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08/03/2004: "Spiderman 2"
There are so many movies out (or coming out) that I want to see, but until we find a babysitter, we're stuck going to movies suitable for our son. So much for The Bourne Supremacy, The Village, and AVP.
But we did go see Spiderman 2. And it really was better than the first. (Of course, I didn't like the original film.)
I've always liked Tobey McGuire, but I still don't know if I like him as Superman. He does a great job, but it's always weird to see him in his costume and think that it's doofy Tobey under there.
So why was S2 better than the first? For me, it was about four things.
One (not really a spoiler) was his internal conflict. He's been saving the city for two years while trying to have a normal life. School, job, etc. It ain't working. He has a decision to make, because normal and superhero just don't go together.
His conflict is something I think everyone can relate to on some level. I kept thinking about my writing. How I used to write as a hobby, finding time here and there between my "real" life.
Then I started taking writing more seriously. I wanted to get published. So I started making time in my "real" life rather than just stealing moments as they came.
And that's when the trouble began. I couldn't get enough time to write, and it was frustrating. And when I set aside large chunks of time, it took away from my friends and family because I was already working full time and going to school. So it wasn't working. Something had to give.
I chose writing, and I'm very happy with that decision.
So anyway, back to S2. Peter Parker has a decision to make, and his conflict is wonderfully painful to watch--even though it did go on a little long.
The number two reason that S2 was better than the first was the romance. I'm not going to give anything away, but I enjoyed watching the characters struggle with their feelings, even if I wanted to slap them both at times. It could have been worked better--there was SO much room for expanding the depth of the romance, but I guess that since it's a superhero flick the romance wasn't a priority. 
Number three (spoiler!) is the set-up of the villains. Aside from Peter Parker's best friend who will avenge his father, the movie set up the spurned astronaut villain and the mutant professor villain. We should see at least two more movies. Yay!
Number four (spoiler!) reason I liked this movie better is that finally, finally, the truth comes out. I HATE secrets. They make me crazy. I was so relieved when Spiderman's identity was revealed to the people who matter--for better or worse.
Anyway, the film had flaws, but I still think it was better than the first.
Okay, off to write. Have a nice day, everyone!
