Spider-Man 2

Rating:
Summary: Web Enhanced
Review: Author Peter David has never let me down. His books are always entertaining and really fun to read. It doesn't matter if he is concocting a story from scratch, or reworking someone else's material, he has a knack for knowing the characters and situations he writes about. I enjoyed his stuff for the Star Trek comics of the late 80's, early 90's, and while I have read most of his novels based on that space saga, I had yet to read his work, regarding a certain wall crawler, comic or otherwise, until now.

The novelization of Spider-Man 2 is a good read. Working from Alvin Sargent's already packed screenplay for the film, David expands on the story even further, giving readers some interesting backstory to chew on. I know what you must be thinking--most novels based on a film do that very same thing. That's true. David's knowledge of Spidey lore helps the book, so much so that, in the hands another writer, it may not have worked out as well. Take the character of John Jameson, for example, in the film, he gets just enough screen time to create an obstacle for Peter Parker and Mary Jane. In the book, we learn much more about how he swept MJ off her feet, his heroics as an astronaut, and his relationship with his father J. Jonah Jameson. It reads as though it was integral to the plot, not as filler or padding. The 320 page book does have a few weak spots, but thankfully, they are few and far between and pretty minor.

A recommended read for anyone who has already seen the movie and liked it.

Rating:
Summary: Spider-Man, Spider-Man...
Review: I read this book cover to cover in two hours, and when it was over, I screamed into the air, "HOW MUCH LONGER UNTIL THIS MOVIE OPENS?"

By the end of this book, you will feel Peter Parker's pain as tries to keep his life from spinning out of control. Peter David spins a web of a story that will hold you in its grasp and will not let you go, even on the last page. If the movie is half as good as the book, it will rock so hard. Buy this book. You won't regret it.

Rating:
Summary: Fun Book with Scenes NOT in the Spider-man 2 Film!
Review: If you like to read Movie Tie-In books, then this is a good one. This is a book written after the movie script was written, though some scenes and elements may differ, most of this book follows the movie closely, while adding some extra scenes.

You will read about the dinner date when John Jameson took Mary Jane to meet his dad, J. Jonah Jameson. This has some funny dialogue, and it touches on Spider-man's predicament of possibly endangering his family and friends if his secret identity was known.

We see the amusing night that Mary Jane met John Jameson, as well as the time that she got fired from the Moondance Diner, by Enrique' (her slobby boss seen in the first Spider-man movie).

In the book, Dr. Octavius has many lines of dialogue about b-movie scientist stereotypes versus God; which makes him a little more sinister, though it is strange, and unlike the friendly, pre-accident Dr. Otto.

We get to hear John Jameson's explanation to the crowd in the church, after getting the bad news note, which is really very intelligent and dignified, not angry or resentful. He really is a great guy!

There are also many brief, minor references for the knowledgeable comic book fans to pick up on, (the Man-Wolf, Gwen Stacy, Dr. Henry Pym, Namor, etc...).

The book has more instances of Uncle Ben invading Peter's thoughts, including more dialogue than the film gives Ben.

The artificial intelligence of Doc Ock's arms are given dialogue, too! They call him Father, and their thoughts are more defined than in the movie, where we only hear Doc Ock's side of the conversations.

It's also great to have some of the more memorable, major film dialogue in the book, like Aunt May's moving day monologue about heroes.

There is only one scene in this book that I am glad that it is not in the film. In the first chapter, Dr. Octavius is heading to give a lecture for Dr. Connors class, when he is kidnapped by a flying, giant robot, and Spidey gets involved. This is a lame, corny scene, but the rest of the book is terrific.

After seeing the great movie, Spider-man 2, this book adds extra scenes that are quite enjoyable.

Rating:
Summary: AMAZING!
Review: Peter David hits the nail right on the head. His characterization of Peter Parker, with all his problems (love, money, jobs, studies, relationships) has captured the essence of what Spider-Man is: a super-hero with real life problems that ordinary people have. The book provides an excellent balance of action/adventure as well in-depth characterization of the main protagonists. Even J.Jonah Jameson's character and his views on Spider-Man is right on. Watch the film to see the amazing Spider-Man in action but read this book to experience that his powers are both a blessing and a curse.

Rating:
Summary: Spider-man still flying high...
Review: This book was great. I love Peter David's brand of humor and the little touches he adds to the screenplay. The story itself is very deep as it's more about characterization than the first book. This book may not be as "action-oriented" but I'm not reading this for the action (I'm watching the movie for that!) and it was fun reading about Peter, MJ, and Doc Ock. Check it out.