Rating of
3/4
Spiderman 3: Less Would Have Been More
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/06/07
Spiderman 3 has a lot going for it. One of the most lucrative franchises, actors who have embraced their roles and special effects that continue to impress. However, the flaw in the latest Spideman is that it tries to accomplish too much in one film.
How many different story lines are there? Let?s see: Peter Parker & Mary Jane?s relationship complicated by the introduction of Gwen Stacey. Peter Parker & Harry Osbourne?s a.k.a. The New Goblin and their relationship complicated by temporary amnesia. Then you have the Sandman ? the sympathetic villain this time around ? who was involved in Ben Parker?s murder. Then you have Eddie Brock ? Gwen Stacey?s boyfriend and rival photographer to Peter Parker. Then you have Venom who first turns Peter Parker into a ?bad boy? then latches onto Eddie Brock instead.
Those are just the ?main? story lines. Sure, the movie?s 2 ? hours long, but even so, characters like Brock and Gwen Stacey get little more than extended cameo scenes. Even the Sandman and Harry Osbourne story lines, which could have stood out on their own, seem to get less time than they deserve.
The film tries so hard to pack in so much and wrap it up nicely, that at times it feels rushed. Trying to keep everything straight in your mind is an effort. Still, even with all the story lines, Spiderman 3 is enjoyable.
For one, I like the continuity. You have J. Jonah Jameson being his arrogant, penny-pinching self ? along with his assistant and secretary. Aunty May is still the sweetest little old lady on the planet and even Stan Lee and Bruce Campbell make their cameo appearances.
Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst continue to be the backbone of the series and play their roles exceedingly well. It?s especially fun to watch ?bad? Peter Parker ? even if he is a bit on the emo side. Even amidst all the chaos, you still see some character development.
Finally, one cannot underestimate the sheer fun of watching the special effects. An amazing crane rescue, a fight with Sandman in the subway and Venom?s transformation ? all make your eyes wide with wonder. The end involves all the main villains and heroes ? and that in itself is reason enough to watch it.
It may not be perfect ? I still prefer Spiderman 2 ? but Spiderman 3 ends the trilogy on a good note ? while leaving it open for a Spiderman 4 should they so be inclined.
