Strong themes, good values - Spider-Man 3 Reviews

Sam Raimi directed another great Spiderman film. There are strong themes that display good moral character: forgiveness, mercy, trust, true humility, truth, honesty and redemption. Sam Raimi carefully shows contrast in emotions, characters, and most poignantly---values. Without spoiling anything, the bad guys each make choices. The consequences of those choices are poison or redemption, but the contrast was clear. Revenge hardens hearts. The scene in the church with the holy water font symbolizing baptism and a call for forgiveness was contrasted with Venom asking Jesus on the Cross to make another suffer. Ironically Venom bears his cross and you'll have to see if he is the "Good Thief" or the "Bad Thief." There is much to love about Spiderman 3. There were touching moments of intergenerational mentoring with Aunt May and with the "Butler." The Landlord also comically mentors Peter. I was impressed that Peter and MJ did not live together as I feared they would after Spiderman 2. Sam Raimi must have read "Men are from Mars" as Spiderman puts on his "Mr. Fixit" hat for MJ instead of listening to her feelings. There is a good lesson for all men. Sam Raimi subtly places all the women in charge of the lab where Sandman is created. Placing women in traditionally male roles was a great point to hit home. I noticed there were fewer "belly" shirts on the women and I thought that was a major improvement over the last two films. There are two points in the film that I felt could have been handled better and it is admittedly nitpicky. First, the venom stuff from outerspace could have wound up on somebody else that commits a crime and Spiderman could have gotten from them. It seems a little too coincidental to have it fall right next to Spiderman. Secondly, Spiderman displayed great character in forgiveness to his enemies, but never apologizes to the Sandman. It seemed implied but it would have been stronger had he said it. All and all, I am impressed with the whole series. The story ties up all the loose ends; however, there are still open doors with the "Lizard" and JJJ's son from SM2.