"Spider-Man 3" reviews thread.
05-04-07 | 07:38 PM
#126
DVD Talk Legend
I liked it. The only thing that really bothered me was his struttin' down the street and the dance number.
The lack of character development for Venom was way too short too. They never even got to really introduce themself. I'm sure there's a lot of people not familiar with him scratching their heads. And also Eddie Brock's REAL teeth I don't remember ever changing in the comics. The big mouth and sharp teeth were always just the symbiote. Brock's chin would be where the tongue protrudes from.
The lack of character development for Venom was way too short too. They never even got to really introduce themself. I'm sure there's a lot of people not familiar with him scratching their heads. And also Eddie Brock's REAL teeth I don't remember ever changing in the comics. The big mouth and sharp teeth were always just the symbiote. Brock's chin would be where the tongue protrudes from.
Last edited by Snowmaker; 05-04-07 at 07:42 PM.
05-04-07 | 09:47 PM
#127
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From: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
And web shooters were a device Peter made in the comics and weren't organic. saying things are different from the comics isn't something new.
05-04-07 | 10:01 PM
#128
DVD Talk Limited Edition
I am frustrated with this film more than anything. It had so many elements to make a great movie, but so few of them really worked in practice.
- The Sandman was too one-dimensional to really seem like a threat to Peter Parker or Spiderman or even the city in general. And making him the real killer of Uncle Ben takes away the emotional impact that the first film set up by having Peter kill the thief.
- They had a great arc cooking with Harry in the last two films, but dropping the amnesia bit in there (apparently to give Peter more time to deal with other issues first), seemed to arbitrary and soap opera-ish.
- The dark suited Spider-man was completely wasted, I felt. The emo-Peter stuff was ridiculous and went too far to being cartoonish, rather than just comic book. Why didn't they have a dark version of Spidey swinging around the city stopping criminals, but rather than bringing them to justice like good Spider-man, killing them or doing something completely out of character for the heroic Spider-man they set up in the beginning of the film?
It wasn't all bad, though; I liked the birth of Sandman scene and most of the action stuff. But overall, it seemed like a movie written by, shot and edited by committee. It seemed like they just moved the pieces around on the board until they found something that sorta worked, and then just filled in the blanks.
- The Sandman was too one-dimensional to really seem like a threat to Peter Parker or Spiderman or even the city in general. And making him the real killer of Uncle Ben takes away the emotional impact that the first film set up by having Peter kill the thief.
- They had a great arc cooking with Harry in the last two films, but dropping the amnesia bit in there (apparently to give Peter more time to deal with other issues first), seemed to arbitrary and soap opera-ish.
- The dark suited Spider-man was completely wasted, I felt. The emo-Peter stuff was ridiculous and went too far to being cartoonish, rather than just comic book. Why didn't they have a dark version of Spidey swinging around the city stopping criminals, but rather than bringing them to justice like good Spider-man, killing them or doing something completely out of character for the heroic Spider-man they set up in the beginning of the film?
It wasn't all bad, though; I liked the birth of Sandman scene and most of the action stuff. But overall, it seemed like a movie written by, shot and edited by committee. It seemed like they just moved the pieces around on the board until they found something that sorta worked, and then just filled in the blanks.
05-04-07 | 10:13 PM
#129
My expectations were quite low after all the negative reviews, but after seeing the film for myself, I was pleasently suprised.
I didn't walk away with the same feeling I had after seeing Spider-Man 2, but I feel the film is equal with the original.
I seem to remember hearing the initial cut of the film was around 3hrs but the studio made them chop it down to the current running time; if thats the case, then I feel thats what the films biggest problem is; not enough time to accomplish what it set out to.
It's the third act that suffers the most and seems rushed.
Overall though, as I said above, it's well worth the price of admission and is a great comic film; far better than last year's sadly forgettable X-Men: The Last Stand and Superman Returns
I didn't walk away with the same feeling I had after seeing Spider-Man 2, but I feel the film is equal with the original.
I seem to remember hearing the initial cut of the film was around 3hrs but the studio made them chop it down to the current running time; if thats the case, then I feel thats what the films biggest problem is; not enough time to accomplish what it set out to.
It's the third act that suffers the most and seems rushed.
