Sling and a miss: Spidey's got more than he can handle in lackluster blockbuster

Rating: 7/10 (7 May 2007)

SPIDER-MAN 3 (2007) **1/2 Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Hayden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Roesemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, James Cromwell, Theresa Russell, Dylan Baker, Bill Nunn, Bruce Campbell, Elizabeth Banks, Ted Raimi, (cameos: Cliff Robertson, Stan Lee) Somewhat disappointing and lugubrious chapter of the vastly popular blockbuster franchise this time with Spidey/Peter Parker (Maguire) juggling quite a bit including three villains, The Sandman (AKA Flint Marko) (Hayden Church); Venom (AKA Eddie Brock) (Grace); and New Goblin (aka former best bud Harry Osborn) (Franco back for the third time as well); his on-the-rocks relationship with gal pal Mary Jane Watson (Dunst ditto) and possible new flame Gwen Stacy (Howard); and an alien life force's parasitic nature unleashing Spidey's 'dark' side proving to be more than what the webslinging super hero can possibly handle in one big, bloated escapade. Despite a few decent special effects- laden fight sequences and the strong cast, the film falters due to the very chatty and uneven screenplay by filmmaker Sam Raimi and his brother Ivan & Alvin Sargent., including some unfortunate choices: musical numbers?! Really?!!