Released in 2004…

Spider-Man 2, led by Tobey Maguire, created the industry of superhero movies. The supporting cast includes the genius— Alfred Molina, Kirsten Dunst, and the also—genius— James Franco. The plot follows Peter Parker several years into being New York’s Spider-Man. He’s still in college studying at Columbia University, and he’s introduced to a man named Otto Octavius by his best friend Harry Osborn.

This film is a masterclass in exploring a character’s drives and motivations. Tobey plays two people in this movie, Peter Parker and Spider-Man. That’s why this film thrives.

As stated before, Molina plays the infamous Dr. Octavius. And if Tobey/Parker’s lens shows the complexities of a man trying to save others while save his self— with Otto’s “lenses,” we see the same thing. Otto at the start of the film is a renowned scientist. Literally only meeting Peter off the strength of Harry’s dad’s namesake corporation. As the film goes on, a freak accident occurs during a demonstration. Otto becomes a vitriolic shell of the man he once was. Added into this mix of good film gumbo, MJ is slipping away from Parker as he never has the time to give solely to her. While Harry, on the other hand, finds out the “true” killer of his father.

Standout— Alfred Molina. Like one of my favorite performances from Dinero, Molina shows the industry how to play a character that slowly but justly and dramatically switches from a fun, caring man into a true monster. I can’t stress enough how good the character acting is in this film. Molina at points truly carries this film! I remember watching the scene where Molina becomes Dr. Ock, as a kid— I was scared. For the past 30 minutes, I had seen a man who could’ve been a mentor to Peter during his development as a man and hero. But due to life and regular human error. Things changed and turned definites on their heads. Something that stuck with me forever after this film.

This film is simple at its core. It’s about power and growth.

What drives a man to save others rather than himself?

Why does great power come with an even greater responsibility?