Interesting Twist in the Web

Rating: Null/10 (6 May 2007)

Spider Man 3 takes some different twists and turns. We pick up where we left off from Spider Man 2 where Peter and MJ have decided to give in to their true feelings and take the risks that will no doubt put a great deal of strain on their relationship. We also see the tension still mounting between Peter and Harry. However instead of continuing on the predictable course of a series of scenes with MJ being put in constant peril and Spidey coming to the rescue in the nick of time, we see a much more personal, human culprit begin to undermine the relationship - fame and ego and career struggles and disappointments. All these things are handled in a believable manner but Spider Man 3 suffers from the old case of trying to cram too much into one film in order to top the previous film.
The Sandman character was predictable and boring and the film would have been better off without it. The special effects are very good but the character had very little depth and took up more screen time which could have been put to better use with the Eddie Brock character and the development of Venom. I'm not sure why the film felt it had to put in more story that had to touch on the death of Uncle Ben again, by this time its growing tiresome. The developing triangle that occurs between Peter MJ and Harry is dramatic and well-paced. Sadly the mysterious dark suit that falls from the sky is given no explanation at all. (Unless Venom will make a return in future films and this detail will be thought out a little better).
There's more humor in this movie and it keeps the action from getting over the top - the scenes involving Jonah Jameson and (Bruce Campbell) as the french matre 'd stand out. The scenes where we see the darker side of Peter caused by the suit is well done and his other scenes played for humor were enjoyable. However by the last part of the film the dialogue begins to get very weak - The reporter covering the battle at the end is ridiculous and some of the character of Brock's speaking lines are hard to swallow though I think Grace did a decent job of portraying the cocky photographer.
Overall I enjoyed the movie and though it shows signs of being rushed and again with too many characters, I can't help but feel a certain degree of finality to Spider Man 3. It could very well be the last time with see Tobey Maquire and Kirsten Dunst in the lead roles. If its decided to continue the franchise, it will probably be with different faces, which could mean a slow downward slide of the series. -- I hope not.