Writer/Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kristen Dunst and James Franco
‘A Misunderstood Classic’
Few superheroes in pop culture have achieved the fan following of Spider-Man. Ever since his introduction amid the 1960’s, Spider-Man has played pivotal roles in movies. With his heroic personality, larger than life presence and bold nature, Spider-Man has stood the test of time as a legendary comic-book character. A hero whose great powers always come with great responsibilities, Spider-Man has played a big role in movies. Arguably, Spider-Man’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong relatability. Beneath the mask, he’s simply an ordinary teenager embarking on a journey to discover his identity. Through capturing painful struggles adolescents go through, Spider-Man has become a legendary character audiences value. Throughout his comic-book history, the hero spinning long-lasting webs has appeared in countless movies. Various actors have taken on the beloved role of the web-swinging hero. Each film adaptation has provided a powerful interpretation of an iconic hero that deserves recognition.
I’m a huge fan of Spider-Man and adore all the films that have brought the character towards the big-screen. However, “Spider-Man 3” may be the most underrated. Ever since its release in 2007, Sam Raimi’s comic-book blockbuster has stood the test of time as an iconic piece of entertainment. Packed with stunning action, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it remains one of the most underrated Spider-Man movies ever made. At the cente of it all is an excellent performance by Tobey Maguire, who embodies the turmoil of a superhero that is impacted by venomous temptation. While it is undeniably entertaining, “Spider-Man 3” is not a flawless movie. It is overlong, and suffers from having needless villains that come across as unnecessary. Nevertheless, it’s still a whole lot better than most critics have made it out to be. A stunning comic-book sequel celebrating a hero spinning webs which are lasting, there are many reasons why “Spider-Man 3” is a film worth watching.
Following events of “Spider-Man 2”, “Spider-Man 3” follows the hero that embarks upon a journey to find identity. Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker/Spider-Man, the celebrated hero whose great powers have always come with great responsibility. Peter has begun to enjoy life as Spider-Man. He often finds enjoyment saving the world from danger in a city where he’s regarded as a beloved figure. However, Peter’s life forever changes when he comes into contact with an alien parasite known as Venom. Finding that he gets magical powers with Venom, Peter relies on the substance to assist his efforts as Spider-Man. What initially appears to be a harmless instance soon turns out to be dangerous changing the way Peter behaves in public. As his romantic relationship with Mary Jane (Kristen Dunst) begins to fall apart, Peter questions whether he would ever be able to pursue a heroic job which holds a precious place in his heart. Facing a dilemma, Peter wonders if he can any longer afford to be a commemorated hero in the modern era.
Sam Raimi is fascinated with the stories of the web-swinging superhero. A huge comic-book nerd, Raimi has always been drawn towards an iconic hero seeking to be heard. His 2002 movie “Spider-Man” did an extraordinary job of introducing the web-swinging superhero on the big-screen. With “Spider-Man 3”, however, the filmmaker created his darkest comic-book movie. It was Raimi’s first attempt to reimagine Spider-Man from a dark point of view, but he succeeded tremendously. Through captivating cinematography, Raimi captures a superhero that embarks on a journey to find his identity. Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Raimi effectively uses handheld camera to capture the life of a superhero spiralling out of control. Raimi successfully uses handheld camera to capture a hero seeking to discover his identity. For instance, handheld camera enhances the tower destruction scene. During this powerful scene, Spider-Man saves Gwen Stacy from a crumbling building through his courage. One appreciates handheld camerawork capturing a hero seeking to fulfill his job effectively. Hand-held camera is a complicated technique to use in comic-book films. As Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby” suggested, handheld camera is suited to book adaptations. Nevertheless, it works extremely in this film. Through stunning visuals, Raimi captures heroes spinning webs which are lasting.
Another admirable aspect of “Spider-Man 3” is the production-design. From a technical point of view, the film is extremely well made. Raimi effectively uses practical effects to capture a superhero impacted by venomous powers. For instance, practical effects elevate the venom transformation scene. During this memorable scene, Peter is infected by venomous parasite that give him newfound superpowers that he didn’t have in the past before as Spider-Man. One admires practical effects which capture a hero affected by venomous parasite. Practical effects are complicated techniques to use in comic-book films. As Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” suggested, practical effects are suited to movies about Batman. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Moreover, the musical score is awe-inspiring. Christopher Young’s music is memorable. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden superheroes bear. Through strong production-design, Raimi captures commemorated superheroes facing a decline.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Spider-Man 3” is a captivating comic-book movie that is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses symbolism to capture the turmoil of a superhero affected by temptation. Raimi’s screenwriting strength is capturing a superhero impacted by venom through using symbolism. Throughout the movie, the venom becomes a strong symbol of Peter’s identity as a superior impacted by venomous temptation. For instance, the symbolism of venom elevates the transformation scene. During this intense scene; Peter begins to take pride in his life as Spider-Man through making use of his venom. One appreciates symbolism capturing a grim nature of a venomous substance that causes danger. Symbolism is a tricky technique to use in comic-book movies. As Damien Chazelle’s “Babylon” demonstrated, symbolism enhances period pieces about Hollywood. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through an engaging screenplay, Raimi celebrates the legacy of an iconic superhero spinning strong webs today.
One appreciates astonishing performances.
Tobey Maguire delivers one of his best career performances as Spider-Man. Maguire gained recognition for playing the web-swinging hero in 2002’s “Spider-Man”. With “Spider-Man 3”, however, he took upon his darkest role. It isn’t simple to embody a superhero impacted with venomous temptation, but Maguire succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, fear and resentments of a superhero that’s impacted with venomous superpowers. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actors today.
The supporting cast is sensational and worthy of recognition. James Franco is fantastic, and captures sorrow of Peter’s best friend grieving loss of his father that died several years ago. Kristen Dunst is dazzling, bringing humanity towards Mary Jane Watson whose dreams of becoming an actress are affected by personal responsibilities. Lastly, Thomas Haden Church merits appreciation. As Sandman, he brings an air of humanity to a villain.
Despite its powerful performances, however, “Spider-Man 3” can’t entirely celebrate the legacy of a web-swinging hero. Unfortunately, it's the worst movie in the Spider-Man franchise due to its problematic flaws. If there’s a drawback to the movie, it suffers from dull villains. Raimi’s decisions to throw various villains in the movie is bold but doesn’t quite succeed. Due to this faulty technique, scenes focusing on Sandman’s journey to escape imprisonment aren’t quite as engaging as Peter Parker’s quest to save the world. The film feels overstuffed with one too many villains that are unnecessary detracting from its quality. Moreover, the film suffers from romantic subplots. The introduction of Gwen Stacy into the movie feels unnecessary. While it’s true that Gwen Stacy played a pivotal role in the comic books, her presence doesn’t add anything of value to the movie. At worst, she appears to be merely a plot device to move the story forward. Therefore, “Spider-Man 3” falls short of expectations.
Nevertheless, fans of the web-swinging superhero will definitely appreciate “Spider-Man 3” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating comic-book sequel, it celebrates a hero that has built a legacy which is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a misunderstood comic-book film about a web-swinging superhero faces venomous parasites that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary comic-book character that has gained a huge fan following earning worldwide recognition through his abilities to spin webs which are long-lasting whose engaging movies that have stood the test of time are definitely without a doubt worth celebrating.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 