In this second installment of the Spider-Man series, we are treated to the origin of the legendary Spidey foe, Otto Octavius. He is a physicist that has created four Artificially Intelligent limbs to help him control an experiment in which he has created fusion. When the experiment goes awry, they take on a life of their own, and rather than Dr. Octavius controlling the limbs, they drive him insane and begin to control him. As he rampages (as super-villains are wont to do) he is dubbed �Dr. Octopus� by the Daily Bugle and a legend is born. Spider-Man once again has to swing in to action to save New York.

Doc Ock�s origin was the only part of the film that really bothered me. I can handle just about anything, as long as it comes with a good explanation. I can believe in a kid with spider powers � he got bitten by a spider with enhanced DNA. Doc Ock�s origin was so sketchy, it just left me scratching my head�

Otherwise, Spider-Man 2 is an extremely enjoyable film. It outshines the first, which was a pretty good film on its own. I like how the Spider-Man movies get back to the roots of the character � Peter Parker is a real person with real problems � he�s somebody we can relate to. Of course, Kirsten Dunst makes an excellent Mary Jane Watson, and that doesn�t hurt things at all.

			See it if you like action movies and comic book films. Don't see it if you don't like action movies or comic book films.

© 2004 Jim Manchester