He excelled in fighting crime but not in life

★★★ 1/2 out of ★★★★

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Runtime: 127 minutes

The celebrated, well-known moment where Peter Parker comes up with an idea to stop the train by shooting multiple cobwebs to slow it down.

The biggest achievement in Spider-Man 2 is not its exceptionally crafted action sequences, one involving the titular character being pushed to his limit by stopping a 120 mph train, but its vivid depiction of Peter Parker's dual life.

This giddy, delightful sequel from director Sam Raimi is so much better than the previous time I watched it. With a rich plot and insightful messages from characters whom we all can connect to and understand, it is one of the best comic book superhero movies. 

Describing Parker's dual life is an absolute delight. The movie begins with him as a struggling pizza delivery driver, who last-minute changes to his spider suit but doesn't deliver his pizza on time. Meanwhile, he's also getting underpaid at The Daily Bugle, his grades in class are suffering, he is at least or month or more short on rent, his aunt is being threatened with foreclosure, he now has a strained relationship with Harry Osborn as Harry continues blaming Spider-Man for the death of his father, and, worst of all, his love interest, Mary Jane, is getting married to John Jameson (J. Jonah Jameson's son).

On the other hand, he simultaneously juggles his life, emerging from the quiet and desolate alleys as Spider-Man, fighting crime as usual in the city. Life for him in the suit has not been great too. Spider-Man is repeatedly and viciously attacked by the Daily Bugle, and he suddenly loses his ability to shoot cobwebs, resulting in a horribly painful fall.

All of this and it's bad timing that a villain emerges from the ruins of a failed science project. His name is Doctor Otto Octavius, and a miscalculation in a remarkable energy project that would lower the cost of electricity causes the death of his partner, his life's work, and also his sense of rationale (he has an inhibitor chip that ensures he is in control of the arms, but it gets fried in the explosion). Alfred Molina's performance enables Dr. Octavius to range from deep sorrow and regret to expressions of no consciousness.

With the claws attached to the spine of Dr. Octavius, he emerges from the medical room and is brainwashed by the claws to steal money from the bank and tritium, the precious material to make the fusion work. 

All of this, and it's astonishing that the movie doesn't crumble under its own weight. Writer Alfred Gough, adapting the script from Stan Lee's comic, delicately meanders from tale to tale, offering insightful dialogue and messages. There is one scene where Parker meets Uncle Ben in his dream, and they have a peaceful talk about great power and responsibility, and how Parker feels there's too much pressure for him to continue his superhero pursuit. Meanwhile, Aunt May also offers him a motivational quote about why the children and citizens need the arachnid superhero back in the city.

However, the most unexpected highlight of the movie is when Parker loses his powers while breezing around New York City in an attempt to free himself from the crumbling pressure in his daily life. It is once again a fresh and original idea that is pulled off wonderfully. By leaving his superhero life, Parker seemingly returns and improves his normal life, excelling in grades, and gaining more confidence. However, a feeling of helplessness surrounds him, as morally challenging situations like people getting beat by gangsters or children stuck in a burning apartment make him wonder whether he should help or ignore.

When the movie's not insightful it is sensational. The action sequences, which are infrequent but well-timed, involve crazy stunts like fighting sideways on buildings and the iconic train stopping scene. Must I mention, after Parker gets knocked out by Dr. Octavius, he is brought to Harry Osborn, who is beyond shocked to discover Spider-Man's real identity. There is also lesser drama here than I'd expected.

Towards the end of the movie, Spider-Man is starting to pick up his pace back in life. He convinces Dr. Octavius to free his mind from the brainwash of the claws, and Mary Jane finally realises and understands Parker's love for her. Dr. Octavius then walks his path to redemption by brings his creation down with him, "for the good of mankind". All seems well for Parker after that, except that he still hasn't paid his rent, though I'm not sure why the landlord isn't frantically chasing him now.

Just when the entire programme was about to conclude itself in flawless fashion, Spider-Man 2 surprisingly drags a little too long beyond Dr. Octavius' sacrifice. There are many points when scenes after his death could end in a sweet and wonderful way, but there is one scene that sets up the villain of the threequel, followed by another scene where Mary Jane meets Peter and talks to him for another five minutes before Peter changes to his suit and glides through the city once again. It's quite unnecessary but doesn't diminish the overall effect and sensation the movie has casted upon us.

Halfway through the movie, Peter Parker, who fell into the shadows after losing his powers, gets the kick that he so desperately needs to get back in power. He regains his vision and powers in an attempt to stop the evil Dr. Octavius from killing his Mary Jane. Now that's a well-earned redemption.