Wow. I have just gotten back from the 12:01 AM showing of Spider-Man 2 (it's 3:15 as I type this) at the Valley View (OH) Cinemark 24. (In which every seat was sold out!) And in describing Spider-Man 2, so many things come to mind, so many different aspects of the movie, and one word keeps popping in my mind. Wow. This movie is great! Wow. Wow. Wow! Peter Parker is once again struggling, broke and desperate. His grades are lacking, and he's either late or missing for everything he needs to do. His world is closing in on him, and he realizes there's only one way out. He must be Spider-Man, no more. But with mad scientist Doctor Octopus on the lose and the city in danger, what will he do?

That's the basic gist of it, but that description is an insult to the whole story. . Freed from having to introduce the whole gang, and setting up conflicts, this movie is able to jump into the action. You don't need to know anything about the plot, in fact, the less the better. Just know this: The connections between the characters are deeper. Everything you loved about the first one is here, but stronger. Bolder. Better. You see, this film really shines in the character interaction and development. The special effects are great too, and Doctor Octopus is a better villain, at least in terms of excitement, look, and menace. The movie is also surprisingly hilarious. Although not a comedy, and not treated as one (thank goodness), many situations generate laugher. That's a good thing, because as any true fan knows, Spidey is just as funny as sad. The quips and humor are great here.