Movie Review: Spider-Man 3 (2007)
A Review of the 2007 Live Action Marvel Movie
The latest installment of the Marvel superhero comic live action movie franchise. Maguire and Dunst return for the second sequel that is good, but not super. 6/10
"Spider-Man 3" is the third part of the trilogy starring Tobey Maguire. In this movie, we see the revenge of the New Goblin, the creation of The Sandman, and the first sighting of the most important super villain to date, the alien symbiote, Venom.
Those who follow the comic or cartoon versions of Spider-Man, will note major differences between the movie and that of the comic and cartoon. If the non-movie canons are ignored and the movie uis judged solely as its own universe, "Spider-Man 3" will be a much more enjoyable experience.
Being a comic book superhero movie, do not expect a complex story without several shortcomings. The worst aspect of the film is that it has three villains. It does not get to focus enough for much development of any one villain.
The New Goblin (Harry Osborn) is an obvious link to past Spider-Man movies in the trilogy because Peter is blamed for the death of the first Goblin. Now the son is out for revenge. The New Goblin and possibly a second villain are enough for one movie. James Franco is terrific with his performance; he had proper time to develop as a character.
Throw in Sandman (Flint Marko), who, although a great character with a sad story, just does not have much time to develop. Thomas Haden Church is a great actor, but he should have had more time to develop, rather than the basic shell that we are given.
Venom, one of Spidey's greatest foes, does not get at all near the attention that he deserves. The film could have done without the Sandman villain and devoted another twenty minutes to Venom. His arrival on Earth is much different than the comics, which would have been fine if the story actually tried to explain the alien's background. The motive is not seen either. Another big difference lies with the second host of Venom, Eddie Brock, who is supposed to be a big hulk of a jock. Instead, Topher Grace is near Maguire’s size and appearance. Grace does a good job with what he is given, but much too little time to develop.
The story follows Peter Parker who is pleased that the city is warming up to him as a hero, but it all changes when he learns that his Uncle's true killer has escaped prison. His search for the killer begins. To compound the problem, Peter's old best friend and the New Goblin, Harry Osborn, is hell-bent on revenge for his belief that Peter killed his father Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), whom we see with flashbacks. Then, the alien symbiote attaches to Spidey's suit, bringing out Peter's inner aggression and inhibitions. And still, on top of that, Peter wants to propose to Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), who is upset about her career and believes Peter has a new girlfriend. It is too much story for a two hour and twenty minute action movie.
Tobey Maguire is his usual Peter Parker self. He still does not show enough emotion or facial expression, although he does get more of a chance to act up due to the Venom/black Spider-Man suit, which he dons for much too short of a duration. Still, Maguire can do worse, but he can also do much better.
Kirsten Dunst (Mary Jane Watson), Rosemary Harris (May Parker), and J.K. Simmons (J. Jonah Jameson) all return as their respective roles, which is hard to do over a trilogy.
It is always fun to see Bruce Campbell in another of us his Spider-Man guest appearance. This time he plays a French restaurant Maître d’. It is a hilarious scene. This and Maguire's dancing are both funny to watch.
The special effects are phenomenal, as usual. Love the Sandman effects. Venom looked good too, but there could have been a little bit more done with him. One inconsistency is that Venom changes Brock's teeth but not Parkers.
Sound and music are great. The explosions do get a tad loud at times.
"Spider-Man 3" is a good movie but far from perfect. If you are looking for a fast action movie and can live with its flaws, go see "Spider-Man 3."
