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to save his daughters life. When the character (whose real name is Flint Marko) is caught in a particle accelerator, it changes his molecular structure into the form of sand (hence the name). This kind of accident regarding a villain is done in the best comic book tradition of all. Spider-Man is given a tough challenge with this villain, but it becomes more personal when Peter learns Marko had something to do with the death of his Uncle Ben (who died in the first film).

Next there is Peter's battle with his dark side. His virtue is taken over with the help of an alien symbiote that crash lands on Earth (you really wonder why NASA or any government agency saw this coming out of nowhere). As a result, the symbiote covers his whole body, and turns his costume black. This harkens back to the comic story written by David Michelinie and Todd McFarlane (who went on to create the character Spawn) in the late 80's.

After Peter is taken over by the symbiote, his powers grow stronger, and he is given more of an edge. Maguire carries it off nicely, but I do become a little embarrassed by watching him act like he's all suave and studly. To me, it makes him look more of a dork than anything. When Peter does cross the line (mind you one of his actions hurts Mary Jane) he knows he has to do something about it. When I watched this, it reminded me a lot of watching Superman III (which featured the late Christopher Reeve) where after being exposed to a certain type of Kryptonite, he turns into a villain (which lead to the good and bad version of the character duking it out). To me, I was reminded of that confrontation of good versus evil, but this film was more dramatic. When I say dramatic, I mean the pain Peter faces as he rips off the alien costume. Since I'm sure many have already seen the trailer clips to this film, I'm sure I'm not giving too much away.

Peter feels a great sense of regret over what he has done, and its only through the love and guidance of his Aunt May (played by the wonderful Rosemary Harris who is in her own way the true heroine of these films) that he tries to forgive himself for his actions.

Finally, there's Venom (a.k.a. the alien symbiote/costume). In this film, Peter meets a new rivalry in fellow photographer Eddie Brock Junior (played by Topher Grace who's best known for his work on That 70's Show). In the film, both Peter and Eddie are both in it for the affections of Gwen, and their jobs at the Daily Bugle. When Eddie loses his job, he blames Peter, and goes to a church (which happens to be the same place where Peter is ripping off the costume) to ask God that he can kill Peter. It's during the time Peter rips off the suit that Eddie discovers who Spider-Man really is. However, as pieces of the costume fall upon Eddie, it begins to horrifically transform him into Venom (which is one the greatest scenes of the movies). When I saw this, I was a little worried that little kids who were in the theater with me may become scared by it, but to my surprise the took it pretty well.

It goes to show even Spider-Man's smallest fans are tough at heart. Especially since Venom, as scary as he may be is one of the greatest Spidey villains of all time.

Through a series of great comic book action, this film lives up to the others, and sets the stage for more to come. Like the other films, Number 3 has heart as well. Especially, since you deal with Peter's turmoil, and Harry's bitterness towards Spider-Man. I personally thought it was one of the best films of 2007, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

On a 4 star rating, I give Spider-Man a 3 three and a half. I hope you will enjoy it.

Learn more about this author, Ryan Burton.
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