Overall though, as I said above, it's well worth the price of admission and is a great comic film; far better than last year's sadly forgettable X-Men: The Last Stand and Superman Returns
05-04-07 | 10:21 PM
#130
Retired
Originally Posted by Shannon Nutt
Perhaps...but I think you just topped it by stating ARMY is one of the greatest sequels of all time. 
05-04-07 | 10:21 PM
#131
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Jackskeleton
And web shooters were a device Peter made in the comics and weren't organic. saying things are different from the comics isn't something new.
05-04-07 | 10:24 PM
#132
Retired
Originally Posted by Matthew Chmiel
Okay. I retract my last statement directed towards Shannon. That comment may be the most retarded comment regarding why the sequel is so lackluster. You did see there was a number three after the title, right? Because we've been to this well twice before.
05-04-07 | 10:25 PM
#133
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I loved the pacing, action scenes, Gwen Stacy and Bruce Campbell.
I disliked the dancing/choreographed scenes, MJ's acting/singing, the often referenced Emo look.
The dancing was embarrassing to watch. It really took away from the movie.
I disliked the dancing/choreographed scenes, MJ's acting/singing, the often referenced Emo look.
The dancing was embarrassing to watch. It really took away from the movie.
05-04-07 | 10:57 PM
#134
DVD Talk Godfather
Originally Posted by Josh Hinkle
He was just saying the montage fell flat for that reason, not the whole movie.
Not sure what the deal is with the harsh retort.
05-04-07 | 11:12 PM
#135
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I saw the film on opening day, I enjoyed the film but I would compare it to 1983's "Return of the Jedi" where Peter is the only one who does anything major and the major side characters (MJ and Harry) are shoved into the background and given very little to do opposite Peter's story and the action sequences.
05-04-07 | 11:37 PM
#136
DVD Talk Special Edition
Originally Posted by FinkPish
Why didn't they have a dark version of Spidey swinging around the city stopping criminals, but rather than bringing them to justice like good Spider-man, killing them or doing something completely out of character?
Spoiler:
05-05-07 | 12:17 AM
#137
DVD Talk Legend
man just got back..... i have to say it was good but just not as good as 2.....
it was tooo villian orgy.... and not to mention the dancing..... i mean i know he is supposed to be like that in the comics but crap..... i guess i was too spoiled with Batman Begins...
the audience loved the movie though...
i am giving it a b+
ps... Harry Potter movie looks freaking awesome...
it was tooo villian orgy.... and not to mention the dancing..... i mean i know he is supposed to be like that in the comics but crap..... i guess i was too spoiled with Batman Begins...
the audience loved the movie though...
i am giving it a b+
ps... Harry Potter movie looks freaking awesome...
05-05-07 | 12:18 AM
#139
Banned
It sucked. Unlike the first two (which, admittedly, had a few veers away from the source material), this movie was so distanced from nearly everything connected to these characters as seen in the comics that I'll not watch it again. "SM3" doesn't exist as far as I'm concerned.
05-05-07 | 12:44 AM
#140
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Funny to hear all the bad reviews. I went and saw it Friday at an afternoon showing to avoid the crowds. Still had a full theater.
I really, really liked it. I watched 2 Thursday night, and enjoyed watching it again, too.
But then, I don't have the "comics" anchor around my legs, impacting my ability to enjoy these movies.
I really, really liked it. I watched 2 Thursday night, and enjoyed watching it again, too.
But then, I don't have the "comics" anchor around my legs, impacting my ability to enjoy these movies.
05-05-07 | 01:18 AM
#141
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From: NY
It was alright, the action scenes were great, but there was just so many things wrong with the film, it is unbelievable, and very disappointing. Everything has been said already, 3/5
05-05-07 | 01:26 AM
#142
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From: Asgard
I saw the midnight showing in a packed theater. the audience loved it. I loved it. I thought they got the venom look dead on. and yes i read the comics. yeah, some of the dance scenes were a little over the top but i didn't bother me. the only quirk i have is that peter takes the mask off in battle too much or it gets damaged too much. I actually thought the love story angle worked very well unlike "clones" and "sith" of "star wars". I give it a B+. it needed more of black spidey. still light years better than fantastic four, elektra, ghostrider, and blade trinity. the spidey films are still the best comic book movies in the last few years.
05-05-07 | 01:27 AM
#143
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From: City of the lakers.. riots.. and drug dealing cops.. los(t) Angel(e)s. ca.
