Spider-Man 2 (2004, USA) C-126m. SCOPE *** D: Sam Raimi. Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Alfred Molina, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Donna Murphy, Bill Nunn, Willem Dafoe, Cliff Robertson, Ted Raimi, Elizabeth Banks, Bruce Campbell, Stan Lee, John Landis. First sequel to the 2002 blockbuster is a better movie, as Spidey aka Peter Parker (Maguire) is faced with tremendous personal problems (his job, his family, his love interest), as well as a fierce villain in the form of scientist-turned-tentacled-monster Molina. Better effects, better storyline, this one includes a lot of emotions to make for engrossing viewing. And the action set-pieces are a wow. Oscar-winner for Best Visual Effects. Version 2.1 runs 9m. longer. Score by Danny Elfman.