To recap, last time I stated that the movie Spider-Man 3 is underrated. It has clear flaws, to be sure, but it’s better than the unfavorable reputation it has. I mentioned the first three things I like about this movie in part 1. Today I’ll give the final three.
#4: Tobey Maguire’s performance
Maguire had to do more than just be our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in this movie. At times, he had to stray far from what he did in the first two Spider-Man movies. Primarily because Peter was under the influence of the black suit, Tobey had to express considerable arrogance, as well as display episodes of intense anger, and uncompromising vengeance. He did it all very well. His portrayal is spectacular. Maguire will always be Spider-Man to me, and this was the final time we got to see him in the role. He hit a home run with his last performance as Peter/Spider-Man.
#5: The final battle
In my last blog installment, I described how Eddie Brock bonded with the black suit to become Venom. What follows after that is Venom tracks down Sandman and talks him into teaming up in an effort to destroy Spider-Man. I really enjoy the entire final battle between Spider-Man versus Venom and Sandman. I do want to acknowledge that my biggest complaint with Venom in this movie was the filmmaker’s bad decision to almost always have Venom peel back his mask to reveal Eddie Brock. The viewer rarely got to see Venom instead it was usually just Eddie’s face. But, that annoyance notwithstanding, the final battle is thoroughly entertaining.
I have to give kudos to Harry Osborn. Even with everything he has been through, ultimately, he fights by Peter’s side. Let me back up and give some context. The “bad” Peter’s most deplorable act in the movie, in my opinion, is when he tossed one of Harry’s own Goblin bombs in Harry’s face as it exploded. This resulted in grotesque scars all over Harry’s face. Despite this, after hearing from his butler how his father, Norman, didn’t die at the hand of Spider-Man as he had thought, Harry chooses to help Peter fight Sandman and Venom. He actually saves Peter’s life twice in the final battle. The second occurrence proved fatal, as Harry literally gave his life for his friend. Once again, seeing all this unfold leaves me at a loss as to why this movie isn't more appreciated, despite its blunders.
#6: The overall message of the film
The main point of the film is that nursing a grudge, harboring unforgiveness, and inwardly desiring revenge has a high price tag; it is a much better course of action to choose forgiveness. I can tell you from firsthand experience that forgiveness is powerful. That’s why I love the ending of Spider-Man 3 so much.
The power of forgiveness is shown in scene after scene as the movie nears its conclusion.
Forgiveness is what enabled Harry to fight by Peter’s side; forgiveness is what enabled Mary Jane and Peter to be reconciled in the last scene of the movie. Peter, after hearing a contrite and remorseful Flint Marko, tells Marko he forgives him for killing his uncle. Upon Peter’s declaration of forgiveness, you can practically see Marko released from his inner shackles of guilt. Aunt May even counsels Peter to forgive himself, this is something he clearly does to return to his life of heroism. Forgiveness is incredibly powerful.
In conclusion, I hope I’ve clearly articulated why I think Spider-Man 3 is better than what most give it credit for. There are more favorable things that I could say than just these six points I’ve cited, (for instance, I love all the fight scenes between Spider-Man and Sandman in this film) but you get the point. I’ve also tried to make it clear that I’m not unaware of the fact that this movie has its obvious missteps. But I think that this movie has more appeal than its critics have led you to believe.
Kevin
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