Spider-Man 3 is a 2007 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, serving as the third installment in the Spider-Man trilogy.
Starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, the film also features Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church as Sandman, and Topher Grace as Eddie Brock/Venom. The screenplay was co-written by Raimi, his brother Ivan Raimi, and Alvin Sargent.
The film continues the story of Peter Parker as he balances his life as a superhero with his personal relationships. After defeating the Green Goblin and Dr. Octopus in the previous films, Peter experiences newfound confidence and success. However, this leads to arrogance and strained relationships, particularly with Mary Jane Watson (Dunst) and Harry Osborn (Franco), who seeks revenge against Peter for his father's death.
The plot thickens when a meteor crashes near Peter, releasing an alien symbiote that bonds with him, enhancing his powers but also amplifying his darker impulses. As Peter becomes increasingly aggressive and reckless under the influence of the symbiote, he alienates those around him. Meanwhile, Flint Marko (Church), a small-time criminal who becomes the Sandman after a freak accident involving a particle accelerator, emerges as a formidable adversary.
The film culminates in a showdown between Spider-Man and both Sandman and Venom, leading to intense action sequences and emotional confrontations. Peter ultimately learns valuable lessons about forgiveness and redemption as he confronts his own mistakes.
Upon its release on May 4, 2007, Spider-Man 3 grossed approximately $895 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of the trilogy and one of the highest-grossing films of all time at that point. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its ambitious scope and visual effects while others criticized its convoluted plot and character development.
Overall, Spider-Man 3 serves as a complex conclusion to Raimi's trilogy, exploring themes of power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's choices. Despite its mixed reception, it remains a significant entry in the superhero genre and has sparked discussions about its impact on future comic book adaptations.