Why ‘Spider-Man 3’ Is My Favorite, Even Though It’s ‘The Worst’

by

2007’s “Spider-Man 3” is not generally considered the top Spider-Man film. If you were to rank all the Spider-Man movies, chances are, many viewers would place this one at the bottom of the list.

Although something might be considered “bad” by many, it doesn’t necessarily mean it can’t be someone’s preferred choice. For example, when I ranked the Batman films, I placed _Batman & Robin_ at the bottom. Yet, surprisingly, I actually hold a soft spot for that movie and put it last mainly because I anticipate others would do the same.

Well, although it’s widely believed that either “Into/Across the Spider-Verse,” “No Way Home,” or “Spider-Man 2” might be considered the best Spider-Man films, I’d much prefer to watch “Spider-Man 3” every time. Here’s why:

1. Familiarity: Being the third installment in the original trilogy, it’s a film that I’ve watched multiple times and know well, making each viewing even more enjoyable.
2. Characters: The characters in “Spider-Man 3” are complex and interesting, with their development providing a deeper understanding of the story and the characters themselves.
3. Action: The action sequences in this movie are thrilling and engaging, showcasing Spider-Man’s abilities in unique and creative ways that keep me on the edge of my seat.
4. Emotional Impact: “Spider-Man 3” explores a range of emotions, from friendship and betrayal to redemption and sacrifice, making it a film that resonates with viewers on a personal level.
5. Nostalgia: Watching “Spider-Man 3” brings back fond memories of my childhood and the excitement I felt when first seeing this iconic superhero on the big screen.

In summary, while other Spider-Man films may be critically acclaimed or popular, “Spider-Man 3” holds a special place in my heart for its familiarity, character development, action sequences, emotional impact, and nostalgia.

For One Thing, I Genuinely Like Harry Osborn’s Story Arc In This Movie. Amnesia And All

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve got to say that the original Spider-Man trilogy really shines when it comes to its roster of villains. Sure, Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin and Alfred Molina’s Dr. Octopus are fan favorites, but let’s face it, Harry Osborn as the New Goblin just doesn’t seem to resonate with many viewers, and I get why.

A common criticism leveled against this movie is that it’s overly complex due to the presence of three primary antagonists: New Goblin, Sandman, and Venom. However, while Norman Osborn and Dr. Otto Octavius have significant connections with Peter in both “Spider-Man” and “Spider-Man 2”, neither share the same close bond with him as Harry does. Harry, who has been a constant friend to Peter throughout all three films, holds a special place in his relationship network.

This resonates with me because when their bond deteriorates, it leaves a significant impact. I appreciate this scenario since Harry’s narrative throughout the trilogy has been gradually unfolding toward his discovery that Peter unintentionally killed his father. This revelation drives him to confront Peter, but afterward, they engage in battle, leaving Harry with partial amnesia.

Indeed, while some parts of the amnesia plotline might seem a bit melodramatic, I find it engaging because Harry is portrayed as the main figure throughout. What makes it even more intriguing is that he eventually sides with Peter, and in an act of selflessness, sacrifices his life to aid his friends.

The plot development is remarkably captivating, often disregarded when people begin pondering Tobey Maguire’s dance on the piano, yet it’s something I find truly appealing. Incidentally, let me share with you that moment when Tobey Maguire dances on a piano…

I Also Love Tobey Maguire’s “Evil” Performance

Here’s a surprising fact: My preferred live-action Spider-Man isn’t Tobey Maguire or Tom Holland; it’s Andrew Garfield. Now, you might expect that the poorest rendition of Peter Parker is from “Spider-Man 3,” but for me, it’s my all-time favorite portrayal of the character. Yes, this preference is largely due to the memes associated with it.

On the web, “Bully Maguire” is a common nickname for a character. When Spider-Man acquires the symbiote, there’s a change that occurs, and he becomes extremely emotional or melancholic as a result.

Without a doubt, this scene in the film is my most cherished; it’s truly captivating, particularly when the character is dancing through the streets (even on a piano). This moment undeniably encapsulates the enduring impact of the movie.

Initially, when I witnessed this on the big screen for the first time, it felt like I had to shield my eyes. The question that echoed in my mind was, “What have they transformed my cherished Spider-Man into?” However, with the passage of years and a lot of online influence, I’ve grown quite fond of this segment within the movie.

