Spiderman 3 Review

ukevents · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 1912

Despite mixed reviews, I found the latest installment of this pre-summer comic book blockbuster to be a success. Of course, the failed attempts at a seamless story are never successful in this trilogy, but the characters’ interactions between each other and action sequences are enough to make this movie engaging.

The main theme of this movie is centered around Peter Parker’s growing arrogance in respect to his increasing popularity as Spiderman. The people of the city are finally acknowledging him as a protector, and all of this attention and adoration goes to his head. He slowly destroys his (apparently reparable) relationship to his girlfriend Mary Jane Watson, and gets cosmically ravaged by a symbiote which attaches itself to his suit and alters his personality, transforming him into a darker character. This darker character suites Parker well, as he becomes more certain of what he wants, despite turning into an attractive emo asshole (signal the eyeliner, black clothing, bangs and insolent attitude!).

The humorously mortifying dance scene in Mary Jane’s place of employment is a bit over-the top, but it resonates throughout the whole film, as small segments of humor infiltrate dramatic ambiance. Other moments of comedic hilarity blended with more dramatic moments ensue, including Peter’s broken door knob, the French waiter at the restaurant where he is planning on proposing to Mary Jane, and one of the movie’s highlighting characters, Editor Jameson’ blood pressure woes.

The other main character, Harry Osborn, indulges in a bit of schadenfreude concerning Peter’s inadvertent loss of Mary Jane. Osborn takes advantage of this situation and comforts Mary Jane in her time of crisis, as everything crumbles around her; her relationship with Peter, her embarrassing firing (or lack thereof) from a Broadway play, and her isolation. However, Osborn proves to be a true friend in the end, as he relinquishes his false ideas of Parker’s betrayal to his father, and sacrifices himself for their friendship.

Both of the villains in this movie are motivated by different reasons. Sandman is motivated by trying to save his daughter, while Eddie Brock is unintentionally trying to stay relevant. Exposed as a fake, he seeks retaliation and succumbs to his ultimate end when he becomes Venom. Venom is the superior villain, as Sandman’s transformation is more impressive than his character, despite the pity plea at the end, when Spiderman forgives him for killing his Uncle.

Spiderman 3 is eventful, and deserving of its praise. Even if it does not have the most coherent storyline, the characters’ evolutions tinge the movie with a semblance of Superhero appeal. Basically, Spiderman is a super hero, however Peter Parker is just like everyone else- thus, this adds to the film’s appeal. After seeing this movie, it is evident that Spiderman is still leader of the pack.

Written by Julie Zerbib for UKEvents.net

Funkymonk · Joined: 13 Jul 2006 Posts: 483

I enjoyed this film and agree that some negative reviews were over the top. In terms of special effects and action this was the most spectacular of the 3 films. Sandman and Venom are two of the comic books more memorable baddies and this film more then does them justice. The epic finalie which features all 3 baddies and Mary Jane is simply the most heart stopping action sequence of any Spiderman film. Then ther's the brutal battles between Spiderman and the new Green Goblin and the spectacular birth and morphing sequences of Sandman................It's safe to say this film is a visual treat and not short on action! Like before though the film doesn't forget its human side and the action plays second fiddle to the personal problems and relationships of Peter Parker. It's to the writers credit that you find yourself caring more about Peter, Mary & Harry's problems then whether the Sandman is going to trash New York. Even the bad guys have some depth to their characters.
The acting of the main protagonists was solid all round. James Franco, in particular, is given a more substantial role this time and excells as the tourtured Harry Osboune. Thomas Haden Church also deserves credit for his understated portrayel of the Sandman. Makes a change for a comic book baddie to have a bit of soul!

However, it wasn't of the same standard of the previous films. Any problems here seem to lie in Sam Ramis confused direction. All the pre film hype was about the black suit and Spidey going bad. This was supposed to be a darker Spiderman right? True, when Parker dons the black suit the film picks up pace as Spidey goes on a rampage of violence, increased powers and a new found arrogance and attitude (complete with emo haircut). Yet Rami also seems to use this as an excuse to over do the "comedy". Watching Parker strutting down the street, eyeing up girls and dancing like a cross between John Travolta and David Brent simply made me cringe. Is the black Spiderman meant to be mad, bad and dangerous or a pervy village idiot? It's like Rami wanted to make a darker, grittier Spiderman but chickened out half way through. Toby Maguire doesn't convince either in these scenes. When he's trying to be cocky and nasty he still sounds weedy a like, well, a geek. Also we're never sure if the Sandman is a good guy or a bad guy and Venom is seriously underused. Another black mark against Yankee Doodle Rami is some shamefully blatant flag waving in the closing scenes as Spidey pauses to pose by the Stars and Stripes. Never a good idea that, although we had it in the first two films as well.

All in all this is an entertaining, engaging yet flawed film. I think this would be good time to end the series. There can't be many more decent Villans from the comic books left plus all the loose ends and sub plots from the previous films have been tied up by the conclusion. It just feels like the end of the story and if they made more films it would almost be like starting again. There arn't many trilogies where there all the the films are good, true believers! This is one.
Oh, and for the real nerds - look out for a guest appearence by Stan Lee!