Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Preceded by: Spider-Man (2000)
Succeeded by: Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Spider-Man/Peter Parker	Tobey Maguire	½
Mary Jane Watson	Kirsten Dunst	½
Harry Osborn	James Franco	½
Dr. Otto Octavius	Alfred Molina
May Parker	Rosemary Harris
J. Jonah Jamesson	J. K. Simmons	½
Dr. Curt Connors	Dylan Baker
Joseph Robertson	Bill Nunn
Norman Osborn	Willem Dafoe
Ben Parker	Cliff Robertson
Snooty Usher	Bruce Campbell

Review

Following-up a successful first film isn't exactly easier in the superhero sub-genre than in general. That doesn't mean that these kinds of sequels can't deliver (Richard Lester's Superman II might just be the best superhero-movie to date), but there is unfortunately very little originality to this film. Brilliant CGI effects, Alfred Molina in fine form and a Tobey Maguire that at times is inspired cannot lift Sam Raimi's film to anything else than a fair vehicle. With unconvincing Superman II  rip-offs (superhero turns ordinary guy turns superhero), an insipid romance, and a simplified narrative, Spider-Man 2 strips down to a very basic level. With that being said, there are some fun for the enthusiasts, and Alfred Molina makes his villain interesting. That the ending leads the way for film number three can't be classified as particularly elegant, but Bruce Campbell definitely can.