Thrilling, exciting, Spidey fun, oh...hello Venom, didn't see you there.

Rating: 7/10 (14 May 2007)

The Spider-man movies for me have set the example in comic book adaptation for all other filmmakers to follow. The first one introduced us to the lovable Peter Parker and alter ego Spider-man superbly, brilliantly capturing the normalcy and rather uninspiring life of Peter Parker before his dramatic transformation, this being one of the chief reasons for the comic books' widespread appeal. The second movie went that stage further: more action; more humour; a fantastically portrayed Doc Ock (who's excellent CGI made for some breathtaking action sequences) and a more engaging plot. The internal battle within Peter was the most wonderful thing about the second movie, where he came to understand that the right thing is not always the easiest, but it is his responsibility to still follow the right course, whatever the personal sacrifice.
As a consequence of these two brilliant forerunners, there was huge anticipation for this third installment. The question is: has it delivered? The answer is not a simple one. In many ways it does deliver and in some it doesn't. The idea of internal struggle which made the second film so compelling has been employed again here, where the mysterious symbiote causes adverse changes to Peter's character. Just as in the second film, we can again relate to the idea of a darker side to our character; which thankfully most of us choose to subdue. Whatever people may say about the third movie exhibiting too many villains and multiple story lines, there is one thing that cannot be denied: the black suited Spider-man has been adapted down to a tee. The darkening of Peter's character and the power the new suit brings, with the personal difficulties Peter is experiencing and the emergence of Sandman, truly makes for an engaging storyline with some truly hilarious moments mixed in. The friendship of Peter and Harry Osborn (Green Goblin) is put through the ringer again in this movie, where Harry, all kitted out in his new Goblin gear, seeks revenge for the supposed murder of his father. The strength of these two estranged friends' relationship is shown, making for a climactic but in truth, rather disappointing final scene, although this is more down to the rather uninspiring Venom than anything relating to Harry. Indeed, the Harry-Peter storyline is quite simply excellent. The character of Sandman, although having a rather clichéd misunderstood I'm a good guy really back-story, is done well, and helps to bring closure finally to the Uncle Ben saga.
Unfortunately, there are problems, relating particularly to one single character. The main criticism of the this movie is quite simply that the character of Venom, who in the comic book is considered Spider-mans' greatest enemy, indeed his arch-enemy, who possesses all the same powers but is quite simply better, is portrayed exceptionally poorly on screen. As the villain and character everyone was so excited to see, Venom is a total disappointment. Not only is he given very little screen time, but the character development is lacklustre, the motivations for his intense hatred of Spider-man, though shown, are uninspired, and the taunting and general attitude of the comic book character has been wholly bi-passed, to allow time for Sandman and the Green Goblin. I therefore have to agree with critics who say that there are too many villains. Venom is such a complex, rich and above all significant character, as he essentially represents the darker side of Spider-mans' character that he has dispelled when ridding himself of the symbiote, that the attention paid to him in this film is totally unsatisfactory. I would have far preferred to see the emergence of Venom at the very end of the film, ready for a fourth installment. It almost seems as though Sam Raimi felt as though it was his last chance and the demand for Venom from the fans was too great so he simply decided to cram as much in as possible. In the end, one thing apparently failed to register: less can sometimes be more.
For a film which is primarily concerned with revenge and forgiveness (for Uncle Ben's murder, for Norman Osborn's, for Peter's spat with Mary-Jane and vice versa), it succeeds. However, the rather disappointing end and the ease with which the crucial character of Venom is defeated, leaves a rather sour taste in the mouth as you get up from your seat and exit the movie theatre.