[Previous entry: "Paul Martin's word all it takes"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Lileks on days of blasé"]

07/01/2004 Archived Entry: "Spider-Man 2"

Posted by steve @ 01:12 AM EST [Link]

DOES WHAT EVER A SPIDER CAN: I just came back from Spider-Man 2 and all I can say is wow. For a former comic book geek it was pure heaven. It surpassed the first movie with the quality of acting -- everyone was far more comfortable in their roles -- the story, and the CGI. It all came together almost flawlessly.

Special kudos go to Alfred Molina who played Dr. Otto Octavius/Doc Ock. Where Willem Dafoe played the Green Goblin with a bit of camp, Molina struck the right note between being understated when he had to be and over the top like every villian in the comicsphere is.

The most impressive part of the movie is that director Sam Raimi balanced the superhero aspect of the story with the human aspect. The characters were allowed to be real people. Tobey Maguire was convincing as a young man who was frankly tired of the awesome weight that Spider-Man carried. As much as I hate agreeing with Roger Ebert, this is a movie that is the gold standard for what comic book based movies are supposed to be.

Some amazing set pieces: Doc Ock and his battle with Spider-Man on and in a train (nearly ruined with a stupid scene with the crowd) and when the pair fight their first battle. Amazing stuff. Funny scene: Hal Sparks in an elevator with Spider-Man. You learn some things about the Spidey suit.

As you may remember when I raved about the first Spider-Man, my Hollywood dream wife Elizabeth Banks -- who played Betty Brant -- is back in this one again and looking better than ever.