A movie that doesn't take itself too seriously and I'm just fine with it.

Rating: 8/10 (11 May 2007)

Okay, let's start off with I can definitely understand why many patient fans have been frustrated by this film. Mainly because the symbiote just seems to be thrown in without any real explanation as to why and while, yes, it is a bit random, I believe it's important to point out that this movie may not have been intended to begin an entirely new story arc but to close on the pervading story from the first two movies. That being said, the lack of character development in fan-favorites such as Eddie Brock and Gwen Stacy is somewhat understandable even forgivable. This also makes the close-ended...ending (I couldn't think of anything better) acceptable: Peter forgives the Sandman, reunites with Mary Jane and ends the movie as himself, Peter Parker, not Spiderman, almost as if he's come full circle.
Still on the topic of character development, the Sandman was definitely the central villain here. He is the only additional character given a clear-cut background and his creation scene is one of the most tragic that the trilogy has to offer (especially when he cannot grasp his daughter's locket). Plus, I think that the amazing special effects and Thomas Haden Church's great performance really make the character worth the time he gets.
Now onto the other things...after viewing the movie twice, with great pleasure I might add, I have come to the conclusion that both the symbiote and Brock are simply metaphors for revenge consuming an individual, the power of anger and so on and are not supposed to act as intricate characters on their own, a minimalization which I'm sure is very disappointing to most Venom fans, I being one. However, I thought that this motif fit very well in this movie especially with the addition of Sandman, Uncle Ben's true killer. Peter's realization that his first act as Spiderman - indirectly killing his beloved uncle's supposed murderer - was unfounded drives him mad and understandably so. And it is only when these emotions develop fully within him that the symbiote attaches itself (the recurring images of Uncle Ben being shot, Marko demanding the car, etc. show that Peter's newfound call for revenge is consuming him). As for Brock, he lost everything: Gwen, his job, his dignity, all at the hands of Peter Parker who seems in every way arrogantly contented in his work. In fact, the last thing we see Eddie do before his transformation is call on God's help to kill Peter (their confrontation at the Daily Bugle probably made Brock aware that he was not strong enough to do it himself). So, like Peter towards Sandman, Brock becomes completely transfixed on the idea of repaying Peter in kind for what he's done, ergo, the symbiote finds him. And although this excruciatingly long paragraph may not have clarified anything, I just thought it was important to view Venom/Brock as an extension of Parker instead of an independent character - sort of like Parker gone wrong.
But enough about that, let's get on to the comedy, which appears to be the major source of resentment in most fans. I'm sure that heading into this movie, given the hype of Black Suit Spidey and the advertising campaign of "the battle within," most fans were expecting an intense, dark drama as a result of the symbiote not a superhero version of the Nutty Professor. Now, while Raimi's comical take on Peter's shift in personality isn't exactly true to the original story, it is fitting and VERY funny. I mean, come on, Peter Parker, lovable as he is, is not a bad-ass, he never will be a bad-ass and I seriously doubt he was ever meant to be a bad-ass. In fact, the allure of his character is that he's a complete and utter dork, that's why we root for him. Therefore, when he tries to be a bad-ass or cool or a jazz star, I think it's appropriate to laugh at the guy in the same way it is to laugh at a friend who completes the same personal 180. And though it hurts to be duped by a million dollar ad campaign yet again, I don't feel it detracts from the enjoyment of this movie one bit. Oh, and Bruce Campbell and JK Simmons are awesome as always...just thought I'd throw that titillating fact out there.
In short, I felt that the acting in this movie ranged from very good (highlighted by Thomas Haden Church) to kind of corny (Venom pointing at Mary Jane's backside, Peter's dance scene, etc.) though never offensively bad, which some have vehemently proclaimed. The direction was good. The score wasn't too bad and the special effects were incredible (definitely the highlight of this installment). Overall, I'd say it's definitely worth seeing and give it an 8 out of 10, which I did...as you can plainly see...from the stars...okay.
And for those of you bored out of your mind or just plain confused, maybe even angry after reading this thing, I just want you all to know that it sounded a lot better in my head (as most things tend to).