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Ensnared in a long web

Spider-Man 3 (English)

Director: Sam Raimi

Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rosemary Harris, J. K. Simmons, James Cromwell

While producer Sony Pictures is already talking about a fourth instalment to the Spider-Man franchise, director Sam Raimi has hinted at wanting a break. And a break he must have from this overwrought, concluding (hopefully) chapter of the web-slinger's tale under his helmsmanship. Raimi seems to have decided to go for broke and so he packs the movie with three villains, two love interests and of course some alien goop that makes the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man tap into his dark side.

When the movie begins, there is no happier soul than Spider-Man. His PR is wonderful and the city loves him. As his nerdy alter ego Peter Parker, he is doing great at school and the love of his life Mary Jane Watson is making her Broadway debut. After that dizzy cuddle in a web strung high over the city, things start to rapidly go downhill.

Mary Jane is thrown out of the play. Spidey has to battle the Sandman who is Uncle Ben's actual killer, childhood pal-turned-bitter foe Harry Osborn, and Venom. Then there is also the alien symbiot that turns Spidey suit and soul black as night. The film is so busy that it threatens to burst out of its seams and nearly two and a half hours long, it overstays its welcome. On the plus side, the effects are truly mind-boggling and the stunts are awesome.

The creation of Sandman is eye popping to put it mildly. If the movie had been tighter, and a couple of villains lighter, and the entire cast's eyes a tad drier, we would have had a certified winner.

It is entertaining in parts but stops just short of great, which is a pity considering the lightness of touch, the wit and warmth that marked the first two instalments.

Mini Anthikad-Chhibber

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