Web Master of His Domain

The long-awaited Spider-Man 3 swings into movie theaters today – and some people are so excited, they just can’t hide it.

I was one of those people who took in a midnight screening last night, which is kind of a really crazy thing to do on a school night. It was a long movie, after all, but it was fun; a 7 out of a possible 10. (I’d give the original movie an 8, and the first sequel a 9.)

Ah, yes – Spider-Man 3 doesn’t quite hold up the way Spider-Man 2 did, mostly because there’s a lot packed into 140 minutes of summer blockbuster fun, especially in the first third.

There’s the ominous introduction of a black alien symbiote, that of not one but two villains, and that of a potential new love interest. Not to mention, Peter Parker’s girlfriend Mary Jane Watson also is back – and she’s going through something – as is Peter’s estranged best friend Harry Osborn.

You’d think by now Peter (Tobey Maguire) would've managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. (Kirsten Dunst) and his duties as a superhero. Instead he’s let fame spin a web around his head, blurring his vision of what really is important.

When he comes into contact with the symbiote, Peter and consequently Spider-Man change. They both become cocky and thoughtless. Dark.

As his superhero powers become more enhanced, Peter’s humanity is weakened. After getting some news about the real culprit behind his Uncle Ben’s murder, he begins to crave revenge, and our hero further loses control.

Forced to choose between the seductive powers his new suit affords him and the compassionate hero and person he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as the Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) and Venom (Topher Grace) threaten him and everyone he loves. And, thus, he also must make peace with Harry, a.k.a. the New Goblin (James Franco).

So – is Spider-Man 3 worth your while? Well, yes, of course it is; it’s a thrill. But will it disappoint you? I guess it depends on your definition of disappointment. Technically, the movie’s incredible, yet the story, which has been building for two movies now, comes to a somewhat anticlimactic conclusion.

Still, I’d happily see Spider-Man 4, should it ever come to be. But in my mind, the amazing Spider-Man saga has come to what could be a most satisfying, leave-them-wanting-more sort of end.

My Rating ***

Photo: Columbia Pictures.