"Spider-Man 3" is an action-packed treat... If you are in the right mindset...

Rating: 6/10 (20 October 2007)

"Spider-Man 3" seems to be the most debated film of the summer. On one hand, some love it... on the other, some despise it. I personally loved the movie for what it is... an enjoyable, fast and action-packed thrill-ride, that may not be quite up to par with the previous film (the neo-classic "Spider-Man 2"), but is still a great movie nonetheless.
Like many, the only real complaint I have is that too many characters and stories are crammed into the film. Though, I actually think it all functions well as one complete story.
In a nutshell, Peter has finally found some peace and attained the happiness that has been eluding him the past few years. He plans on asking MJ to marry him, the city finally accepts him as a hero, and all seems well and dandy.
Unfortunately, things are about to change.
First, Harry (still convinced Peter murdered his father), becomes the devious "New Goblin." (His storyline in the film is somewhat complicated, so I won't go into it yet.)
Then, it is revealed that a new figure (the tragic Flint Marko) was there the night Uncle Ben was shot, and he may be the real killer. However, Marko inadvertently exposes himself to a particle demolecularization experiment, which crystallizes his genetic material and turns him into the dreaded "Sandman", a hulking "villain" that can fly, transform his body parts into weapons, and in several cases become a giant beast!
Finally, a meteorite lands on the Earth, unleashing a gelatinous being (similar in style to "The Blob") that eventually latches itself to Peter, transforming his costume and turning him into "Dark Spider-Man", which causes Peters emotions (particularly anger) to amplify beyond normal bounds. It basically turns Peter into the "ADHD-Spider-Man."
On top of all that, MJ can't get that break in show business she desperately wants; a sinister and arrogant new photographer (Eddie rock) is trying to out-do Peter at every turn; and the sexy Gwen Stacy seemingly has eyes for Spidey, causing tension between Peter and MJ.
Now, mind you, that is a simplified version of just the first half of the movie! From there on in, the plot-lines develop and intersect at various points, feeding off of one another, until we get to the climax. We even get new sub-plots on top of everything else!
"But if the movie is so overstuffed, how can it possibly be any good?" So glad you asked! You see, normally if a movie has anywhere near as many intersecting plots and ideas as there were in this film, I seem to tune out, as it gets way to confusing.
With "Spider-Man 3", somehow Sam Raimi (the director of all three films, and co-writer of this entry) manages to keep all the goings-on grounded to a certain degree, and simplifies them just enough that you don't loose your mind.
Would I have preferred a simpler story? Definitely. But did the movie at least do a good job of juggling the 800 (or so) plot lines going on? Again, definitely.
Believe me, I could go on for hours on the structure of the film, and how it all works out. But that would just become monstrous and pointless.
So, before I wrap up, let me quickly go over a few of the points I have missed...
-Venom... Yes, Venom is in this movie, which is an established fact by now. And many complain that his role is too small, but for me, it works better this way. The story lines in "Spider-Man 3" all revolve around the human aspect of the characters. With Venom, you don't have any humanity to "feel" for. He is basically portrayed as an arrogant man (Brock), who attains the suit and decides to use it for revenge on those he feels have wronged him. The suit is really just used to show how arrogance and power can corrupt. And Eddie is only used as an agitator for Peter. So it makes sense that Venom's usage be limited... Once the "Dark Spidey" and Brock story lines are done, there isn't much call for Venom, as he doesn't add anything new... (Other than to help make the final battle really cool!)
-Harry... As I mentioned above, Harry's story is interesting and somewhat complex. He starts the movie as a total villain, attempting to kill Peter in an action sequence I can only describe as "dazzling" and "amazing." However, he ends up receiving a severe head injury which causes him to suffer memory loss. (He has amnesia... get over it!) I thought this was a very appropriate story-telling point. By giving him amnesia, he forgets about all his hatred towards Spider-Man. And we are reminded that beneath all the callous, empty rage, there is a real human... Someone sweet and kind. That way, even when he regains his memory, we still feel sorry for him. Trust me, it works!
-Sandman... I feel that Sandman is a wondrous character, that I would rank right behind the perfection that was Alfred Molina's Doctor Octopus. We learn early on that he only resorted to crime to get money he desperately needs to help his daughter, who is suffering from an unnamed illness. And the influence his daughter has over him is what propels his hatred towards Spider-Man, who foils his attempts to get the money. Thomas Hayden Church proves perfect, turning in an outstanding performance!
-The Effects... The effects in this movie are indescribable. For the first time ever, I often forgot that I was even looking at effects. As far as I was concerned, everything was real!
So, wrap up time! "Spider-Man 3"... a solid 8. Not the greatest movie ever, but a lot of fun, with emotion and "real characters." A treat in the usual line-up of cruddy sequels! 8/10