nan | 楠木

Warning: certain spoilers included.

Spider-Man 3 is the latest installment in the popular film franchise based on the Marvel comic. Like its two predecessors, the new film emphasizes both compelling storytelling and intense action. By staying true to this formula, the film bounds well with the two earlier works into forming a complete trilogy.

In Spider-Man 3, we get to see both some new villians and some old faces. The film carries on the unfinished plot lines, such as Parker’s (troubled) relationship with Mary Jane, and his far more volatile relationship with Harry Osborn, son of Norman Osborn, AKA the Green Goblin. Additionally, a few new arch-enemies are introduced, such as the Sandman, whose history with Spiderman actually goes way back.

The film transits smoothly from extended periods of drama to bursts of action. The developments along several subplots are interesting enough to keep things going, but after more than an hour into the film I started to feel tired, taking a glance at my watch. The film felt long, as the plot kept driving forward. Villians get defeated, then reappear later. Parker and Harry go from foes to friends to foes to friends. The story was moving along too fast, taking too many turns. It ends up being a long and complex, and though it ties up nearly every loose end imaginable, it was also a tedious process.

That aside, the core message of the film is not really anything new to the series: people choose who they are, and they always have that choice; therefore they should be responsible for their actions. This is more or less the central message of the prior works too, as far as I can remember.

Putting all those “complaints” aside, the film is still very enjoyable to watch. It’s quite obvious the makers tried very hard to top the action sequences of the earlier films. It’s not exactly an adrenaline rush anymore to see Spiderman swinging around the urban jungle (you still get to see a lot of that though). Putting him up against a giant Sandman is not bad. Having him fight his “clone” Venom isn’t a bad idea either. The action does get pretty intense, though perhaps a bit repetitive.

Anyway, whatever I say, the film is still very polished and a proud final installment (perhaps) to the franchise. And everyone will see it anyway. So enjoy!

8/10