Well well, after my review of the first installment of Spidey and some half completed reviews of others, I didnt think that I'll actually write another review again, or write anything tt's remotely resembling anything that reflects my views on a show as I seldom complete them! But well, for some unknown reason (mutant mosquito?), I've to let rip the powers within me and do what I have to do. So here goes!
WOW! Not too bad at all, in fact much better than the first installment by miles and more. Looks like the bad sequels cliche is really broken what with films such as Charles Angels, X-Men and now Spiderman 2, being much better than the first. I have to say that I'm sufficiently pleased with such developments. Looks like Hollywood is slowly realising the importance and influence of having story development
In terms of story development, special effects, pacing and character development, Spiderman 2 has improved by leaps and bounds.
First off, the special effects. My main gripe in the first installment has turned into a draw point in the second. Guess the success 2(?) years ago helped Sam Raimi budget-wise so instead of being treated to cardbox Spidey flying across the city which irked me to no end, much like eating McChicken do, this time round, I was drawn by the action sequences and awed by the seamless integration of effects and cinematography. You can actually feel and believe that Spidey's zapping his way around town. Now THAT is what I call special effects. Not bombarding audiences with unbelievable, bigger than what have you sequences in the hope of impressing but rather it's about maintaining a balance and lulling people into believing the unbelievable. That's a fine balance which most studios these days do not get and Im glad to say that this is one that nailed it.
In terms of character and story development, not all characters received the same treatment. Of course, most of it dwelled on our red and blue nerd. His inability to do anything right in his own life runs opposite to his alter ego in spandex which indirectly leads to his spasms in super power abilities and then his desicion to give up. The guilt from causing his Uncle Ben's death and causing grief to his Aunt May. His inability to pay rent and hold a job. His run-in with his professor in school over his falling grades and 'laziness'. Basically Peter Parker's humanity and vulnerability contrasted with Spiderman's heroism and shield of invincibility. On top of that, there is a rather (unfortunately) annoying but necessary thread of tension between Peter and Harry which obviously leads up to a third installment. (More in subtect section ;) )
Villain-wise, Octo-guy (Octavius?) didnt get as much development. Guess Sam may be trying to portray him as someone who's not in control of himself but too much time has to be spent on Spidey's development to really do much for him. As such, OctoG didnt manage to garner as much sympathy votes and neither was he exactly hated either, resulting in a not very compelling villain. However, am thinking the third installment should be mouth watering considering that it started in the first and has continued to brew on in the second.
With such a powerful mix of well integrated action sequences and reasonable character development, there is really no one dull moment (maybe unless you are a subtext fan). The whole movie is well paced and leaves you salavating for more in the third installment.
I'm running out of time to write this but for those wondering wat im doing writing about gay subtext, im deprived of good lez subtext shows after xena and buffy in which both ended tragically, so for those in possession of a good fix for me, you know wat to do!!! oh, btw, those who are anal (not the sex act), homophobic and cant stand anything that's not mainstream, you may want to hit the back button and take a nap or say a prayer. Next section's not for you :P
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Ready???
SUBTEXTERS WEEP!!! The angst that I had feared would happen between Peter and Harry really did happen, though not much was focused on that respect. They are building up for a major showdown between our lovers two. The truth is out! (though not totally) Harry has finally realised that Peter is Spidey and with 'good ole parental influence', is about to embark on a kill bill showdown with his wall crawling lover!!! Peter's angst at being unable to face his guilt of hacking his fray haired lover's sperm donor has led to him being more closeted!!! Still wanting to be at least friends with his love, he is nevertheless overshadowed by the identity of who he is - Spiderman. So overcome by his guilt that he even lets Harry slap (note it's slap - mary style) not once but twice! oh and twirled out of his loss of composure after that. Poor Harry didnt even know that the man he so badly wants to kill is his bestest of fuddy and the angst and disbelief you see on his face on learning the truth is heart wrenching for all subtexters im sure... and all the time he was helping him too (arranging a date with OctoG to help him with his thesis) although Harry knows that PP is a close friend with his arch enemy. Oh the love!
For subtexters, this and the next installment is gonna be a hard one... get your hankies ready....
For raging feminists... same thing as the last. Damsel in distress, Spidey saves the day. For those anti feminists, yes i know the movie's Spermiman, ops i mean Spiderman, not Spiderman AND Mary (though subtexters will see it as Spidey and Harry) but this is MY pov and im sticking with it!
For full rant, refer to my Spiderman 1 Review :P
Ok, I'm seriously running short of time. Gotta web off for now! mayb i'll do a re-write later when i'm free but most likely not since im busy and lazy (like spidey :P). So make do with this then! Till the next installment!!!
For those tricked to see this... hahahaha you've just been Punk'd! :P
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