Spider-Man 3


It's as big and as satisfying as you'd expect any summer movie to be, even if it doesn't leave you with the same kinetic buzz as you walk out of the theatre that the first two Spidey flicks gave you. Perhaps that's 'cause it's not new anymore, but it is still a finely crafted Spider-Man film and that by definition (knowing what we know about this series) makes it better than most films of the like. The cast and crew know what they?re doing. No one is notable outside of their previous work in the series ? apart from, of course, Bruce Campbell with his best cameo yet. By comparison here he was wasted in the first film.

It?s a long film with its multiple story lines, but I deride anyone who thinks that?s a bad thing just because, as though simplicity is a must for any comic book film. But it might have well benefited from the complete omission of Sandman, or at least a drastic rethink of how it ends up as the resolution of that character is a farce. The theme of revenge ? Sandman?s seeming reason for inclusion - could have been addressed elsewhere.

Sandman says: "I'm not a bad man, I've just had bad luck". Well, TV movie of week, here we come. If I wanted a miss-understood small time crook with a heart of gold that "never wanted this", then I would _not_ be watching a super hero film, from which, I expect to see a super _villain_. His effects work is brilliant, and his story arc with his daughter/Spidey makes sense on paper - for a TV movie. Because of that you just can't help but feel cheated. Give the creature a real reason to hate Spiderman, and Spidey a real reason to hate the Sandman - one which the Sandman can't talk himself out of, such as with a little heart-to-heart chat beginning with the repugnant "I never wanted this...".

It was the Brock/Venom storyline which provided the meat of antagonism in Spidey 3 and cause for excitement. A pleasing turn from Topher Grace could have been beefed up quite considerably; a closer look at Venom and far more utilisation of his powers in battle with Spidey. Not quite sure if Spidey 3 was striving for that epic feel, couldn?t help but think of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man when that end battle sequence arrived, plus a severe case of damsel-in-distress d?j? vu almost annoys. Despite some plot deficiencies, (Bernard and Harry) the three-way story between Peter, Mary-Jane and Harry ends in a pleasing way, as does the current three-film arc.

out of ten

Reviewed by Paul Boschen

? 1997-Present Moviemarshal