot very well.
This movie would have been probably better if somebody other than Molina was in the role of the villian. Despite Molina, this movie is pretty good, but I wouldn't put it on your "Must See" list. In my opinion, it's the look of the movie, and most of the characters, that make this movie a decent sequel to a very good super-hero movie. I do recommend it, but don't expect a perfect movie.
