Spider-Man 2

This is my 2nd big screen viewing of Spider-Man 2. It is definitely a big screen experience, although I'll buy the DVD also.

The appeal of the Spider-Man character has always been his "humanness". He has problems like everybody else. But his are often made worse by having to maintain his crime-fighting persona of Spiderman. For example, how can he deliver pizza on time to save his job, if he also has to stop and save two children running in front of a truck? Spider-Man 2 wisely focuses on the human dilemmas that Peter Parker, alias Spider-Man, has to meet - creating a character that clicks with audiences on many levels.  Director Sam Raimi has a real feel for the whole scope of Peter Parker's world and Stan Lee's (creator of Spider-Man) vision of the human superhuman.

This movie crackles with humor, pathos, and excitement in equal doses. What an accomplishment! The acting is very good. I was a fan of Spider-Man I, but this one tops the bill. I don't think I've enjoyed a film more this year. Here are just a few of the highlights for me:

• Alex Ross' paintings used in the opening credits
• Toby Maquire as Spider-Man on the brink of a nervous breakdown (it's good fortune that he got the role back after almost being replaced)
• Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson (a solid performance)
• J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson ( first rate comedy timing)
• Alfred Molina as Dr. Otto Octavius - Doctor Octopus (one of the great Marvel Comics villains - very nicely realized by a great actor)

Buy it, do it, see it. Terrific!