Black Hearted

Rating: 8/10 (10 November 2007)

Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is absolutely happy and fascinated with the success and fame of the Spider-Man. His girlfriend Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) is the lead star of a musical show in Broadway, and he wants to propose her. After defeating Harry "New Goblin" Osmond (James Franco), Harry is hit on the head, has amnesia and they become friends again. Meanwhile, the smalltime crook Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), who had actually killed Peter's uncle, escapes from prison and is accidentally submitted to an experiment in a sand pit of a laboratory, transforming in the Sandman. Peter Parker is also threatened in his job by the new ambitious photographer Eddie Brock (Topher Grace). His life turns upside down when an alien being is attached to him, increasing his aggressiveness and his dark side. Harry recalls his last memories and decides to destroy Peter; the jealous Mary Jane breaks out with him; the alien Venon bonds to Eddie, increasing his revenge wish; and the Sandman wants to destroy the Spider Man.
"Spider-Man 3" is not as good as the other two previous movies, but it is also a great film. The characters change their attitudes along the story, with Peter Parker beginning silly and fascinated, showing off his "Tom Cruise" hidden side, and returning to a balanced man in the end and capable to forgive. Harry Osmond begins revengeful, and I just question why his butler only discloses the truth about the death of his father in the very end. Flint Marko is a complex character, presented as a cold blood killer in the beginning and ending as a desperate father with bad luck. The special effects are top-notch; there are many stunning action scenes and the final message about choices is very positive. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Homem-Aranha 3" ("Spider-Man 3")