Originally Posted by Snowmaker
Yeah, but this one wasn't as forgivable. Venom was always my favorite. He deserved more.
I'm sorry but not giving him the green slime or six foot long tongue as well as not even going near any of his 90's crap is doing Venom some justice.
05-05-07 | 03:01 AM
#144
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Everyone go see this movie!!! Seeing Bruce Campbell play a French waiter dude is totally worth the $10.
The rest of it? Pretty forgettable unfortunately...what a mess...I hope they release an extended edition on DVD to help flesh this flick out. That still won't save Peter Parker's stupid emo look or the terrible score. Seriously, when he first wakes up and he has the black suit on, the music was so cheesy! I wish it was more like in the trailer with that powerful, gothic choir. And the dancing, oh the dancing... And don't you just love how Venom and Sandman just happen to run into each other and join up. And then the play by play with the newscasters during the final battle. I could go on and on, so disappointed with this one...
The rest of it? Pretty forgettable unfortunately...what a mess...I hope they release an extended edition on DVD to help flesh this flick out. That still won't save Peter Parker's stupid emo look or the terrible score. Seriously, when he first wakes up and he has the black suit on, the music was so cheesy! I wish it was more like in the trailer with that powerful, gothic choir. And the dancing, oh the dancing... And don't you just love how Venom and Sandman just happen to run into each other and join up. And then the play by play with the newscasters during the final battle. I could go on and on, so disappointed with this one...
05-05-07 | 06:24 AM
#145
The wife and I just saw this last night. Overall, it was a good movie, but with some serious flaws.
The Good: Practically anything involving Peter with the black costume. It was dark where it needed to be so, but lots of humor came out of it, as well, handled in the classic Sam Raimi manner. Bruce Campbell was priceless, as usual, in his obligatory scene in the film.
The Bad: The Sandman's story wasn't exactly resolved, leaving one to feel that the backstory given to the character was more important than the character himself. Venom, though impressive once he appeared, was vastly underused. As was Gwen Stacy, who came away as not much more than set dressing.
The Ugly: MJ. I left this film wondering why the heck Peter would waste time with her anyhow. Jealous, weak, fickle -- is Peter really so hard-up that he has to settle for that? Hell, he seems better matched with the landlord's daughter or even Gwen than with Mary Jane. And practically everything with Harry seemed silly and shoehorned in.
Bottom line: Too many ingrediants spoil the recipe. It's still a good movie, but doesn't hold a candle to the first two. Like X3, there were storylines that would have been served by having a movie of their own, but were shorted and spoiled by sharing space here. Venom and Harry should have been two different movies. And the ending feels too much like "oops, we'd better wrap some stuff up just in case Sam, Tobey, and Kirsten decide not to do anymore".
Worth seeing in the theater, but perhaps best as a matinee at lower cost.
The Good: Practically anything involving Peter with the black costume. It was dark where it needed to be so, but lots of humor came out of it, as well, handled in the classic Sam Raimi manner. Bruce Campbell was priceless, as usual, in his obligatory scene in the film.
The Bad: The Sandman's story wasn't exactly resolved, leaving one to feel that the backstory given to the character was more important than the character himself. Venom, though impressive once he appeared, was vastly underused. As was Gwen Stacy, who came away as not much more than set dressing.
The Ugly: MJ. I left this film wondering why the heck Peter would waste time with her anyhow. Jealous, weak, fickle -- is Peter really so hard-up that he has to settle for that? Hell, he seems better matched with the landlord's daughter or even Gwen than with Mary Jane. And practically everything with Harry seemed silly and shoehorned in.
Bottom line: Too many ingrediants spoil the recipe. It's still a good movie, but doesn't hold a candle to the first two. Like X3, there were storylines that would have been served by having a movie of their own, but were shorted and spoiled by sharing space here. Venom and Harry should have been two different movies. And the ending feels too much like "oops, we'd better wrap some stuff up just in case Sam, Tobey, and Kirsten decide not to do anymore".
Worth seeing in the theater, but perhaps best as a matinee at lower cost.
05-05-07 | 06:37 AM
#146
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From: Gateway Cities/Harbor Region
Originally Posted by duluthdemon
Bolt-ons?
