Pure fun! But doesn't live up to the expectations...

Rating: 7/10 (11 May 2007)

Like many other Spider-Man fans, I had been anticipating the release of the film that would contain my favorite villain, Venom. Before it's worldwide release, the IMDb rating was over 8! I was looking forward to being very pleased with this third installment.
However, I came out of the theatre somewhat disappointed. Don't get me wrong - it is a great movie, immensely entertaining, packed with awesome special effects and ridiculously funny. So funny in fact, that even some of the scenes that were supposed to be sentimental or serious ended up with laughs. I'm sure I am not the only one who thinks that Tobey Maguire doesn't have the best 'crying' face, as the audience busted out laughing every time he did. Poor Tobey. He should have been directed more gracefully during those times.
Another reason I was so excited for SM3 was the introduction of Gwen Stacy, who was Peter's girlfriend in the comic books. Plus she was being portrayed by the absolutely talented Bryce Dallas Howard! I wish she had a larger role in this, but perhaps they saved that for the fourth film? There are too many stories meshed into this film. The murder of Peter's Uncle explained, Sandman, Eddie Brock and Venom, Peter and Mary Jane's relationship on the rocks - all in all not as good character development than the second film, which I still consider to be the best as a whole. Some say you must read the comic book to appreciate how perfectly it was adapted, but films and graphic novels are entirely different mediums. I do think Raimi did this the best it could be done.
OVERALL - I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and I think to come in not expecting anything would have been a better experience for me. Worth seeing in the theatre, especially hearing all the comments the audience makes - Peter's hair when he wears the symbiote, the dancing, Harry back to normal - you know what I'm talking about. I'll be looking forward to the DVD release. 7/10.