Ambition killed its potential

Rating: 7/10 (4 May 2007)

Spider-Man 3...the most awaited sequel of the year.
By now, you should know the plot overview. Instead of a lone antagonist, the movie has opted to feature three villains. Yes, three villains! As if properly weaving three villains into the storyline was not already a lofty goal, the movie decides to dip its entire arm into the cookie jar by centralizing Peter Parker's rocky relationship with Mary-Jane Watson. In between the confrontations and fights, you will be treated to moments of tension between Peter and Mary-Jane as well as moments of lunacy on Peter's end.
The movie's main problem is that it's overly ambitious. It seems that the production team wanted to cram as much as possible in 140 minutes. In doing so, a few of the characters were left largely undeveloped, the transitions from scene to scene were, at times, rough and absolutely lacking in style, and the plot eventually crumbles as it progresses.
Do not get me wrong, though, the movie is entertaining. If anything, the movie's truly spectacular moments comes in the form of its action scenes. Believe me, the fight scenes are much better when compared to the movie's predecessors. The action choreography and the visual effects have been refined to near-perfection. Every hard hit and slow-motion event serves well in drawing you into the experience.
The acting was all right. Rosemary Harris shined as Aunt Mae. On the lower end of the scale, however, Tobey Maguire stunk. Most of his 'sad' scenes had the whole audience in my theater laughing, what with his contorted facial expressions and all.
Lastly, I have to comment on the movie's message. The theme here is revenge and evil. The movie brilliantly extends its theme to cover not only Peter, but the villains as well. However, any potential for a poignant perspective on revenge or hatred is shattered at the movie's childish treatment of such a deep subject. To summarize, the movie basically has this to say about revenge: "LOL, like, revenge makes U da evil!"
Despite being a good film, I have to nominate this as the worst Spider-Man in the series as of so far.