Disappointing, but still entertaining

Rating: 5/10 (10 May 2007)

Spider-Man 3 had the potential to be not only the best of it's trilogy, but, in my own opinion, one of the best films period. Unfortunately, a web of problems (hah hah) has stood in it's way, rendering it an entertaining popcorn flick, but nowhere near the epic that was Spider-Man 2.
First of all, it should have been two movies. Sandman. The black suit. Gwen Stacey. The second GG. Venom. There's too much, going too fast. Each of these villains had the potential to carry the movie on their own (perhaps Harry could have been a side-villain to one of the others), but all three of them together just limits their potential.
Secondly, I don't know who was writing this thing, but it has some of the goofiest dialog and plot development of any movie I've ever seen. Peter gets this suit that supposedly augments his dark side, bringing out the inner evil that resides in the dark recessed of his soul...so he transforms into an emo John Travolta? And what was with the old butler at the end, revealing the big revelation to Harry? "Oh yes, Harry, your dad was the Green Goblin, I've known all along. I just neglected to tell you for the past two movies because, well, I thought it would be funny." Not even the fight choreography was all that great this time around. I lost count of how many times Spidey pulled the 'web-bullet' move, or how many 'falling fistfight' shots there were. (I hope you're enjoying 'Hot Wheels', John Dykstra! I hope you're enjoying it reeeeal good!) On a positive note, the actors did a splendid job of conveying their darker sides. There are some scenes (I.E., Peter hitting Harry with the bomb, the look on Harry's face when he's in the diner) that were downright disturbing.
All in all, go ahead and see it, it makes for a fun night out. Just don't go in expecting a masterpiece.