Spider-Man 2 (DVD) Review by Britt Gillette

The summer blockbuster of 2004, Spider-Man 2 follows in the footsteps of its prequel with more thrilling action and enthralling special effects. Directed by Sam Raimi and based on the Stan Lee comic, the film follows the exploits of teenager (Peter Parker) bitten by a genetically modified spider. The spider bite results in the development of spider-like abilities on Peter's behalf which he uses to become a crime-fighting superhero…

In this latest installment of the Spider-Man epic, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is once again busy fighting crime. In fact, his studies and personal relationships are greatly effected by the time he spends as a superhero. Peter's love, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), is tired of being hurt by Peter who seems to never keep his commitments. Meanwhile, Peter's friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) remains consumed with his vendetta against Spider-Man who he believes is responsible for the death of his father. Nevertheless, Harry still finds time to run his father's corporation which deals with cutting edge technologies.

One of Harry's employees is Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), a brilliant and fascinating scientist, who takes the time to answer Peter's interview questions for a college paper. The greatest creation of Octavius is a new energy source that he plans to unveil soon.

Meanwhile, Peter decides to give up his career as a superhero because of the devastating impact it's having on his personal life. He attempts to have a reconciliation with Mary Jane, but she's upset when he misses the play in which she's starring. Showing up just as the doors close, Peter is forced to wait outside and ponder his fate. With Mary Jane involved in another relationship, things don't look good for Peter's love life.

Along with countless media and public figures, Peter attends Dr. Octavius's unveiling of his master invention that will change the course of history. Working with the energy source requires that he use several mechanical tentacles that fit on his back and operate via a nanochip embedded in his brain. But when things go terribly awry, the invention explodes, and Dr. Octavius is the victim of his own invention which transforms him into Dr. Octopus.

In pursuit of his own aims, Dr. Octopus makes a deal with Harry Osborn. Dr. Octopus gets what he wants if Harry gets Spider-Man. Inevitably, Mary Jane is caught in the crosshairs, and Peter must once again assume his life as the web-weaving superhero. The result is a series of action-packed scenes with special effects that will more than satisfy fans and audience members… Can Spider-Man once again save the day? Will Peter get the girl? You'll have to watch for yourself to find out.