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Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Preceded by: Spider-Man (2000)
Succeeded by: Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Director:
Sam Raimi
COUNTRY
USA
GENRE
Superhero/Adventure
NORWEGIAN TITLE
Spider-Man 2
RUNNING TIME
124 minutes
Producer:
Avi Arad
Laura Ziskin
Screenwriter (based on the Stan Lee character):
Alvin Sargent


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Spider-Man/Peter Parker Tobey Maguire ½
Mary Jane Watson Kirsten Dunst ½
Harry Osborn James Franco ½
Dr. Otto Octavius Alfred Molina
May Parker Rosemary Harris
J. Jonah Jamesson J. K. Simmons ½
Dr. Curt Connors Dylan Baker
Joseph Robertson Bill Nunn
Norman Osborn Willem Dafoe
Ben Parker Cliff Robertson
Snooty Usher Bruce Campbell

 

Review

Following-up a successful first film isn't exactly easier in the superhero sub-genre than in general. That doesn't mean that these kinds of sequels can't deliver (Richard Lester's Superman II might just be the best superhero-movie to date), but there is unfortunately very little originality to this film. Brilliant CGI effects, Alfred Molina in fine form and a Tobey Maguire that at times is inspired cannot lift Sam Raimi's film to anything else than a fair vehicle. With unconvincing Superman II  rip-offs (superhero turns ordinary guy turns superhero), an insipid romance, and a simplified narrative, Spider-Man 2 strips down to a very basic level. With that being said, there are some fun for the enthusiasts, and Alfred Molina makes his villain interesting. That the ending leads the way for film number three can't be classified as particularly elegant, but Bruce Campbell definitely can.

Copyright © 9.6.2006 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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