entertaining spectacle, but low point of the trilogy

Rating: 5/10 (1 May 2007)

Just saw an early show in Japan.
I really liked 1. I loved 2. 3, however, is the weakest movie. It is entertaining and has many strong elements, but it has a fair share of weaknesses, some forgivable and some not.
My biggest issue was with the villains. They are all interesting and all deserve a whole movie to themselves. Instead they battle for time, and in the end neither the Sandman nor Venom come out very developed. Venom especially feels like an afterthought, tacked on to the story at the last minute. How tacked on? Well, I'll just say that the movie doesn't even spend enough time with the character to let us know that he goes by the name "Venom." My second issue was with the ending (which I won't spoil). I'll just say some things are wrapped up too nicely and other things left hanging in such a way that I didn't feel satisfied.
Still, it was well acted and directed. The action sequences are fantastic. It's funny when it wants to be (another great part by Bruce Campbell). I recommend it despite being disappointed.