My Take: Better, faster, wilder and deeper than the original.

In summer movies' case, the only attempt to make a sequel better than the original is that it should be bigger and louder. The original SPIDER-MAN was everything a fan boy could want from a comic book adaptation (You tell me! I'm not exactly one of them), and the only way the sequel could be better than its predecessor is that the sequel should have bigger special effects, louder surround sound and leave everything else in between (New story? Who cares!).

Same is not the case for SPIDER-MAN 2, for not only does it live up to the expectations had for it, it also outdoes and occasionally out-leaps its predecessor. Bigger special effects and louder sound abound, SPIDER-MAN 2 also holds the same sharp focus on characters and a new and different story that isn't just a blueprint for tons of new special effects director Sam Raimi has in store. The character of Peter Parker (still wonderfully played by Tobey Maguire) is more developed, showing how he balances his careers as both the web-slinging superhero and young college student Parker, who also is in desperate need for a job. Kristen Dunst returns as MJ Watson who now blends in deeper in the role. the action-packed moments come in fast, when the film reveals its new and even better villain, the semi-evil Dr. Octopus (Alfred Molina), originally Dr. Octavius, attached with self-operating mechanical arms on his body.

Like the very best of summer entertainments, the special effects moments are thrilling and exciting (if you don't find the scene where Spidey tries to stop a runaway train exciting, you're probably low on sugar). But one thing about SPIDER-MAN 2 is the fact that when the moments of character development and human elements come, it doesn't disappoint. The characters are interesting and fine to sit trough, and unlike most characters in summer movies, they don't look like special effects themselves. I'm not really a fan of Sam Raimi's works, but he'll definitely get his audience when making these would-be series, and SPIDER-MAN 2 should serve as a guide on how to make the future sequels.

Rating: **** out of 5.