It’s not every day an action film seen on a busy day gets it’s own review page, but I think Spiderman III is different from the usual action film. I’d gone into the cinema expecting great things, as I’d enjoyed the previous two films in the series.
Unlike most action films, whilst trying not to give too much away, the story isn’t a simple case of the good guys versus the bad guys. Instead, there is some depth to the characters, as each battles within themselves, battling with their own humanity. The struggles of how to treat others, how to treat oneself. How to deal with the highs and lows of popularity and obscurity. How the characters interrelate, their friendships and their relationships, are complex and intriguing. The film even philosophically explores the reasons why we do what we do.
It’s refreshing to see a ‘hero’ dealing with not just the baddies, but with his own desires – both good and bad. Even the baddies have issues, dealing with various issues and in so doing, showing they’re not as bad as they could be in some cases. Both goodies and baddies battle with selfishness which, if left unchecked, has the power to destroy them.
The story is ever so slightly more complex as a result of the internal tussles, and you’re never quite sure how things are going to turn out. Themes such as reconciliation, sacrifice, redemption, forgiveness and salvation loom large throughout.
Of course, being an action film, the special effects and action scenes are superb, with a great sense of pace. Above it all though stands a story which is compelling and, even though in a fantasy world of superheroes, full of very real, very human characters.
A great film which is well worth seeing!