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 Spiderman 2 is a better movie than 2002’s Spiderman, so I had my expectations raised for Spiderman 3. This sequel sounds predictable - it just depends on how well it is executed.

Ultimately predictable it is, but the execution is deft.

There’s a central love story in the series, followed through in this sequel with more complexity. In the first two Spiderman films, Spiderman aka Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) had an on-and-off love interest in Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) because if Parker’s enemies knew about those close to him they would be vulnerable.

The new movie develops on character background, Spidey’s newfound acceptance and fame in Manhattan and his insensitivity to his girlfriend’s needs.

It is those who get in the way of the natural going-on in the world who Spiderman usually has to confront, previously ambitious scientists.

Here, the transformation into a villain is simpler – the criminally infected Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) and jealous imbued Venom (Topher Grace) have reasons for being in the simplest forms.

Another nemesis is old friend Harry Osborne (James Franco), who wants to avenge his father’s death.

Spiderman 3, in its several parallel plotlines, includes one about a black, intricate, other-worldly, mysterious jell-like entity which attaches to Spiderman causing him to act out vengeance.

This story gets going one hour through after necessary exposition to build on themes of forgiveness, what one becomes as a powerful person and is this good, and understanding. It’s imperative and leads to the overblown ending and low-key conclusion.

Spidey 3 is complicated and complex, more than the other movies, because of the nature of the script which commendably uses dialogue to layer in theme seamlessly.

The acting is sincere. The fantasy action violence is shot in dark surrounds, creating an underground feel, perhaps alluding to this sort of thing as the place of the undesirable, especially since the movie is about forgiveness. There are also some scary moments for younger children.

Crucially, the climax does not work well because the build up of the revenge story is not compelling enough and there is a tendency to get bogged under as the audience by nuance and theme.

Release Date: May 4, 2007 (conventional theaters and IMAX)
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Director: Sam Raimi
Screenwriter: Alvin Sargent
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Rosemary Harris
Genre: Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action violence)
Official Website: Spiderman3.SonyPictures.com

Plot Summary: Columbia Pictures' "Spider-Man 3" reunites the cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures for a web of secrets, vengeance, love, and forgiveness that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.

In "Spider-Man 3," based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes overconfident and starts to neglect the people who care about him most. Forced to choose between the seductive power of the new suit and the compassionate hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves