Peter Parker has finally managed to piece together the once-broken parts of his life, maintaining a balance between his relationship with Mary-Jane and his responsibility as Spider-Man. But more challenges arise for our young hero: Peter must also capture Uncle Ben's real killer, Flint Marko, who has been transformed into his toughest foe yet, the Sandman. Harry Osbourne, Peter's old friend, has set out for revenge against Peter by taking up the mantle of his late father as The New Goblin. Suddenly Peter's suit turns jet-black and not only amplifies his powers but it also amplifies the much darker qualities of his personality and Peter realizes that he has to his greatest enemy yet ... himself. Can Peter reach deep inside himself to free the compassionate hero he used to be and conquer the darkness? Or will he lose everything and everyone, including himself, to the darkness trying to consume him?
Review
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Hello, Movie Buffs!
After watching Spider-Man 3 I was left feeling satisfied, being it was an adequate sequel, and somewhat disappointed, as it was certainly a step down from Spider-Man 2 (2004). Of course, Spider-Man 3 does well in maintaining the similar feeling of the first two films and it did not feel like we were not continuing the story; continuity plays a big part in a series. The scenery and characters felt the same, Peter’s apartment, the Daily Bugle offices, Peter, Harry, Mary Jane, etc. easily jump back into their normal routine and carry over well. The part that I was disappointed in is the pacing and the scope which don’t feel similar to the previous two films; ultimately this makes the movie a bit messy. Perhaps it is because Spider-Man 3 tries to tell a story that is just too big for one movie and this makes it messy. This has a lot to do with poor explanation and the decision to include three villains; in comparison to the first two films. And while there is nothing wrong with having more than one villain, at the same time they have to be able to work together rather quickly.
In the end, we are left with a series of well-crafted scenes that don’t actually fit well together and are connected by a lot of smaller scenes, making the scenes as a whole feel very forced and seem to rely heavily on coincidences. This is frustrating because those smaller scenes are used like speed bumps filled with awkwardness and dissatisfaction. There is one scene, in particular, that is needed to set up the final battle but it was too short (there is no way that the two characters could have decided that quickly to become partners) and not effectively added into the film. I believe that if they removed the villain Sandman (Thomas Haden Church – George of the Jungle, Easy A) and instead placed him in a 4th Spider-man then I believe that it would have made for an even better movie. Why do I say this? Spider-Man (2002) is an origin movie where Peter (Tobey Maguire - Sea biscuit) is learning about his new powers and faces his first villain; one that hits closer to home than expected by him. Spider-Man 2 (2004) focuses on Peter who is learning how to balance being normal and a superhero as well as taking that next step in tell Mary-Jane (Kirsten Dunst – Mona Lisa Smile) how he feels. Spider-Man 3 (2007) should have focused more on Peter, who has gotten the girl, discover his hidden darker side, a side that could ultimately lead him to become a villain. And Spider-Man 4 (which there is none) could have focused on, after going through all that growth in the first three movies, Peter finally getting revenge or closure for Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson – Escape from L.A.).
Despite how it may seem I don’t actually hate Spider-Man 3, I was just disappointed in its flow as a narrative and it was quite obvious that the writers bit off more than they could chew. Although the many flaws in the film make it the weakest of the series, it is still enjoyable to watch; the first two were better in terms of plot, characterization, and pacing. Out of the three films Spider-Man 3 is the best one visually and the look of the film is mind-blowing with impressive special effects, brilliantly choreographed fight scenes, stunning set pieces, excellent music that suggests sufficient direction, and each character is portrayed with admirable variety – especially James Franco (This is the End), whose character displays so much range that it is creepy how unpredictable he is.
Overall, Spider-Man 3 is a good film but there are too many villains and too many stories, making it the weakest of the series. While it is obvious that director Sam Raimi (Oz the Great and Powerful) struggled with trying to squeeze everything in, it is hard to lay blame only on him even though he does have his share. The film has some entertaining moments, there is good action and the new villains look great visually. One almost redeeming quality is the theme of the movie, which is about forgiveness. Peter Parker, Harry Osborn, and even Mary Jane Watson have to find their better angels as they escape their individual darkness. This could be viewed as redeeming because each of the stories has that same connection.
“Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice. My friend Harry taught me that. He chose to be the best of himself. It's the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what's right.”
- Peter Parker
Final Vote
Worth Seeing: 3.8 of 5 star
Worth Buying: 3.8 of 5 stars
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Movies Similar
Ant-Man (2015)
Avenger (2012)
Avenger: Age of Ultron (2015)
Captain America: First Avenger (2011)
Captain America: Winter Soldier (2014)
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Daredevil (2003)
Fantastic Four (2005)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
Iron Man (2008)
Iron Man 2 (2010)
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Spider-Man 1 (2002)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Cast & Crew
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Writing Credits:
(Screenplay) Alvin Sargent, Sam Raimi, and Ivan Raimi.
(Screen Story) Sam Raimi, and Ivan Raimi.
(Marvel comic book) Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
Produced by:
Avi Arad --- producer
Joseph M. Caracciolo --- executive producer
Grant Curtis --- co-producer
Stan Lee --- executive producer
Laura Ziskin --- producer
Kevin Feige --- executive producer
Music by Christopher Young
Cinematography by Bill Pope
Film Editing by Bob Murawski
Production Design by Neil Spisak and J. Michael Riva
Cast:
Tobey Maguire --- Spider-Man / Peter Parker
Kirsten Dunst --- Mary Jane Watson
James Franco --- New Goblin / Harry Osborn
Thomas Haden Church --- Sandman / Flint Marko
Topher Grace --- Venom / Eddie Brock
Bryce Dallas Howard --- Gwen Stacy
Rosemary Harris --- May Parker
J.K. Simmons --- J. Jonah Jameson
James Cromwell --- Captain Stacy
Dylan Baker --- Dr. Curt Connors
Bill Nunn --- Joseph 'Robbie' Robertson
Cliff Robertson --- Ben Parker
Ted Raimi --- Hoffman
Elizabeth Banks --- Miss Brant
Elya Baskin --- Mr. Ditkovich
Mageina Tovah --- Ursula
Stan Lee --- Man in Time Square
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