I give your post 1 star, or a grade of D-
I give your post 1 star, or a grade of D-
05-05-07 | 07:46 AM
#147
DVD Talk Godfather
Originally Posted by brianluvdvd
Gwen Stacy - why even introduce such an important character in the Spider-man mythos and then give her absolutely nothing to do? And what an average looking girl. Where there no hot blondes on casting day that could even half-way act? In the comics, Gwen was mega hot and rivaled MJ. I've had better looking girls serve me at McDonalds.
Venom - just seemed too tacked on and rushed. I didn't think Topher Grace did a bad job. He was especially good as Parker's professional rival but not very scary as Venom. Hell, you see his face thru Venom mask more than you actually see the Venom face...which isn't very scary and looked a bit silly. And I hate convenient plotting...Brock just happens to be in the church praying, and, why, it's the very same one that Spider-man just happens to be in. What a co-winky-dink. They could have at least showed Brock tailing him or something.
Sandman - great effect and a good performance my Thomas Haden Church. I know it is know secret that they made him to be the killer of Uncle Ben (it's in the trailer) but jeez, it's a lame plot device. Come on. Why can't Sandman be just another bad guy that Spider-man has to dispose of? Also...give me a break on the sick kid sob story, the accidental shooting of Uncle Ben, the ultra lame "I forgive you speech" as he flys away in the wind. I thought I was seriously going to puke...no wait...
The score...pretty poor. One stand out was the bluesy jazz beats when Harry & Peter go at it for the second (?) time in Harry's house. Is Raimi going thru a jazz-blues stage and forcing it on an unsuspecting audience?
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Venom - just seemed too tacked on and rushed. I didn't think Topher Grace did a bad job. He was especially good as Parker's professional rival but not very scary as Venom. Hell, you see his face thru Venom mask more than you actually see the Venom face...which isn't very scary and looked a bit silly. And I hate convenient plotting...Brock just happens to be in the church praying, and, why, it's the very same one that Spider-man just happens to be in. What a co-winky-dink. They could have at least showed Brock tailing him or something.
Sandman - great effect and a good performance my Thomas Haden Church. I know it is know secret that they made him to be the killer of Uncle Ben (it's in the trailer) but jeez, it's a lame plot device. Come on. Why can't Sandman be just another bad guy that Spider-man has to dispose of? Also...give me a break on the sick kid sob story, the accidental shooting of Uncle Ben, the ultra lame "I forgive you speech" as he flys away in the wind. I thought I was seriously going to puke...no wait...
The score...pretty poor. One stand out was the bluesy jazz beats when Harry & Peter go at it for the second (?) time in Harry's house. Is Raimi going thru a jazz-blues stage and forcing it on an unsuspecting audience?
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Venom - agreed on Topher. He was excellent as Brock, but wasn't really menacing as Venom. They had to rely on CG to make that happen which didn't work. It would have worked better if they kept the mask on, but like Spidey he seemed to be taking it off left and right.
Sandman - only thing I didn't like was not solving anything about his daughter. Big setup and no payoff. I liked the "accidental death" angle and him not asking to be a freak.
the Score - loved it. The first two were boring and run of the mill. It was nice to have something fresh in there.
Emo Parker - good for a laugh, but reminded me of Red K Clark a little too much. MJ and Harry was a bit too Lana and Lex as well.
Harry - Franco was at his best in this film. He was firing on all four cylinders. For reference, I think he was one of the weaker links in the first two films. His outcome was too telegraphed.
Bruce & JK - steal the show as usual. Bruce moreso. That dinner scene was hysterical.
Overall, I loved it. It did seem a bit short though and another 30 minutes would have been excellent for both Venom and Sandman. In the end, I think each film has been better than the last. This one is no exception.
Originally Posted by indiephantom
Personally, I felt this was the most entertaining one. The Midnight audience had a BLAST. Nothing I've read about the negative reactions was true. The place was packed with fans and there was solid applause at the end.
05-05-07 | 08:34 AM
#148
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by Jackskeleton
I'm sorry but not giving him the green slime or six foot long tongue as well as not even going near any of his 90's crap is doing Venom some justice.
05-05-07 | 08:36 AM
#149
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Ugh...I must be getting old or something...I thought it was pretty weak. I did like the first 2 movies, and Sam Raimi gets a permanent pass from me for the brilliance that was "Army of Darkness", ha. But Spidey 3 was badly edited, full of plot holes, audience pandering, like Pirates 2, or King Kong, or ughh..Revenge of the Sith. Not as bad as Xmen 3 though.