Additionally, I have to say that Peter’s character in the first two films seemed a bit one-dimensional (and this is noticeable when compared to Andrew Garfield’s and Tom Holland’s portrayals). However, Tobey Maguire brought a lot of depth and charm to his role, which was particularly evident in his interactions with Gwen Stacy. Now, let’s talk about her…

Gwen Stacy Is A Nice Addition To The Series

Many individuals seem to dislike the movies based on “The Amazing Spider-Man”, but there’s one element in both these imperfect films that was consistently well-received, aside from Andrew Garfield – and that’s the character of Gwen Stacy.

In the two films, Emma Stone, an Oscar-winning actress, breathed life into her character Stacy, making it uniquely hers. Her on-screen chemistry with Peter was frequently intense and passionate, despite maintaining a certain distance during filming – a move deliberately planned.

Is Bryce Dallas Howard at all like Stone in portraying Gwen Stacy? Not even remotely. However, it’s not intended for her to be. Instead, she embodies the transformation in Spider-Man as he shifts from loving Mary Jane Watson to being self-obsessed. This transition is evident early in the movie when he defies his character and asks Gwen to kiss him in front of everyone, even Mary Jane.

Her character often takes a back seat within the narrative, serving more as a spark that ignites the series of events, rather than having a rich and complex identity of her own. I understand this aspect very well.

To clarify, having her character in the narrative definitely adds intrigue, and I appreciate how she confronts Peter’s behavior as a womanizer and offers an apology to Mary Jane. It was a thoughtful addition.

I Also Think The Sandman Fights Are My Favorite In The Trilogy

Inquire anyone who has seen the original trilogy, and they’d likely confirm that the most remarkable battle in the whole series was between Spiderman and Doctor Octopus on the train. Frankly, I can’t disagree with you either.

I distinctly recall witnessing that battle for the first time, and my response was, indeed! This is exactly what Spider-Man should embody. It’s a flawless display! However, it doesn’t top my favorite fight in the whole trilogy. That honor goes to another train encounter, but this time against Sandman instead of Doc Ock.

It’s worth recalling that many years ago, it was revealed that Flint Marko, better known as Sandman, was the one who took Uncle Ben’s life. This revelation has left Spider-Man seething with anger. Not just angry enough to harm Sandman, but determined to eliminate him altogether. In a fierce confrontation, Spider-Man initially pursues Sandman from above before propelling him onto a train and slamming his face against it.

Indeed, it’s reasonable to assume that since Spider-Man had previously encountered Sandman, he might have suspected that defeating Marko wouldn’t be fatal. However, one never knows; his anger was palpable in this instance, and for the first time in the trilogy, we witness the hero unleashing his full potential in a battle.

It’s clear that the black suit played a role in this situation, but let me emphasize that it still makes for an exhilarating fight, with Peter seeking revenge and so much at stake. Moreover, after Sandman is washed away, Spider-Man growls, “Farewell forever,” which I can’t help but appreciate. Not to mention, my affection for Bully Maguire is already well-known.

Plus, It’s My Son’s Favorite Spider-Man Movie, So, By Extension, It’s Mine, Too

Currently, my son is deeply into Minecraft, but years back, his heart belonged to Spider-Man. That hero was his all-time favorite.

He used to get really excited about anything related to Spider-Man; you could show him anything and he’d go wild over it. However, his enthusiasm for our friendly neighborhood Spiderman seems to have diminished these days. He did manage to complete the PlayStation version of Spider-Man 2, but he didn’t even finish watching Spider-Man: No Way Home in the theater.

As for the Spider-Man film that resonates with me, it’s none other than “Spider-Man 3”. I believe the reason lies in its resemblance to the video game I adore, as it starts off with a significant battle against Sandman and gives ample screen time to Venom.

Because my son is really fond of the third Spider-Man film, I find myself enjoying it as well. We’re the only ones who have watched the whole thing from start to finish, and he often repeats lines from it.

Not long ago, I mentioned that I had gotten water in my eye, to which my son playfully retorted, “I’ll stick some sand in your eye instead!

Because of the points I’ve previously discussed and an additional one, “Spider-Man 3” stands out as my preferred Spider-Man film. What are your thoughts on it? I’m curious to know what you think.

Read More

2025-04-20 16:09