Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence.
Directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man 1 and 2, The Evil Dead, A Simple Plan, For Love of the Game …)
Starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace…
Spidey III probably doesn’t equal its predecessors… but it was good fun.
I admit, I really struggled with what to score this film. In all honesty, it probably doesn’t deserve a score of “Theatre Worthy.” It’s probably more of a “Rental.” But since it’s from the Spiderman trilogy… I would go see it in the theatre. Besides, it’s a fun, clean film.
In Spidey III multiple plot points intersect. The “real” killer of Peter’s Uncle is discovered. (Please!) At the same time, a gooey black blob drops from outer space and attaches to Peter’s suit (no spoiler here unless you live in a shoebox and haven’t seen a preview), slowly changing him to a dark, evil Peter Parker (for Smallville fans… think of what happens when Clark puts on the “red ring”). Meanwhile, Peter’s ex-best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) is still ticked about Peter killing his dad in Spidey I (yeah… you would have thought they were through with that plot point by now). All these factors collide in Spidey III.
Predictability and lack of originality aside… it was still fun to watch. (That’s my third time saying “fun.” I really should think of a new word.) Besides, the film provided some entertaining action sequences as well as a few comedic moments that “made the movie” for me.
So lower your expectations and catch a matinee. I think you’ll find it worth the bargain price on the big screen.
Like the other two Spidey films, Spidey III provides a couple really good discussion starters about grudges, revenge and forgiveness. Aunt May gives another great speech in this film that will probably end up on our MOVIE CLIP DISCUSSIONS page when the film releases to DVD.
Did I mention that it was fun?
CLICK HERE FOR A SPIDERMAN 3 BIBLE STUDY GUIDE
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
If you let them see Spidey I and II, then you should have no hesitation. The black gooey stuff might be scary to some very young kids, but I’m bringing my 9, 11 and 13 year old without any hesitation.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
