Having never really been a big comic book fan, I never really followed the story of Spider-Man. Sure, I knew of the character from my upbringing watching the “Electric Company” on PBS, but I didn’t know much more than the basics of the story. When the feature film “Spider-Man” came out in 2002, I enjoyed the movie, but was not overly impressed by it. It was on par with the other league of superhero movies that have been drummed out over the last few years, but admittedly, it was probably one of the cream of that crop, ranking up there with the first “Batman” movie.

That being said, “Spider-Man 2” could have easily been titled “The Amazing Spider-Man,” because it blows its predecessor out of the water. “Fasten your seatbelts” indeed. I am simply awestruck at the level to which this film mixes action, love, fantasy, and comedy all into one package. The story line, the dialogue, the action, and the characters all seem to work so well together that the film is definitely a joy to behold.

The film starts out nicely, with the opening credits mixing over watercolor-painted images of major points from the first film, so that those who may have missed the original will have no problem picking up the story so far. Now, Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is struggling with his dual role of normal life and life as Spider-Man, contrasting the difficulties of a young adult trying to juggle college and career with the seemingly no worries attitude of the city’s favorite Superhero. While Harry (James Franco) is running his father’s business and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) can’t understand why Peter can’t love her back, Spider-Man tries to protect everyone in the city from the newest menace, Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina). Doctor Octopus, or “Doc Ock” as J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle affectionately calls him in his newspaper stories, is actually Doctor Otto Octavius, who, during an experiment-gone-wrong involving nuclear fusion, has four mechanical claws fused to his spinal cord. With eight appendages and a desire to correct his miscalculation, Doc Ock attempts to recreate his experiment on a grander scale, setting him off on a crime spree to fund his endeavor. As Peter juggles the responsibilities of both superhero and normal-life, he has to decide what he wants, what he has to give up in return, as well as deal with Mary Jane, Harry, and Doc Ock.

Reprising his role as Spider-Man, Maguire does another excellent job of donning the dual persona of the every-day-guy in his street clothes Peter Parker, and the fearless, impervious man-in-the-mask. Struggling with both personas is relayed visually through the screen, and his interpretation of Peter’s emotions has progressed significantly from the first film. When ever Peter faces the love of his life in Mary Jane, the two create such tension on-screen that you almost feel pity for him, knowing that he is pushing her away for her own good. As for Dunst, her screen presence and cutesy (yet sexy) smile communicate so much with so little. Yet again, she radiates longing and love for Peter with ease.

However, the real standout is Alfred Molina’s Doc Ock. This bitter genius with the mechanical tentacles of steel is one of the best villains the screen has ever produced. Gliding effortlessly as his appendages stomp through concrete walls and steel girders, Molina’s practically steals each scene he is in. Doc Ock is not a cliché villain, but instead a amalgam of defined intelligence, mechanical monster, and skilled tactician all rolled into one. The tentacles themselves take on a life of their own, and compliment Molina’s motions, and emotions, flawlessly. He captures your attention and keeps it when he is on screen.

The story flows very, very well, and is interspersed with action scenes that are incredibly exciting and inventive, and are definitely the thrill ride of the summer. The CGI of the fight scenes, particularly those involving Doc Ock, are so smooth and seamless that they look real, and the crunching soundtrack helps immensely in making it feel real. Even Spider-Man’s special effects as he swings through the city seem light-years ahead of the original. Kudos to Director Sam Raimi for turning out such a first rate product.

Most importantly, “Spider-Man 2” is funnier than the original, and not in a self-mocking or inane way. The dialogue is humorous and fresh, and the situations that do generate laughter are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. This helps to keep the tone of the film lighter and upbeat, and moves the story along on a nice clip. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat, and tingling with excitement. If you enjoyed the first film, I am fairly sure that you’ll like this film even better, as I know I did. Overall, “Spider-Man 2” is easily one of the best comic-book adaptations ever, and is also one of the best films of this year. Simply “Amazing.”