Constant Viewer: Spider-Man 3

There is much to like about Spider-Man 3 and a fair bit to dislike, as well. Of course, it’s going to be a blockbuster, but whether it generates the repeat trade necessary to set box office records in keeping with its massive budget is anybody’s guess. Given the summer competition and the fact that it’s (1) dark and (2) long, Constant Viewer would guess it will not break records. Then again, CV thought All The King’s Men was a very fine film that should have generated multiples of the box office it actually drew.

All the usual suspects are back in Spider-Man 3, including even the obligatory Bruce Campbell cameo, one of the few appearances (along with an even briefer Stan Lee cameo) that generated an immediate audience response. As for Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franko and the rest, they perform in keeping with what the movie, after all, really is – a melodrama wrapped up in CGI action scenes and special effects. Director Sam Raimi captures a bit more of the comic book feel this time around – CV means that in a good way – especially in the early action scenes where more close up and zoom in shots replicate the sort of “camera work” framing of a well drawn superhero comic. CV almost thought he was looking at some Steve Ditko panels there for a moment.

The Sandman and Viper Venom [thanks, Chris] special effects were excellent and the three dimensional fight scenes framed by skyscrapers and reminiscent of the first Star Wars battle scenes were dizzying, perhaps too much so. Moreover, the CGI looked animated at points, which in a live action movie rather defeats the purpose. Still, it’s easy to see all the money spent on this movie right there on the screen. In fact, it’s impossible to miss.

This is a damned busy movie. The story is easy enough to follow but there’s just a hell of a lot of story going on. For those who don't already know most of the plot and want to know more, read the next paragraph. Otherwise, skip down.

* * * SPOILER ALERT * * *

Mary Jane’s theatrical career hits some major bumps while Spider-Man is the toast of the town. He gets caught up in his own celebrity and this sours their relationship. Meanwhile, Harry Osborn’s lot in life is like the one eyed, three legged mangy dog who answers to the name “Lucky,” This poor guy just can’t catch a break. Meanwhile, Flint Marco, involved in Peter’s uncle’s death, gets turned into Sandman because of yet another scientific experiment (when, oh when will these mad scientists stop tampering with nature?), leading Spider-Man to have to rescue Gwen Stacy (who, btw, was Spidey’s original main squeeze in the comic books of CV’s youth). Meanwhile, the alien who first invades Peter Parker turning him into not so nice a guy catches up with Eddie Brock, Parker’s photographic competition at the Bugle, and Venom is born. Meanwhile, well, CV is out of breath just thinking about it.

* * * SPOILERS END HERE * * *

Spider-Man 3 is too long, even with so involved a story line. A good ten to fifteen minutes could have been cut without harm and to the less patient viewer’s eternal gratitude. There’s simply no point in a movie of this sort running much over two hours, and CV thinks this current trend of films clocking in well over that mark is bad for the business. Good directors, like good writers, must learn to kill their darlings if for no other reason than that shorter films permit more showings. Anybody want to bet CV that Shrek 3, which should run around 90 minutes, doesn’t beat Spider-Man 3 in total gross?

But what the hell, Spider-Man 3 is a film for fanboys (fangirls, too) and they’ll be very happy with what Raimi and his cast have to offer. CV’s one qualm is whether the movie is a bit too dark for the younger fans who have a harder time with heroes acting unheroically and villains who turn out to be less than pure evil, after all. For that matter, CV attended a midnight showing with an audience that included some parents who had dragged their preschoolers along for a show that didn’t let out until 2:30 am. CV devoutly hopes these kids don’t have nightmares; but if they do, CV wishes even more devoutly that they scream loud enough to keep their dimwitted parents up all night.

Go, see the movie. You’re going to, anyway. Everyone’s going to go see it, and there’s not a single reason why (assuming you’re 10 or older) you shouldn’t. The summer blockbuster season has begun. And not a moment too soon.

UPDATE: So how well did Spider-Man 3 do on its U.S. opening date? Over $59 million, beating last year's Pirates Of The Caribbean 2 for the biggest U.S. opening day ever in film history. Still, as CV mentions in a comment, word-of-mouth feedback, especially from the crucial young male demographic sector, is that S-M 3 was a disappointment. So, will it make back its investment? Of course. Will it have "legs" and generate the sort of repeat viewing necessary these days to qualify as a mega-blockbuster? Given this summer's competition, CV would have to guess not.