Spider-Man is without question one of the most iconic superheroes of all time, and Spider-Man 2 is the best Spider-Man movie ever made. Period.
Over the past two decades, we have been treated to four different adaptions of the web-head on the big screen, all of which have provided audiences with a different type of Spider-Man.
However, one thing that remains clear is that Sam Rami’s critically acclaimed Spider-Man 2 from 2004, is still highly regarded as being the best Spider-Man film that we’ve seen so far.
So, here are four reasons why Rami’s classic sequel still remains on top to this day.
It Truly Embraces That With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Credit: Sony Pictures
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You wouldn’t think that being Spider-Man could really be so hard, well ask Peter Parker and I’m sure he would give you a different kind of opinion.
Throughout the movie we witness how Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is struggling to balance going to college, keeping a steady job, looking out for his Aunt May, trying to remain friends with Harry, trying to find the courage to tell Mary Jane how he really feels, all whilst he’s protecting the streets of New York as Spider-Man.
It never feels like he can really catch a break, he gets yelled at constantly by Mr Jameson, his landlord is always asking him for his rent, Harry is annoyed with him because he doesn’t feel like he can trust him and worst of all, Mary Jane gets engaged and seems happy without being with Peter.
Its really no wonder as to why Peter constantly feels depressed and worried throughout the entire story.
When Peter begins to lose his powers we realise that it’s because he doesn’t want to be Spider-Man anymore as its effecting his personal life too much.
But, in order to save the city (and Mary Jane) from Doctor Octopus, Peter realises that in order to do so, he must put his own problems aside and be Spider-Man again once more, because just like Uncle Ben once told him: “With great power comes great responsibility.”
The entire tone of the movie truly captures and solidifies what it means to be a superhero.
Spider-Man 2 Features Some Of The Most Memorable Scenes From Any Spider-Man Movie
Credit: Sony Pictures
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Spider-Man 2 is a real rollercoaster of a movie, you get drawn into all of the problems within Peter Parkers life, but what we all remember the most are the iconic scenes that people are still talking about today.
Who can forget the epic battle on top of the train between Spider-Man and Doc Ock.
The entire scene contains some incredible CGI (especially for the time when the film was made), and its epic conclusion where Peter has to figure out a way to stop the train from riding off the edge of the track is a real nerve-bending experience.
However that moment after Peter manages to stop the train after using dozens of webs, and he’s carried back into the carriage by the thankful passengers is one that really sticks to your mind.
It is such an iconic moment that practically leaves the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.
Another scene that heavily stands out is when Harry Osborn unmasks Spider-Man and finds out that the man who he blames for the death of his father is his best friend – Peter Parker.
Osborn’s shocking reaction is really well played by James Franco, you instantly buy into his emotions, and it creates an eerie atmosphere that plays heavily into the third movie.
Doctor Octopus Is A Phenomenal Villain In Spider-Man 2
Credit: Sony Pictures
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We have seen many different members of Spider-Man’s rouges gallery appear in different movies over the years. We’ve seen the likes of, the Green Goblin, Venom, Mysterio and Vulture, but perhaps the most memorable one we have seen so far is Doctor Octopus.
Played by Alfred Molina, Doctor Otto Octavius is one of Peter Parkers heroes.
He grew up idolising him and we learn early on within the movie that he’s even writing a paper on him for his college course.
The fact that Parker has to battle a man he used to consider as being one of his heroes really adds great meaning to the character, and helps to make him stand out as being one of the most unique comic book villains we’ve ever seen in a superhero movie.
The origin of Doc Ock is also a really heart-breaking one too. It involves his ground-breaking science exhibition going horribly wrong, which results in him nearly blowing up the city of New York, losing thousands of money and worst of all, losing his wife Rosie who tragically got killed during all the chaos.
But, the transition that Octavius goes through, from being a well respected scientist, to a sadistic villain is played out so well by Molina.
The characters sudden downfall which leads him on a destructive path keeps you hooked throughout the entire story.
You’re Constantly Invested Towards The Characters And The Story
Credit: Sony Pictures
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Spider-Man 2 has plenty of terrific action scenes, but it never loses sight of the most important factors of the film – its characters and story.
If you think about it, we hardly see any scenes involving Spider-Man until around 30 minutes into the film, and yet that is not a bad thing, because our attention is invested on the story and these brilliantly developed characters.
Practically every character in this movie plays a role within the story and that is not something you often get in superhero movies.
The story isn’t just about Spider-Man battling Doc Ock and saving the city, it’s about so much more than that.
It’s about Peter discovering what it means to be Spider-Man, and how that involves him having to make sacrifices, even if it means that he can’t be with Mary Jane, or remain friends with Harry or even look out for his Aunt May.
Rami’s masterpiece is still regarded as being one of the best superhero movies of all time.
And when you really consider how much it offers in comparison to other movies, it’s extremely easy to see why.
What did you think of the list?
What’s your favourite Spider-Man film?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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