SPIDER-MAN 3 opens as the most hyped film of the year.  The third in the series, with all three made by the same director Sam Raimi (EVIL DEAD, DARKMAN, THE QUICK AND THE DEAD), SPIDER-MAN 3 both benefits and suffers from that fact. 

As well as being consistent with the feel, atmosphere and action of the first two, SPIDER-MAN 3 has the dauntless task to present more in the field of excitement, special effects and mood to satisfy Spidey fans around the world.  This, Raimi and his two other writers, Ivan Raimi and Alvin Sargeant try their best and accomplish in parts.  SPIDER-MAN has the best bits of all the SPIDER-MAN films - the innocence and naivety of the Peter Parker character; childhood love; best buddy enmity; a combination of old and new villains (the new Goblin, the black snarling black SPIDEY, the Sandman and his Parker’s own nemesis) and new CGI special effects and a darker yet sometimes wickedly humorous side of the hero.

Again with so much riding on the filmmakers’ platter, flaws will emerge, and they do, as well observed in SPIDER-MAN 3.

SPIDER-MAN 3 can be divided into three separate movies.  The first is the humanistic Spider-man, similar to the first in the franchise.  The opening sequence has Parker all comfortable with his new super hero status.  NYC loves him, he loves himself and his girl loves him.  Trouble is that Parker is too naïve and immature to feel for other people.  Director Raimi paces well the action scenes well, and here, the film feels like #2.  Third part is when the darkness sets in.  Fortunately, the script allows Spider-man to return to the light.  Within the framework, Tobey Maguire delivers a refined varied performance helped by a solid young cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace and especially James Franco.

Raimi’s film is never clear on the time period set for the film.  At one point, SPIDER-MAN 3, which is set in NYC in and around Broadway, has a huge poster of Helen Hayes, a theatre performer and actress (AIRPORT) in the background, suggesting a 70’s environment.  A later segment has M.J. (Dunst) checking who called her on the cell phone, which was not invented at that time.  Raimi’s film, jumps all over narrative-wise.  Without warning, Parker’s Daily Bugle boss (J.K. Simmons) challenges him and newcomer Eddie Brock (Topher Grace) to find Spider-man’s hidden dark and possibly evil side.  Where did this come from?  Again, during a photo conference, Spidey plants an upside down kiss (his trademark with M.J.) to the new girl on the block (Bryce Dallas Howard).  Spidey has just got M.J. an engagement rig, loves and intends to propose.  This segment, is clearly to put the two lovers on a rife, Harlequin-style but the narrative flow makes no sense at all.  The sudden landing of a meteorite with black parasitic crawly-creepies whilst Spidey and M.J. are making out is yet another instance. 

SPIDER-MAN 3 has its dark side but the script infuses humour along to prevent it from sinking into BATMAN BEGINS territory.  When Parker decides to dump M.J. and do his thing, he dons new cool threads and walks the walk, much to the avoidance of all onlookers.  This ploy works with the film’s funniest scenes while not compromising Spider-man’s integrity too much.  It is tough to hate somewhat that makes one laugh.

SPIDER-MAN 3 ultimately delivers in the CGI and special effects departments.  The action scenes from the first, where he fights with the new Goblin to the last are all executed with flair and a good dose of old fashioned thrills and excitement.  The first fight works well with the introduction of the engagement ring and the two fighters scrambling around the narrow buildings - typical NYC’s architectural structures.  Raimi is proficient at placing the camera at odd positions in his previous films.  Example, in THE QUCIK AND THE DEAD, a scene can se observed through a bullet hole.  In SPIDER-MAN 3, he offers the action from various points-of-view.  From the dangling and swinging steel beam to the flying metal bullets, Raimi astounds with his special effects and action sequences. 

The climatic fight between Spidey and his two villains is a bit of a letdown for the audience is expecting Harry (Spidey’s buddy) to help, which he does.  Also, the first two action segments were more polished and efficiently executed.  Still, for all that it is worth, Spidey fans should be satisfied for all their money’s worth.  To quote Peter Parker in the film: “Everyone loves Spidey!”