Spider-Man 3's $256m budget buys it all the action-fest glory, but an effective story requires brains

Rating: 7/10 (11 August 2008)

I went in Spider-Man 3 expecting at least a few sacrifices in the character development since there are three major villains along with a substantial supporting character (Gwen Stacy) crammed in a 150-minute movie, and because of that I wasn't very disappointed, even though commonsense would have been to limit the scope to no more than two villains. Honestly, I don't think Spider-Man 3 could have been a lot better than it already is with the overbearing challenge it takes on.
Of all villains, Venom gets the least character development, despite having the most star power. Even worse, Eddie Brock seems deliberately overacted to the point of self-parody. The Sandman gets more character development, even if it's not a lot better, but due the cumbersome and sluggish nature of his character he's not as interesting when it comes to wham-bam! action.
It's safe to say that Harry Osborn as the high-tech New Goblin is the best villain, mainly because he's already had some great character development in the previous two movies; unfortunately, he is ridiculously killed off at the end while trying to 'help' Spidey against the other two villains (don't ask why). Unfortunately, Mary Jane and Gwen Stacy, especially the latter, are almost ignorable in terms of their contribution to the story.
The action sequences are superbly choreographed as usual, with each movement being well-defined, clear and thrilling. Early on, there is a dizzyingly paced aerial battle between the New Goblin and Peter Parker that takes place mostly in narrow alleys. It's worth mentioning that in a battle sequence so fast and during nighttime, it's hard to properly define every movement, and Spider-Man 3 does this amazingly well.
After witnessing the New Goblin battle, the climax feels a bit sluggish, but nonetheless entertaining and action-packed. Unfortunately, the storyline that preludes it makes it seem less credible; I mean, how do you create a Sandman and Venom union with a one-liner? The Spidey and New Goblin union is even more ridiculous, thanks largely to the Osborns' butler.
The acting is mostly stiff from the main cast, except for Topher Grace, who goes over to the other end of the spectrum almost comically. Tobey Maguire tries to make the best of a hodgepodge script, and gives an overall decent performance, save for a comically ridiculous bit where Peter apparently turns 'emo' under the symbiote's influence. J.K. Simmons' comic relief as J. Jonah Jameson is top-notch as ever and wildly entertaining. Aside, Spider-Man 3 is generally lighter in mood and less serious than the previous two Spider-Man movies.
While Spider-Man 3 is a considerable step down from Spider-Man 2 in every aspect, and even the first Spider-Man movie in terms of story, it does a decent job of concealing its predictably inadequate character development with its thoroughly enthralling action sequences. RATING: 7/10