I can still remember when I first saw Spider-Man 3, we waited for it to come out on DVD. We got it in the mail and waited for my Mom to come home so we could watch it as a family. It is one of my favorite memories. I watched all the trailers and was excited to see one of my favorite Spidey villains on the big screen, Venom
Different Versions
A lot of people don’t know this, but there are two official cuts of Spider-Man 3 out there. The theatrical cut, and the editors cut. The differences are small on their own, but together overall improve it. I’ll be bringing up scenes from both, but still acting like they’re from the same movie. Just wanted to bring this up so no one was confused.
The Writing
In terms of tone, it’s identical to the first two. I’m personally OK with them making Sandman Uncle Ben’s killer. It works with the story they’re trying to tell. The theme of this story is forgiveness, everyone has a reason to hate someone, but in the end, most of them forgive each other. Peter forgives Sandman, Harry forgives Peter, Peter forgives himself. The only person who doesn’t forgive is Eddie Brock, who dies because of it. In the end, I wouldn’t change a thing, because this movie is great.
One of the things I liked was how the black suit was a metaphor for substance abuse. He only uses it in spurts and hates himself after he murders Sandman. It’s after his break up with MJ when he fully embrace it.
Characters
So Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker is still amazing. The only problem I see with his character now is the writing. He’s a bit of a douche before he gets the black suit. Doing things like kissing Gwen as Spider-Man in public. It’s only after he gets the black suit does his behavior start to make more sense. He’s no longer a douche when he’s not wearing it, after getting it. Tobey’s performance was as good as it had ever been. The dance scenes do make sense for his character, despite how people constantly complain about them. The nerdy, goody two shoes Peter Parker would view that as evil.
It feels like Kirsten Dunst has kinda given up with this one. She’s not terrible, but she’s definitely not as good as she was in the first two. The writing for her character also kinda sucked. It just felt like even the writers gave up when it came to MJ. She’s just annoying and doesn’t talk to Peter about her problems, which is something you’re supposed to do when you’re in a relationship with someone.
James Franco also feels like he’s putting in less effort. It’s not that much, but it’s noticeable if you watch these movies back to back. Him teaming up with Peter, in the end, felt earned. Not much I can say about it, pretty good character.
Topher Grace as Eddie Brock is pretty good. He’s what Peter could be, if he didn’t have his friends and family. He isn’t anything like comic Eddie, but for the story they are trying to tell, it works.
J.K. Simmons is still the best part of this trilogy, him as Jonah is amazing. He always gets me to laugh, and his delivery is perfect.
Presentation
This movie is beautiful. It has some of the most iconic shots in movies. The scene with Spider-man landing in front of the American flag, the entire black suit introduction scene, the entire final fight, and the birth of Sandman scene is still amazing. That scene when Peter pulls Eddie of the symbiote still terrifies me.
Danny Elfman’s score is still amazing, every piece of music feels like its right where its supposed to be. No one could do what he does.
Conclusion
This movie has its problems, but overall it does not deserve the hate. It’s still a great Spider-Man movie. Even though this movie is kind of a mess, it’s a fun mess. This trilogy was responsible for who I am, and this movie isn’t any different. It’s taught me lessons of forgiveness that I still practice to this day.
It’s been great getting to look back at one of the best trilogies
