From a filmmaking perspective, Spider-Man 2 is similar to its predecessor. The cast, Danny Elfman, and Sam Raimi all continue their great work in the series. However, Spider-Man 2 upgrades some key aspects. First, Raimi expresses more freedom due to his previous success as he increases his style here. Overall, the imagery is moderately better with more motion, creative shots, and dramatic sequences. This is exemplified by the scene where Doc Ock wreaks havoc on the hospital staff. That segment is reminiscent of Evil Dead and genuinely fun.

Still, the most significant improvement is the script. Spider-Man 2 is brilliant because it's really a Peter Parker story. Much more time is spent with Toby Maguire than with his mask, making the movie very intimate. For the entire film, the protagonist struggles to live his dual life and loses himself to his secret identity. Real themes of responsibility and self-care are explored, pushing this beyond flashy entertainment. Furthermore, Maguire nails his conflicted character in a way that's rare for superhero movies. Fundamentally, Spider-Man 2 is special because it works as a drama first and the fantasy elements support that. Once again, this franchise sets the standard that echoes today.

Writing: 8/10 Direction: 9/10 Cinematography: 9/10 Acting: 9/10 Editing: 9/10 Sound: 9/10 Score/Soundtrack: 9/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 9/10 Effects: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.7/10.