[.ca] Spider-Man 3 (Special Edition) (2DVD)

Never too crowded for a comic book fan:
I've heard a lot of criticism about Spider-Man 3. Most of that criticism centres on there being "too much going on" or too many villains in the movie. I have to disagree, as a former comic book reader/small-time collector this movie brought back so many memories. It doesn't follow the comic book story very much, but it's not a comic book, it's a film. And if another medium can be used to tell a good story, then why not use it and change it if need be? I thought the complexity of having three villains throughout the movie really added something interesting to the story. The story was never dull, hard to keep track of at times, but never dull. I often found myself wondering what would happen next and trying to guess what the next plot twist would be. While some comic purists may find a couple of scenes absurd, I found those scenes add a lot of comic relief that might broaden the audience of the film a little. The story appeals to a mass audience, which is what big budget films are supposed to do and I think it's successful in that regard. It's also successful in making comic book characters seem "cool" or hip in the sense that Spider-Man isn't just for us comic book geeks or for the people who are old enough to actually remember some of the earlier television series, like the late 1960's version. If changing the stories a little and adding some Hollywood hype can keep Spider-Man in popular culture, then I'm all for it. This movie tells a good story, has effective comic book characters (heroes, villains, supporting characters) and has some comedy as well. It's a great film.

Rare misfire from Sam Raimi:
Before this film, Sam Raimi could do no wrong. The Evil Dead series is legendary in the annals of horror films, and Spider Man 2 is arguably the best comic-book film of all time. Why does Spider Man 3 not match up to the other two? Hard to pinpoint exactly, among other things there's too many plotlines, too many villains and worst of all, WAY too much crying! Peter Parker cries, Mary Jane cries, Harry Osborne cries, even Sandman cries, EVERYONE CRIES! But although Spider Man 3 is the weakest of the trilogy it's still definitely an enjoyable movie if you're into these things, it has some really impressive special effects, and Sandman in particular is done really well.

Overly criticized:
Yes, it's not as good as the first two movies, but it's not that far off. Some of the bits with "bad" Peter Parker are pretty goofy, but it's a totally decent film otherwise. It manages to combine three villains without too much trouble and it 's much in the same spirit as the first two. That being said, this is certainly the darkest of the three movies, going for serious emotional intensity. It doesn't always deliver, but it's not nearly as bad as many critics would have you believe. Remove Peter Parker's dance routine and it's a pretty good action flick.

Not as good as the first two:
When we left Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) at the end of Spider-Man 2, he had not only revealed his identity as Spider-Man to Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), but his love for her as well. The third installment opens happily enough with MJ starring on Broadway and Pete about to propose. Of course, sticky situations start popping up right away, beginning with a creeping, tar-like substance from space that attaches itself to Peter, changing him from sweet Spidey to mean Black-suited Spider-Man. This would have been enough conflict to deal with for a very good movie, but, unfortunately, we are introduced to two new villains - Sandman and Venom, as well as pal Harry Osborn (James Franco)'s transformation as the New Goblin. It's all too much; none of the story lines has a chance to develop, the movie gets too crowded and choppy. Toss in the third retelling of Uncle Ben's death and Bryce Dallas Howard in a thankless role and we end up with a disappointing movie. We do get to see Tobey Maguire show a wider emotional range this time, which is good; he starts as the loveable geek and changes into a conceited and nasty guy who thinks he's a macho muffin, strutting down the street like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever." Dunst is fine as the long-suffering girlfriend and struggling starlet, and Franco gives a strong performance as the loyal pal turned arch villain. Despite the quality of acting, I felt there were too many characters and subplots to keep track of, and too much CGI, which makes it cartoony. I give this least entertaining film in the series 3.5 stars - unnecessary subplots detract from the overall fun.

Best of the series!! Spider-Man 3 is amazing. A masterpiece!!:
Spider-Man 3 introduces the Sandman and Venom- two classic villians from the comic book and animated series. Peter Parker/Spider-Man grapples with the darkside after an alien species comes to earth with the powers to make you stronger and better. Kirsten Dunst returns as Parker's love interest and we see Harry bent on revenge for the death of his father and in an attack, he loses his memory of the attack. The black Spider-Man finally gets even with Green Goblin Jr. and minutes later, Parker asks Harry to help him when Jane is in terrible danger. This movie is my favorite movie of the series. I didn't like the second movie all that much. Spider-Man 3 is the best of the series and I can't wait for Spider-Man 4