(ThyBlackMan.com) Spider-Man is in my top five favorite Marvel superheroes. It’s a bit of a cheat list because both Miles Morales and Peter Parker are there. During my junior year of high school, the first Spider-Man film dropped.
This movie was in development for a sometime as they found directors, writers for the script, and made necessary changes. Spider-Man was supposed to release in 2001 but was moved back to 2002. When it was finally released, fans were in for an experience and the studio had another monster franchise on its hands.
But we’re not going to look at the first two films, those are hands down great. Spider-Man 3 on the other hand—while very good—left something to be desired. Let’s check it out.
What Spider-Man 3 Shined
Released in 2007, Spider-Man 3 introduced and Venom, Gwen Stacy, and Sandman. It also brought back the Goblin. All in all, this is pretty good. I was waiting for Venom and Gwen and I enjoyed the Goblin—now Harry Osborne. I have to say I was indifferent towards Sandman.
Visually, the third entry was amazing and kept the sizzle and style of the first two. Not only that but the action sequences rocked. As a summer season blockbuster and superhero film it delivered. Spider-Man 3 did everything you’d expect.
Where It Failed
The story was solid, not terrible but on the front porch of good. There was no Spidey fatigue or anything but for me it was making Sandman a focal part of the story. The character didn’t seem like he should carry the third film—which would end up being the final in the series.
If anything, he could’ve been the main villain in the first film. The thing there is that if you do Spider-Man folks are going to want either Venom, Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, or possibly Carnage.
Dr. Connors, the Lizard, would’ve been great and was supposed to be introduced in the fourth entry. Wild cards would’ve been Kraven. There’s just something about the series ending with Sandman as the lead villain. If Sandman had to be in the third—and final—film, it could’ve been as a member of the Sinister Six.
Of course, that presents another problem because the groundwork wasn’t really laid to warrant introducing the group. Doctor Octopus was introduced, if the others were introduced it would probably be as mercenaries. Except for Kraven, he would be easy to bring in.
Finally, the final fight just made Sandman a bigger threat to Spider-Man than he should’ve been. Now, Sandman’s no pushover. Spidey isn’t going to beat him by letting him run headfirst into a wall or just tying him up with webbing.
On the other hand, things with Sandman really escalated. Spider-Man required outside interference to beat him. In watching the fight and not realizing that Marvel’s movie rights were scattered across different studios, I thought “This seems like a job for the Fantastic Four something.”
Verdict
As a Spidey film, Spider-Man 3 was really good and at times enjoyable. I was stoked to see the Spidey-Venom suit and how it changed Peter. As I said, the fight scenes were good. Even the last one was exciting.
I don’t know where the decision to run with Sandman came from although I do believe it was down to an expected five or six films in the franchise instead of three. That would make more sense to go with Sandman as a main villain but even then, there were others that would’ve been better.
RATING: 7 out of 10 (Recommended)
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.