Spider-Man 2 is one of the most beloved super hero movies ever made, and I can see why. Sam Raimi knows damn well how to make a good action movie, and Tobey Maguire knows damn well how to portray Peter Parker.

This film tells an amazing story about Peter wishing for what he wants, but having to deal with what he gets and what he needs. The writing is superb, the action scenes are intense and really well shot, and all the characters feel real.

This is a film about dreams. Peter dreams of being with MJ. MJ dreams of being an actress. Doc Ock dreams of creating his infinite energy source. Harry dreams of avenging his father. Aunt May dreams of a happy life for Peter, and it's all so well done.

Sam Raimi did a great job at making New York a character in this trilogy, especially here. We don't just see civilians looking at a battle, terrified. We see them actually doing things before they even notice the fight. The city itself feels alive and bustling, as New York should be. Sam also knows how to wring out as much enjoyment from action sequences as possible. The fights in the bank and on the train don't do that much to the overall plot, but they still FEEL climactic and tense.

Doc Ock's character arc is also insanely well written. Having his arms talk to him in his head is something that I truly won't forget. His sacrifice at the end feels impactful as well. And the scene with the arms in the hospital feels just like something Sam Raimi would make.

In short, this movie is almost perfect. I'm sure there are some things that can be improved (don't know what, haven't watched it in all the way through in a while), but what we're left with is undeniably Spider-Man at his greatest.