MPAA Rating: PG-13
Original Review Date: July 21, 2004
Reviewed by: Erin, Movie Muse
In a Nutshell: Definitely worth seeing. Most of the individual
elements were better, but the editing/pacing was *way* off,
which detracted greatly.
Quick Plot: When Peter's idol becomes fused to four robotic
arms, mayhem abounds. The situation is complicated by Peter's
struggle with the choice of pursuing MJ or continuing as Spidey.
In Detail: Okay, so that was a sorry plot summary. Please
forgive me. It's just rather hard to sum up well. First, let
me say that the opening credits are awesome! I really really
liked them. As I mentioned, most of the individual film
elements were better than the original. The whole film was
visually more stunning, with better (and less obvious, which is
always better!) special effects. I liked the layout of the love
story better (not great, but better), I liked the villain better
(I could relate to him and feel sympathy for him). But the
pacing of the film and the weaving together of the story
elements (love story, humor elements, to Spidey or not to
Spidey, Harry, Doc Ock) were TERRIBLE!!! How can a film where
all the piece parts were better still feel unsatisfying? And how
can a movie with such great action sequences feel slow? So I'm
feeling rather conflicted about the film. I'd definitely rank it
above the first Spidey (which I don't love), but probably below
X-Men (both of them). Definitely worth seeing, but a little
unsatisfying in the end (unless you go prepared, which I'm
hoping this review will accomplish).
Will I Buy It? Probably. It's mainly up to DH. I do think I'd
be more likely to watch this one more than the previous one (I
just love Alfred Molina!).
