Wow. Usually, sequels don't surpass the original. But this one did it with flying colors, and then some. "Spider-Man 2" was completely above my expectations, considering how good the first film was. I was blown away by the eye-popping visual effects (a solid improvement from film #1), the engaging characters (Tobey Maguire is the perfect Peter Parker), the heartbreaking and heart-lifting drama (all without being too clichéd or corny while remaining true to the spirit of the comics), the bad-ass villain (Alfred Molina surprising us as a VERY convincing Doc Ock), and the comedy needed in a Spider-Man movie (i.e., the Laundromat scene; the elevator scene with Hal Sparks; the terribly off-key woman singing the "Spider-Man" theme; the "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" montage).

While the first movie introduced us to Peter Parker and how the troubled teenager became Spidey, this movie shows us how difficult his life is. Juggling his schoolwork, paying his late rent, delivering pizzas, taking pics for the Bugle, fighting crime, AND trying to tell MJ how he feels about her, just shows how taxing Spider-Man has been on his life. And yet, he keeps at it, thinking that it's his moral obligation and responsibility to protect those who can't protect themselves, all because he was indirectly responsible for his uncle's death. And now he's reached the crossroads where he must decide whether or not he should carry on with this burden or start life anew, without Spider-Man. Sam Raimi does a brilliant job directing this film, and it doesn't hurt having an Oscar-winning screenwriter and Pulitzer-winning author at your side writing the screenplay.

Tobey Maguire once again dazzles us with his performance as the tortured Parker, Kirsten Dunst does a great job as Mary Jane, and James Franco improves greatly from the first movie as the Spidey-hating Harry Osborn. But the real showstopper is Alfred Molina, fantastically portraying Doctor Octopus (considered by many comic fans as one of the best supervillains ever). Despite in the first film having Willem Dafoe's very good performance overshadowed by the clunky, Power Rangers-like costume, Molina has free rein as the sinister Doc Ock, accompanied by those four, bad-ass metal tentacles (an amazing marriage of CGI wizardry and live puppetry). There'll be some moments where you feel really sorry for him, and some moments where you want Spidey to bash his head in. "Spider-Man 2" will attract fans of all kinds of movie genres: action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, drama, and comedy. If you're looking for a summer blockbuster, a movie that'll make you feel good, or a superhero movie at its best, see "Spider-Man 2". You won't be disappointed.