Movie Review: Spider-Man 3 (May, 2007)

Comic book franchises simply don't come any bigger than this. On its opening day Spider-Man 3 made $59.3 million at the US box office beating previous record holder Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006). There's a good reason that the Spider-Man movies make so much money. They're incredibly entertaining, well-made, popcorn blockbusters that beg to be seen on the big screen. A movie that succeeds in being such a huge spectacle, needs a screen to match. They're essential multiplex viewing and waiting for them to come out on DVD simply isn't an option.
Of the trilogy, Spider-Man 3 is by far the most ambitious, juggling not only Peter Parker's (Tobey Maguire) complicated relationships with Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) and newcomer Gwen Stacey (Bryce Dallas Howard) but also three unstoppable villains this time. Of the three villains, the imaginatively named 'New Goblin' (James Franco) is the least successful, adopting a cheesy, 'edgy', extreme sports style with his ski goggles, mask and flying snowboard, he resembles nothing from the original comics. The presence of Thomas Haden Church as the fugitive Sandman more than makes up for this however, his Sandman brings a much-needed dose of pathos to the proceedings as a criminal out to raise money to support his sick daughter. While this may sound hackneyed and maybe a bit cliché, Haden Church's performance is executed with such aplomb that you're never in doubt that Sandman's motives are sound even if his methods aren't.
Venom's late addition to the cast whiffs of studio interference, shoehorning a fan favourite into the narrative to please the die-hards. As comic book fans, The Shed was not disappointed; he's pretty much spot-on. The only negative is the lack of screen-time he's given and the hasty spontaneity with which he corrupts enraged photographer, Eddie Brock (Topher Grace). Venom's a great character and while he faithfully makes the leap from page to screen, he simply isn't done enough justice here, rendered entirely peripheral to the overall plot. Sam Raimi's original choice of the Vulture would have worked better or developing the ongoing tease of Dr. Connors (Dylan Baker) in this and the previous two movies to the include the Lizard would have been an inspired choice. Seems like a wasted opportunity to us.
Such minor quibbles pale into insignificance as Spider-Man 3 is a frenetic, action packed blockbuster boasting plenty of fast-paced set pieces as well as some fresh and funny sequences - Bruce Campbell's extended cameo being a noteworthy highlight.
As always, Spider-Man 3 raises the bar again in terms of comic book action. No other comic franchise manages to faithfully adapt its source material whilst successfully crafting such an accomplished action flick. Also worthy of mention are the special effects, the genesis of Sandman worthy of special mention, being both jaw-dropping and genuinely affecting at the same time.

Spider-Man 3 is more than likely the best blockbuster you’ll see this year. Its balance of drama, comedy and action is so well honed that you’ll be hard pushed to complain. There’s something here for everyone, which is why it’s no mystery when Spidey movies consistently set the box-office ablaze.
Spider-Man 3 is a nigh-on perfect conclusion to a fantastic trilogy, which begs the question, will the saga live on with Spider-Man 4? The answer is sadly that we want it so bad, likelihood is, it'll never happen. What? It's been confirmed? Scratch that then.
****