Disappointing sequel to say the least (Spider-Man 3 (2 DVDs))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Spider-Man 3 (2 DVDs)
Date:	04/09/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good action and characterisation

Disadvantages: Too many corny subplots, very cheesy

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Whilst one of the most hyped films of 2007, Spider-Man 3 is also one of the biggest disappointments of that year. It is a film riddled with problems, most of which, shockingly, are glaring errors easily removable in the rewrite process. In comparison to the stellar first two films (which garnered both fan approval and wide critical acclaim), Spider-Man 3 is a satisfying, although often troubled endeavour that ever-so slightly taints an otherwise superb trilogy.

What isn't clear is how the film went to pieces. The Spider-Man films have always had a gloriously campy and quirky disposition, yet the clear dubbing in Kirsten Dunst's "singing" scene in this film inspired unintentional hilarity within the film's opening moments.

Before diverging into the film's many weaknesses, it is certainly not without moments of promise, such as the introduction of new villain The Sandman early on (Thomas Hayden Church). It is by now a cliché in these films that Spider-Man's adversaries are either driven by great emotional desires, or they are controlled by a malevolent force, and again, this is true. Fortunately, such concerns only mire the film's latter portions, and in serving as a wonderful effects extravaganza, the Sandman is a great enemy to Spidey.

Unfortunately, the special effects are anything but consistent. During a fight scene early in the film, the screen may well have been smeared with margarine, ruining a potentially stunning fight scene as you're just barely able to tell what's happening. Moreover, Raimi's film is further damaged by an over-reliance on CGI - during one particular set piece, even falling filing cabinets are computer-generated!

Character evolution is expected, even in a comic book film, yet Raimi and co. have managed to render Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) almost entirely dislikeable. Self-absorbed and needy as though reverting to a stage of early development, most of her screen time is spent nagging Peter to spend time with her, or pressing her own romantic ideals upon him. Needless to say, the maudlin tone and unintentional hilarity plays out like a poor episode of the already dire The O.C.

Fortunately, not all characters are as criminally mishandled as this - Raimi's iteration of Eddie Brock (Toper Grace) is a strangely charismatic, although thoroughly smarmy young man who develops a grudge against Spider-Man. Topher Grace is among the better casting decisions of the series, and his eventual transformation into fan-favourite adversary Venom is executed as well as such unreal elements can be on celluloid.

The cast is also littered with some returning faces, such as the marvelous J.K. Simmons (as Peter's unscrupulous editor, J. Jonah Jameson), and Bruce Campbell in his third cameo of the series (in an appearance too fun to spoil). Elements such as these work as a balance to the rather cheesy humour throughout the film, and provide some solid laughs.

In true comic book style, the film performs a very underhanded retcon which leaves a very sour taste, ham-fisted for no other reason than to fuel Spider-Man's need to take down the Sandman even more. Unfortunately, not even the messenger of the news, the excellent James Cromwell, could save this scene from rendering it sigh-inducing.

What is most disconcerting about Spider-Man 3 is how unnecessary the film's most cringe-worthy scenes are. MJ's dinner date with Harry Osborn (James Franco) telegraphs the film's declivity, and from here we are "treated" to an inordinate number of dance scenes and wildly misplaced Saturday Night Fever throwbacks. There is, in fact, one moment where, after Peter leaves a café, Harry turns to him with a grin as comically exaggerated as it is nonsensical. After Peter's symbiosis-induced dance number (in a misguided attempt to display the dichotomy of his new personality), followed by a wholly unnecessary routine with debuting character Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard), one simply gives up on treating the film as a serious adaptation, and merely attempts to enjoy the rest of the film as corny fun.

The introduction of Venom was an surprising treat - whilst his appearance was much hyped, trailer footage was unconvincing at best, yet Raimi and his team appear to have made vast improvements. As difficult a character as Venom is to translate to film, Venom's burly appearance is held down well, although the fact that his face recedes every time he speaks is a little disappointing.

The final fight itself is a big dose of fun. Sandman is a huge, impressive beast that in of himself would have served well as the film's final adversary, but we also have Venom, and Green Goblin #2. At this point, however, Spider-Man 3 reveals itself as truly overstuffed, and one cannot help but feel that Venom would have been best left for Spider-Man 4. Even with its inane interjections (namely to an irritating news reporter and crowd children), the climax serves up at least one surprise for viewers, although the scene in question is regrettably followed by a laundry list of clichés.

The film's core message is about forgiveness, yet, given the nature in which forgiveness is begged, this message feels unconvincing, and not the most encouraging message to send to the droves of children inevitably watching the film. This tone remains with the film as it plods to the finishing line, even replacing the now-expected finale of Spider-Man swinging around New York, a scene sadly amiss in this film.

Spider-Man 3 is chock full of moments that are inane beyond belief, from Stan Lee's ridiculous cameo, to Spider-Man landing in front of an American flag. It is a certain disappointment as a Spider-Man film, although as a Summer blockbuster, it is palatable entertainment that will leave most audiences entertained. Purists and fanboys alike will pick holes in it, and it is a film sorely underdeveloped in the revision process, yet as a superhero film, it sits decidedly average.

Summary: Cheesy, and not in the good way