"Spider-Man 3" Review

Posted by MF on 2007/5/4 19:10:45

Just got done watching it and (hopefully) without spoilers, I'd like to state my opinions about it. First I thought it would have the same problems with the later Batman movies due to a seeming overabundance of vilians but the film actually balances them all out nicely. Thomas Hayden Church plays Sandman with conviction thanks to a added sick child to give his character depth missing from the comics. (Nothing like being a parent to garner sympathy from the public. Just ask the most successful actors, rock stars, and politicians.) Topher Grace makes Eddie Brock a snarky unscrupulous opportunist and his Venom unfortunately never gets a chance to shine as he should. Finally most strong is James Franco who finally gets into the swing of things as the 'new' Green Goblin, being equally threatening in costume and out before redeeming himself at the climax. (Oops. Was that too much info?) Unfortunetly Bryce Dallas Howard's Gwen Stacy is played like a typical dumb blonde model which anyone who's read the comics knows is a fallacy. I do like how Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane tries to snap Peter out of thinking only about his fame as Spidey and gives him a chance to be her rock though she desires to be more than just Mrs. Spider-man. (But by becoming a jazz singer? She's a rocker chick!) Rosemary Harris as Aunt May is still there to act as Pete's spirtual guide and conscience. Finally Tobey adds a change of pace to the Peter Parker character after coming into contact with the alien symbiote by becoming the cocky prick that you keep your date away from at the club. The fight scenes, especially the freefalls, are intense and at times wonderous to behold. [P.S. Be on the lookout for James Cromwell as Police Captain George Stacy, making the most of his brief role.] All in all it's a great popcorn movie, a worthy sequel in the series (though by no means an ending) and a great way to kick off the summer movie season. I give it . This is Mark Fanboy and I'll see you... at the movies.