The best of Raimi's three Spider-Man flicks?
I think so. The first one (2002) was very good but bogged down by the hero's origin story, which becomes uninteresting on repeat viewings; I also wasn't too crazy about the Goblin's helmet (a minor cavil); the second one (2004) featured a great villain, Dr. Octopus, but was horribly marred by two absurd subplots: one that revealed how Peter's spider powers are somehow linked to his confidence level (Huh? I thought he attained his powers through a radioactive spider); the other concerned Peter revealing his secret identity to a random group of New Yorkers on the subway with the conclusion that they'll keep his identity secret because they're so thankful for his crimefighting heroics -- Why Sure!
This third installment takes the good elements of the first two, minus the origin tale & stoo-pid subplots, and goes into overdrive. What we end up with is one of the more entertaining superhero flicks, not to mention it possesses a wealth of spiritual insights.
Some complain that there are too many villains -- the second Green Goblin, the Sandman and Venom -- but weren't the various Green Goblins (or Hobgoblin) and the Osborns always hovering close by Peter/Spidey to some degree in the comics? As for the Sandman, there wasn't enough depth to him to qualify as the sole villain in a feature film blockbuster; hence, the addition of the parasitic alien that becomes Spider-Man's costume for a brief time and, later, possessing Eddie Brock and becoming Venom.
On the surface it appears like there would be too much going on and the film would fall prey to overkill, but Raimi had become a master filmmaker by this point and somehow makes it all gel. The 2 hours and 20 minute runtime was necessary for this success. Yes, there are a couple of jarring shifts, but wasn't that the way it was in the comics? One minute Peter's involved in some type of drama and a few frames later Spider-Man's saving the city from the latest nutjob in a costume.
As I said, the film delivers on an entertainment level with loads of action, laughs and melodrama. For instance, when Pete gives into the pull of the alien parasite and becomes the Dark Peter it's hilarious and fun.
The film would have been effective with just this, but what propels it into the realm of greatness is the depth of the characters and the numerous potent insights into the human condition:
- Harry Osborn struggles with his hostility and rivalry toward Peter.
- Themes of humble remorse, friendship, faithfulness and sacrifice are touched on.
- The universal conflict of flesh/spirit, id/super-ego is effectively explored as Peter grapples with his dark side.
- What at first appears to be a lame reinterpretation of Uncle Ben's murder becomes an awesome illustration of the power of honesty, repentance and forgiveness.
- On the surface Peter Parker appears to be the least likely person to be a hero, let a alone superhero. He's kind, meek and physically rather frail. There's absolutely zero machismo posturing with him (until he gives in to the flesh egged on by the alien parasite). And yet he has no qualms about turning on the daring power when required, and then switching it back off once it's no longer necessary. Simply put, he is the quintessential male role-model, a gentle and noble evil-fighting warrior with zero bluster.
You wouldn't think such potent themes would be adequately addressed in a mere superhero flick, but you'd be wrong.
On top of all this you get Gwen Stacy and Captain Stacy! For Gwen they needed someone with a winsome innocence and attractiveness and Bryce Dallas Howard is a good fit.
My only gripe is the constant unmasking of Spider-Man, the Goblin and Venom for the obvious purpose of seeing the actors' faces when they speak. This was annoying and unnecessary.
So, for me, "Spider-Man 3" is the best of Raimi's three Spider-Man flicks because it's the most entertaining and it has the most spiritual depth. This isn't a popular position, of course, but I don't get the flak it receives.