Rating: - A Web of Fun
In Spiderman 2, Peter Parker, ahem Spiderman, decides to give it up. This is because he is beginning to believe that this wasn't his destiny. Was he really the one who should be looking after the city, especially when the city is still lukewarm about him? But, can Spiderman actually have the gall to turn his back on this city, especially when Doc Ock is running loose, causing havoc?

Spiderman 2 really examines who Peter Parker really is. Well, a better way to say this is that Peter Parker seems to try to figure out who he is. Is he really just the geeky guy who would love a shot at romance with Mary Jane, or is he destined to be Spiderman, the mysterious hero who is there to save the city from its malevolent forces?

Normally I'm not a big fan of comic book hero movies, but Spiderman 2 is about as complete of movie in its genre that has ever been made. It is an action movie, with plenty of suspenseful scenes and CGI effects, but it doesn't overdo them ad nausea to the point where it is being shoved down your throat. It is a comic book movie with heart and IQ. We see this as Peter Parker struggles with not only his friendship and family issues, but his own identity dilemma. How can he possibly balance the struggles of his real life with the struggles of being a hero? Is there a happy medium?

Another plus is the cast. Toby McGuire does a superb job again (for the 2nd time) as Peter Parker. He typifies the nerdy guy who would be the last guy you'd expect to be saving the city from world domination or crime. Kirsten Dunst is also phenomenal as Mary Jane, a perfect fit for this character who wants to love Peter, but doesn't feel like she knows who he really is.

There is probably a little more emphasis on Peter Parker's personal life in this film than on Spiderman fighting the city's nemesis, Doc Ock. This is good, though, because it really makes the story more real and doesn't dumb down the film to just a special effects show. Spiderman, we find out, is more human than meets the eye.

In the two disc set, disc one has a section of commentary with director Sam Raimi, as well as some of the cast, and a blooper reel. Disc two has a documentary about the making of the film, along with a documentary about the history of the villain, Doc Ock.

Over all, this is a sequel that is as good if not better than the first one. That is saying quite a bit, considering how lousy sequels usually turn out. Great movie!

4 1/2 stars