“Ecastatic” may be overstating my mood somewhat after seeing Spider-Man 2, but I liked it ever so much – and it’s the closest adjective on the list the Journal provides to express my response. Better than Spider-Man (2002)? You bet!
Spider-Man 2, for its comic book, action-super hero premise, is actually a morality tale about character and virtue. The bottom line: “Don’t listen to them; we have to be steady, give up what we want the most, even our dreams, to do the right thing.”
Lots to talk about from a character education perspective: honesty, fairness, justice, courage, self-sacrifice and love – and choosing the right path in life, and the right action.
The “virtue” in the film is offset by Harry’s desire for revenge and Otto’s split personality that turns him into an A.I. driven scientist with a god-complex.
I thought the acting was just right – and it is a high-concept over-the-top action film, so hold onto your seats! It’s also a movie that makes you – smile.
I overheard a couple leaving the theater say, “It was good even though they spent the last twenty minutes setting up the sequel.” Well, there is that.
So far this year… this is one of my top five for an entertaining, wholesome film with real ideas.
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