Incidentally, I think it's kind of funny how people post, well, 'everyone else at the screening liked it', as if they were so insecure in their own opinions, that they needed the mob to validate them. Or they will cite the box office(which does look likely to break records) as 'proof' that it's a great movie. If you liked the movie, fine, that's your opinion. But big blockbusters are not designed to be works of art, rather 'product' designed to sell merchandise and dvds. Every once in a while, you get lucky, and art and commerce will intersect, and you will get a blockbuster that's a really great movie(like LOTR, Titanic, etc). I don't think Spidey 1 or 2 quite hit that mark, but Raimi definitely came close imo, but a lot of the time(and I think Spidey 3 falls into this camp), I end up feeling like I watched a noisy 2 hour commercial for a video game.
Plus, we know that everyone who goes to those midnight screenings on the first day is either a fanboy or high or both.
Incidentally, I think it's kind of funny how people post, well, 'everyone else at the screening liked it', as if they were so insecure in their own opinions, that they needed the mob to validate them. Or they will cite the box office(which does look likely to break records) as 'proof' that it's a great movie. If you liked the movie, fine, that's your opinion. But big blockbusters are not designed to be works of art, rather 'product' designed to sell merchandise and dvds. Every once in a while, you get lucky, and art and commerce will intersect, and you will get a blockbuster that's a really great movie(like LOTR, Titanic, etc). I don't think Spidey 1 or 2 quite hit that mark, but Raimi definitely came close imo, but a lot of the time(and I think Spidey 3 falls into this camp), I end up feeling like I watched a noisy 2 hour commercial for a video game.
Plus, we know that everyone who goes to those midnight screenings on the first day is either a fanboy or high or both.
05-05-07 | 09:20 AM
#150
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Originally Posted by indiephantom
Personally, I felt this was the most entertaining one. The Midnight audience had a BLAST. Nothing I've read about the negative reactions was true. The place was packed with fans and there was solid applause at the end.
I was never fully satisfied with the previous films, and it has taken me until now to really warm up to Maguire. I thought he was terrific. Having his mask off for many of the action sequences made it more engaging and enable us to experience the movie more with him, as we did with Christopher Reeve in the Superman films. Nicely done.
The only thing that bothered me was some dreadful mawkishness in the final moments that briefly made me feel like I was at a bad junior high play. It almost felt like a joke, and this was one moment where I felt everyone might have been laughing at and not with the characters.
I liked that we were mostly spared tedious backstories of the villains. That stuff bored me in the previous films, and I'm glad it wasn't repeated here. The action is terrific and the offbeat humor reminded me of a Raimi I thought I'd never see again. He took some chances and played with the characters, and boy did it pay off.
I'm not sure if everyone will agree that this is best of the series, but I certainly felt that this was a fitting end to the trilogy (with plenty of room if they do continue). Great start to a blockbuster season.
On a sidenote, the trailer for Julie Taymor's ACROSS THE UNIVERSE was amazing.
I was never fully satisfied with the previous films, and it has taken me until now to really warm up to Maguire. I thought he was terrific. Having his mask off for many of the action sequences made it more engaging and enable us to experience the movie more with him, as we did with Christopher Reeve in the Superman films. Nicely done.
The only thing that bothered me was some dreadful mawkishness in the final moments that briefly made me feel like I was at a bad junior high play. It almost felt like a joke, and this was one moment where I felt everyone might have been laughing at and not with the characters.
I liked that we were mostly spared tedious backstories of the villains. That stuff bored me in the previous films, and I'm glad it wasn't repeated here. The action is terrific and the offbeat humor reminded me of a Raimi I thought I'd never see again. He took some chances and played with the characters, and boy did it pay off.
I'm not sure if everyone will agree that this is best of the series, but I certainly felt that this was a fitting end to the trilogy (with plenty of room if they do continue). Great start to a blockbuster season.
On a sidenote, the trailer for Julie Taymor's ACROSS THE UNIVERSE was amazing.
It was an okay popcorn movie, it could have did with out the 2 dance sequences. The movie would have benifitted from them story lines being split up. Hopefully they will do a 3hr directors cut that will improve it like Kingdom of Heaven's DC did. Also,Venom was wasted in this movie. It should have ended with Brock becoming Venom and setting it up for the next movie.