The Third Time's Not Quite the Charm
The third in the Spidey series has its moments, but overall, there's something missing. I liked the new villains. Thomas Haden Church brings some genuine emotion to his conflicted Sandman. Topher Grace is as smarmy as can be as a rival photographer who eventually morphs into the truly terrifying Venom. But there are too many storylines here, and the ones that keep getting repeated every Spider-Man installment (especially the relationship between Peter Parker and MJ) are starting to feel a bit tired. If they make another, and given the success of this one, I'm sure they will, it may be time to turn over the reigns to a new filmmaker and cast who'll bring something inspired to the table...just like the current crew did with the first two entries, which were fresh but familiar spins on what's a dependable and always well-received franchise.