Spider-Man 2

[American Badass]

"I liked the movie. The first movie was better, though. First movie was about the transition into becoming Spider-Man. Second was about the trials and tribulations on being Spider-Man. Third will be about revenge. The reason people didn't like the sequel was because it focuses on Peter and his ongoing struggle as Spider-Man. I've been a Spider-Man fan since the cartoon that Wilibus is talking about started. People complain about how it was too focused on his struggles as Spider-Man, but if you've some knowledge from the comics, then you'd know that he goes through much more in the comics.

Actually, I liked the sequel more because it focused on the consequences of Peter choosing to be Spider-Man. He can't hold a steady job, and his only semi-recurring payflow is from a source who slanders his alter-ego. Then there's the face that he has no time for school and his grades are suffering because of it, plus the fact the he can't have MJ because of the risk it would pose to her.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the first one, but as which any first movie in a series it had to introduce the characters. The sequel, however, was loaded with character development for Peter, and some for Harry and MJ and Doc Ock of course. And I love a good story and great character development, and that's something the sequel had better than the original.

Raimi did a pretty fine job portraying Peter's constant battle within his mind. Spider-Man or not? Also, Peter lost his powers for a period of time, so he had to stop being Spider-Man sooner or later. Even though that shouldn't have happened until later on, it fit quite perfectly into his not wanting to be Spider-Man, anymore. A movie about his constant struggle was bound to pop up, anyway, and it's a good thing it's the second movie, since the third should be incredible, as it is a struggle between two best friends.

Actually, the movie gave me the impression that he was losing his powers because Peter had no focus. He couldn't resolve the conflict in his mind of whether he REALLY wanted to be Spider-Man. Note that when he made the decision mentally to quit being Spider-Man, he all of a sudden needed to wear his glasses, something he didn't have to while he was conflicted. And then when MJ gets abducted, Peter's choice is clear: to save MJ he needs to be Spider-Man and voila, his powers are completely restored because he's completely focused.

I also agree with the last battle. The train scene was great, but second to last battle's aren't supposed to be more suspenseful than the last. The last lasted 2 minutes, for God's sake. What's worse is how Octavius died. He's supposed to be a recurring villain. Damn you, Raimi! There's supposed to be a gigantic villain team-up, which would surely have Octavius.

Well, Raimi is only signed on for three Spider-Man movies, plus his don't adhere to anything as far as comics and/or the cartoons go. They may show similarities, but they don't exist in the same continuity.

And I liked the fact the Octavius died a hero, which was a big theme of the movie. I liked the attachment between he and Parker (evident when they had dinner together) and Octavius came off as a generally good man who loved his work and loved his wife more. That's one thing Norman Osbourne never was: likeable. So in the end, it made sense for Ocativus to regain control of his senses and put an end to something he knew he had done wrong.

Another thing that nags me is how Eddy Brock hasn't been introduced, yet. Raimi couldn't possibly fit in the ruination of Eddy Brock by Spider-Man and still have time to explain Venom in just one movie. It's ridiculous. He should've been introduced in the very first movie."

Raimi has gone on record as never having any intention of doing Venom. And honestly, I don't know how well Venom would fit in Raimi's style of Spider-Man. But here's the thing, if Raimi indeed stops after the third Spider-Man movie, they could get another director who would do Venom.

I'm kinda split. I wouldn't mind seeing Venom, but I can live with it if I don't. Depending on the direction Sony pictures go, I don't know if I'd want to see a Spider-Man movie without Raimi doing it.

Oh, and since Raimi's Spideyverse doesn't really follow any known continuity, if Venom is done, Eddie Brock doesn't necessarily have to be Venom. They set John Jameson up pretty good where he could be Venom. Just a thought.

What boggles my mind is how they're going to have a movie with a super hero who has a "secret identity" that's known by 30 people. Harry, as the Green Goblin, could also tell many more people.

I doubt anyone on that train knew who the guy in the Spidey suit really was. There's no link. Some people may notice that Peter Parker takes Spider-Man's pictures, but I doubt anyone on the train knew Peter Parker by face.

All in all, I think the movie was fantastic. And I am anxiously awaiting Harry and Peter go at it in 2007.