Spider-Man 2 (Raimi, 2004) - 9/10
After giving this my first re-watch in over a year, I definately can say it is still my favorite of all the super-hero movies yet released. It pretty much has everything I could possibly ask for in this type of movie. It surpasses the original in every area, the new villain is fleshed out and given some real personality, the stunts are bigger and better, the screenplay is much better, as are the effects and cinematography. The movie also packs an emotional punch that the first didn't deliver on. Most importantly, I think the movie works wonderfully as a film, period, without constraining it to the genre of super-hero movies. The set-up, conflict, and resolution are much better than we see in many other Hollywood dramas. Peter actually has a well-defined character arc and journey that he takes in the movie. It also is a perfect example of a cliff-hanger ending done right, by throwing us a bone, but leaving the audience salivating for the third movie. People complain about these movies being cheesey and sentimental, but that is part of the appeal for me. From what I understand, they are very true to the source. For my myself personally, I really like that Raimi is trying to make movies and develop a character about honor, responsibility, and doing the right thing. Simple themes, yes, but timeless ones that are often forgetten these days. Comic book movie perfection in my eyes.
