Spider-Man 2

Filed Under: Film, Reviews | Article Tags : DVD review

 

By: The Dweeb

 

DVD Features Video: 2.40:1 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0, French Dolby Digital 5.1 Disc One Blooper Reel "Spidey Sense 2" Trivia Track with "pop-up" facts and trivia about the film and the world of Spider-Man Four Web-i-sodes – Original Online featurettes from the Films Theatrical Release Disc Two "Making the Amazing" – a 12 part documentary from pre-production to the Hollywood premiere "Hero in Crisis" – A deeper look into Peter Parker and his personal battles in the continuing story of Spider-Man Ock-Umentary: "Eight Arms to Hold You" – A Special look at Doc Ock from the comics to the big screen "Interwoven: The Women of Spider-Man" – A Look into the Lives of Mary Jane, Aunt May and the other women in Peter Parker’s life "Enter the Web" – A Multi-Angle Ground Breaking Look Behind-the-Scenes a the Climatic Pier Sequence Captured in Real-Time. Art Gallery – A collection of Alex Ross’ Paintings used in the Opening Credits of the Film. Activisions "Spider-Man 2: Spinning the Game" – A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of "Spider-Man 2: the Game" Weblinks  Theatrical release: 6/30/2004 DVD released on 11/30/2004 by Columbia Tri Star  Running time of 128  minutes Starring:  Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, Tobey Maguire, Alfred Molina Director: Sam Raimi Plot: Peter Parker is beset with numerous personal problems while Spider-Man confronts the brilliant Dr. Otto Octavius, who has been transformed into "Doctor Octopus" (aka, "Doc Ock"), a multi-tentacled menace.

 

 

Few sequels ever actually live up to the standards set by the original film usually. The problem with this type of film is that we already have seen the magic, now the audience is expecting that and more. Rare is the sequel film that is considered vastly superior to the first one. Empire Strikes Back comes to the top of the list, also The Two Towers (although that one technically isn’t a sequel.), Terminator 2, and X-Men 2. Joining these ranks will be Spider-Man 2, a wonderful film experience and an extension of all that is good from the first one.

Sam Raimi took all the good stuff and just kept running with it, creating an action film that will require multiple viewings because its so much fun. Few in Hollywood have any concept of what a summer blockbuster should be, it takes an outsider to show them the ropes. It doesn’t hurt that the director is also a huge fan of the comic either.

The film wastes no time in immersing the viewer in Spider-Man’s world. It opens by continuing on the same story line where the first one left off. Peter Parker is still having problems juggling his real life and his alter ego, and super villains are being created on a weekly basis. In fact, Peter’s problems are getting so out of hand that he starts losing his special Spidery powers. Once again we are hitched onto the roller coaster ride that is Spider-man.

Spider-Man 2 is filled with great action sequences that are mixed well with the more quieter dramatic scenes. Finally an action movie that uses the dramatic stuff and doesn’t just use it as filler between scenes. There is definitely a darker tone to this one, and the script allows for some great character development. His relationships with everyone really are strained here, as well as his own internal conflict on whether or not he still wants to be a hero.

Even though Peter Parker is fairly depressed in this one, Raimi still manages to sprinkle quite a bit of humor to cut some of the tension, even more so than the first one. My favorite scene (out of many), is when he rides down the elevator with someone else in full Spidey outfit. When asked if its comfortable, "Yeah, it’s kind of itchy… and it rides up in the crotch a little bit, too." There are lots of moments like this, especially with the scene stealing J. Jonah Jameson (J.K Simmons). He’s even better in this one as well, laugh out loud hilarious! Lets also not forget that a Sam Raimi film is not complete without a Bruce Campbell cameo and the Ford LTD.

Columbia has also followed the first film with a similar setup on this DVD. This two disc affair is quite a nicely put together package with a great transfer. The sound and picture are crisp and clear, and the extras are plentiful enough to keep the entertainment going well after the movie has played. I don’t even think I’ve seen everything yet myself. Its nice that they decided to break up the extensive documentary into different sections so you don’t have to sit through them all in one session. The making of type stuff is my bread and butter, so I don’t want to miss out. Spider-Man 2 was worth the wait, and no doubt this edition on DVD is also a keeper.

Reviewer’s Opinion: BUY IT!!