Spider-Man 2 [Original Score]by Anonymous

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August 17, 2004: 'Brilliant' sums up this score quite nicely. And it is indeed that. The "Spider-Man 2 Main Title" is the same as the first film's main titles however there are slight variations, e.g. a slightly slower tempo and more choral work. "M.J.'s New Life / Spidus Interruptus" is possibly one of the best superhero tracks on compact disc - you may find yourself playing it again and again. It has all of the best Spidey flourishes from the first film and also includes some neat new stuff. "Doc Ock is Born" sets up a fairly menacing tone/theme for Otto and surprisingly includes flourishes reminiscent of Elfman's score for 'The Hulk'. "The Bank / Saving May" is all-out action and combines Ock's and Spidey's themes together with lots of orchestral bombast brilliantly. "He's Back!" is like the "End Titles" track for the 'Spider-Man' score - this one, however, ends with a reprise of Ock's theme. "Train / Appreciation" is not the music we've heard in theaters - this is, in fact, the original music composed for that masterful sequence on the train. This music was not used as that sequence was re-edited after the score had been composed so John Debney was brought in to plug the gap (that's why tracks 10 & 11 are called Bonus Tracks on the back of the CD). "Armageddon / A Really Big Web" includes flourishes of both Spidey's and Ock's themes. "The Goblin Returns" of course has a reprise of the Goblin theme from the first score. "At Long Last, Love" has the traditional Peter/MJ tune followed by the seemingly obligatory music from the end of the track "Farewell" on the first score. Thankfully that music happens to be darn good. Overall, quite spectacular. A must!

This review was written about the CD edition.