An awesome and ridiculous film that leaves you thrilled beyond the point of your natural endurance
2012
Theatre
The show has suddenly become quite wonderful, and the galvanising factor is the terrific stage debut of Melanie C
Blood Brothers
Music
The British pop music industry may be eating itself but if Muse are the pick of what it can offer the world in 2010 then British music is in rude health indeed
Muse
I was smitten by both Gilberts enormous luxuriant moustache and the intelligence and nuance of this highly entertaining play
I totally recommend Babbo to anyone who is looking for really good and traditional Italian food
Always been a fan but never seen them live. I was ecstatic to be part of this epic event. WOW!
London,
Charlotte O'Sullivan's rating
Reader rating
Dir: Sam Raimi.
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace
Description: Mary Jane finally knows the truth about the secret identity of her beau, Peter Parker, driving a wedge between the beauty and Peter's embittered best pal Harry Osborn. Spider-Man is soon swinging into action to save New York City from Sandman aka the tormented Flint Marko and Venom aka Eddie Brock. In the process, he must battle the demons within, facing his own insecurities and reconciling his responsibilities as a superhero with his loyalty to Mary Jane.
Country: US. 2007. 139mins
Black looks: Tobey Maguire in his new suit
Kirsten Dunst, who plays Spider-Man's love interest, at the Tokyo premier of the third film
In Hollywood, sequel opportunities rule. Until recently, it was assumed that Spider-Man 3 would mark the end of the line for our sticky-fingered friend, yet the web is already buzzing with talk of a fourth adventure.
The good news is that this pacey, rainbow-coloured blockbuster works both as a filler and a finale. It's easily the best of the trilogy and, for my money, one of the most enjoyable films of the decade.
The comic-book-inspired franchise has always been about the search for balance; ironically, balance is was exactly what the first two movies lacked, with the seriously good cast continually upstaged by the special effects.
This time round, thanks to an inventive script, all the elements are in sync. The plot gives New York photographer Peter Parker aka Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) three foes to contend with - four, if you count his battle with himself, which is brought on by an alien landing and subsequently turns his suit jet-black.
His love life is also a mess. He keeps trying, and failing, to propose to Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane, who is suffering a career setback and does not appreciate the arrival of sweet blonde, Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard).
The villains are well-rounded, with Flint Marko a joy to behold. Actor Thomas Haden Church has a great, Depression era face and his transformation into The Sandman is spectacularly beautiful - the creature is like a Henry Moore sculpture.
Meanwhile, Peter, Mary Jane and their rich friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) convince as fragile, ambitious twentysomethings trying to make it in the big city. All the encounters are emotionally intense. They're also full of humour. "Where do they get these guys?" says Spidey, tipping out sand from his boots.
Hats off to Maguire. It can't be easy playing boyish at 31, and, at times, he certainly looks rough: a middle-aged baby, all tremulous lips and bulging, vacant blue eyes.
Mostly, though, he does fine, and his spell as a vengeful evil doer - he acquires eyeliner, a Franz Ferdinand fringe and some dodgy disco moves - is hilarious.
Perhaps the film-makers are trying to steal some of Johnny Depp's thunder in the forthcoming Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. If so, it's a smart move. Cheekiness suits Maguire. It suits this franchise, too. Angst be damned. Spider-Man 3 is worth taking seriously, because it's so hell-bent on having fun.
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I have heard many reviews finding it 'disappointing' and 'not a patch on its prequel'. All I can say is, what Spider-Man were you watching?
I found this 3rd installment easily the best in the series, with so much backstabbing, humour and action. Parker's vengeful side is not only a scary one, but a funny one. I couldn't get over the dance moves and the wooing. And the villains were top class; I had my doubts over three of them, but they have been used so effectively I'm already waiting for No. 4.
Oh, and I'm glad Maguire wasn't killed off.
- Cj, Stratford, London
Saw it last night. Disappointment. Story has no depth and draggy. CGI abused and confused (dog-fight?). The previous 2 Spiderman movie episodes are much better. Still, long live Spiderman!
- Richard C, UK
Morning:
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