An over-tangled web in 'Spider-Man'

The third entry in the film franchise is a let-down – too much going on with too little to show for it.

By Peter Rainer | Film critic of The Christian Science Monitor

from the May 4, 2007 edition

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Reviewing franchise movies is a bit like reviewing an ad campaign. The studio mind-set and promotional tie-ins are as integral to the discussion as the film itself. In a sense, they are one and the same.

With "Spider-Man 3," the studio's mission is clear: Sony wants to keep this tent pole upright for as long as possible – maybe until Tobey Maguire qualifies for the AARP.

I thought the first Spider-Man movie was OK and the second much better. The new one, however, is a let-down – too much going on with too little to show for it. Director Sam Raimi and his team will do anything to hold the audience's attention, even if it means clogging the landscape with so many bad guys that the movie develops villain gridlock.

Spidey gets lost in the shuffle. To some extent he always has. Especially as played by Maguire, Spider-Man has to be one of the most recessive superheroes in movie history. I realize that his ordinary-guy routine is integral to his appeal, but a little of this meekness stuff goes a long way with me.

In "Spider-Man 3," we are brought into Spidey's "dark side" – which turns out to be grayish. It all begins with a gloppy substance that crashes to the earth and affixes itself to Spider-Man's suit, turning it black and enhancing his powers. Also his ego. He spiffs up his hairstyle and struts the city streets while women gasp.

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