The Best Picture nominees for the 2004 Academy Awards were eventual winner Million Dollar Baby, The Aviator, Finding Neverland, Ray and Sideways. Despite the fact that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Layer Cake were also released that year, I could make a good case for Spider-Man 2 joining that list. My regard for the film is that high.
As with most, I was disappointed by Spider-Man 3 -- they just tried too hard -- but was hoping for a righting of the ship with the fourth film, slated to begin filming shortly.
Alas, it looks like a fourth film isn't meant to be. It's going to be rebooted, instead.
Oh, boy. I can't wait.