I wanted to like this movie so badly, I can’t begin to tell you. I went in hoping it was going to blow my socks off. In a way I got my wish. It definitely blew. Okay, not that bad but there are issues with this film.
It starts off great then it gets lost and drags in the middle — it was clear a lot of the audience felt the same way by the fidgeting and such. It finds its way again after about an hour or so and barrels through a fantastic ending with violence and redemption. And then with the sunset (looked like a sunrise) it fades to black, and it should have ended there. The additional ending, tacked on, was utterly horrid and did not belong.
James Franco as the (New) Goblin / Harry did a fantastic job with depth of character, but his teeth freak me out. Thomas Haden Church as the Sandman was utterly cardboard until the end when we realized he really did have some depth. Kirsten Dunst is still hot and you will not find me writing bad things about her. Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen was horrible: an actress she ain’t. Topher Grace stole the show and I was suitably impressed as his turn as both Brock and Venom: he was great in every scene. Tobey Maguire who I should have liked just made me squirm.
That being said, this film will blow the top off the box-office. The theatre was showing this film every 30 minutes from 9am to midnight and it was packed. The parking lot was full before noon on a Saturday — I’ve not seen it this crowded. When we walked out, it was worse!
Ultimately, though I was entertained I feel cheated somehow. I think, though, I am in the minority and if you want to see it, go right ahead. It doesn’t suck — it just doesn’t live up to its potential.