Spider-Man 2

Just in time to ride the sells of anticipation for this summer's "Spider-Man 3" comes an expanded edition of the second installment of the superhero franchise directed by Sam Raimi. Co-scripted by Michael Chabon, it's a real supe-opera, with the usual young adult turmoil pushed into the realms of comic-book mythology with the complications of his power, guilt, and responsibility. It's just as strong on character as it is action, and the action is often breathtaking -- the sheer visceral charge of Spidey's slingshot swings through the concrete canyons of New York streets alone is worth the film  yet the heart of the film is in the humanity. Spidey gets unmasked an inordinate number of times this time out, including one poignant episode where the wallcrawler once again becomes the working class New York City hero, and New York's citizens become heroes right back. Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst are the webcrossed lovers Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) and Mary-Jane Watson, James Franco is Parker's best friend and Spidey's worst enemy, and Alfred Molina takes center stage as the villain of the moment: mad scientist Doctor Octopus (aka Doc Ock). The new edition features eight minutes of never-before-seen footage, plus all-new commentary by producer Laura Ziskin and screenwriter Alvin Sargent and various featurettes.