Spider-Man 3 2007

Directed By: Sam Raimi
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, J K Simmons, Rosemary Harris, Bryce Dallas Howard, Topher Grace, James Cromwell, Cliff Robertson
Released: 04/05/2007

With the release of Spider-Man 3 we could well see the end of our friendly neighbourhood spider. Neither Sam Raimi, nor are any of the principle cast signed on for a fourth instalment. Though with record breaking opening weekends around the world it would a something of a surprise for this be Spider-Man’s farewell, if not just because the film leaves so much unanswered. Raimi, if he doesn’t return has left the franchise in a precocious position. Raimi has handled this franchise with such care and expertise that anyone taking over that responsibility will be daunted by the very name of Spider-Man.

And so with what could well be Raimi’s last effort with the masked crusader. Spider-Man 3 has suffered critically from reviewers claiming it’s too convoluted and lacks the intelligence of the previous efforts and fundamentally their right. Spider-Man does have at least one villain too many and Raimi’s apparent discontent for Venom is clear to see, not giving him the attention or detail the character so deserves. One suspects that Venom could be the deciding factor in Raimi decision to get onboard again. As the The Sandman, Thomas Haden Church does very well with the little character develop handed to him, and a slightly contrived back story which positions him as Ben Parker’s murderer adds depth to his character but simultaneously detracts from the story, and feels a tad unnecessary. The final villain of the piece is The Green Goblin 2, Harry Osborn. Peter good friend.

As the story predictably unfolds, another slight downside, Peter is happy in his relationship with MJ, but trouble is soon to follow. This has to deal, as with the previous two instalments with Harry. Added to this the shift in New York’s opinion of Spider-Man hyping him into a celebrity and one scene in which he is given the key to the city, we see how much this attention is beginning to consume Peter.

What this film attempts and in part succeeds at doing is positioning Peter and Spider-Man in the centre of a story which neither of them has full control over. Peter becomes complacent with MJ, assured in their mutual happiness, and consumed by the attention he receives as Spider-Man, Parker becomes an absent friend. Add to this the revelation of his Uncle, which results in him pushing MJ further away and Peter is on a precipice. As his Uncle famously quoted, “With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility”, and Peter, more than ever needs his father figure. Driven by anger, vengeance and everything that would turn you to the dark side, Parker comes into contact with a symbiote. And although the symbiote’s arrival and eventual merging with Parker isn’t handled with clarity of subtlety it does look great to see Spider-Man don a black costume. Spider-Man finally looks truly amazing. And so the film launches into Parker’s dark side. It’s here where most criticism has befallen Spider-Man 3. Where 1 & 2 where nuanced character studies surrounded by CGI spectacle, 3 feels more like a rampage of CGI effects which Raimi and co. have had to squeeze a story around. Just one problem which arises from so many villains.

Essentially Parker becomes a Goth, who struts down the street and flirts horrendously with the women he passes on the street. It provokes laughter more than anything, and Maguire is superb at the comedy. Brilliant also is Kirsten Dunst who conveys emotions and heartache without ever succumbing to melodrama.

As for the supporting cast, J K Simmons and Rosemary Harris are excellent even if J Jonah Jameson, editor of The Daily Bugle, is criminally underused. Bryce Dallas Howard looks set to continue as Gwen Stacy, Parker’s love interest from the comics, with an impressively likeable performance. Villain-wise, James Franco has little to do but look bemused with an annoying grin or scowl and raise an eyebrow when menacing, but his performance is still convincing as he truly begins to turn into his father; he is the one character whose screen time doesn’t suffer, due to his already developed back story. Thomas Haden Church does what he can but is never given the screen time bestowed Alfred Molina or Willem Dafoe in the two previous instalments. But kudos and praise must be thrust in the direction of Bruce Campbell as a hilarious scene stealing French waiter who steals the show.

As the for the spectacle, the film delivers so truly rousing action sequences and as with Spider-Man 2, Sam Raimi has learnt that the best way to deliver great action sequences is to explore the best way these villains can make the most of their powers. However, none of them compare to the train chase in Spider-Man 2, nor can any of them claim to have raised the bar significantly. Spidey’s battle with Harry is exhilarating but for the first time Spider-Man’s quickness and movement actually disorients the viewer and in the end the sequence loses its audience. The Sandman proves a tougher foe and the effects are superb, though the highlight of the film has to be the birth of Sandman, one of the best comic book scenes in any comic book movie, ever. Spider-Man faces the foe about three times in total and each fight is notable for its quality. Exhilarating as it is though, it’s the final epic four way battle that gives this film the edge by which all other summer movies will be judged. As the newly born Venom, Sandman, Spider-Man and Green Goblin go toe to toe in a battle of epic proportions with MJ yet again in a perilous position. After a series of great fights and inventive direction the film reaches it conclusion.

Unlike Spider-Man 2, 3 leaves on a down note. With the audience a little unsure as to what the future holds for Spider-Man, both the franchise and the character; though the possibilities are endless. Ultimately the film is a disappointment when compared to the masterpiece that is Spider-Man 2, but with three villains, two love interests and the dark side of Spider-Man this film was always in danger of feeling convoluted, never having time to stop and explain or give the audience room to breathe. Critics complained about this, and some even complained about the length (its 10 minutes longer than 2). However, Spider-Man should have been longer, giving more time to develop Sandman, Parker’s change and most importantly the arrival of Venom, one of Spidey’s most infamous foes. He’s given about 10 minutes of screen time and we never get to see the full potential of a villain with all of Spidey’s powers but none of his conscience.

Spider-Man 3 kicks off one of the most convoluted summers on record, and with Pirates 3 due for release in two weeks its no surprise Spider-Man 3 isn’t longer, the shorter the run time means more showings a day, the more profit before audiences have a choice of what threquel they enjoy. But Spider-Man 3 is an entertaining, exhilarating and ultimately Amazing entry into the Spider-man franchise, and if this is the last outing for Raimi et al, then what a way to go.