Spider-Man 3 is Good (and always has been) 

Spider-Man 3 is the best movie that Spider-Man ever made. Since it’s release in 2007, critics have spent countless hours analyzing every frame, every scene, every line of dialogue in search of its many subdue themes and messages. Like Garfield, Spiderman 3 is a film about layers. On the surface, it’s your typical thrill-a-minute blockbuster with cutting edge special effects. But upon further viewing, you start to understand this is merely a facade. A false attempt to placate a broader audience. In superhero movies, you can only tell two different stories, really. The origin story, or a story about heroes learning to work together as a team. Spider-Man 3 shatters expectations by not giving you the rise of Spider-Man, but rather the fall. Peter Parker becomes tangled, if you will, in a web of violence and deceit and ultimately becomes the villain. The movie starts with Pete. He sees his best friend James Franco, and he clotheslines him down an alley and kills him. Then we’re introduced to Sandman, who we learn is a great father, trying to save up enough money to pay for his daughter’s surgery. So, Spider-Man gets wind of this and kills him in a sewer. Then the city throws a parade for Spider-Man and he kisses some bimbo, right in front of his girlfriend. Then he meets this guy(Eddie Brock), who is actually his biggest fan. Up to this part, I kind of figured that “Maybe Spider-Man is just having a bad day.” We all know he’s a good guy at heart. But then, fucking stupid ass James Franco starts being alive again. So, Mary Jane dumps Spider-Man, for no good reason. And then, she says “she’s seeing another guy.” Spider-Man, in a state of such distraught and fragility, goes to the only guy he thought he could trust, James Franco, who goes: “I’m the other guy.” Fucking backstabbing piece of shit James Franco. Now, this scene is essential. Peter looks back into the cafe and that little bitch, winks at him and then boom. Like that, he’s gone. Now the question is, where the hell did he go? The truck takes like one second, to go in front of Peter and then he disappears. This is where I realized that James Franco is actually hiding under the table. Think about it. Naturally, Spider-Man slams James Franco into a wall and then chucks a fucking grenade at his head. Then we cut to Spider-Man being fed a plate of cookies, and he says: “You got any with nuts?” Ursula replies: “I have some nuts. I could make some.” To which Peter replies: “Go make me some.” “Go make me some cookies with nuts in them.” Now, this is actually a very clever scene, when you think about it. In life, there is such a rich variety of cookies. Peanut butter, chocolate chip, mint cookies, oatmeal raisin. But director Sam Raimi, has Spider-Man consciously choose nut cookies to signify that this man has gone nuts. You have the scene where Spider-Man is pointing at various women on the sidewalk. Now look at the gesture he is making with his hands. He is saying to these women, “you’re safe now.” But in Spider-Man 4, I will shoot you with a pistol. But it’s not until this moment, where we, the viewers, see that faint flicker of hope, within Peter, snuffed out. He changes his hair from the normal way to his evil hair. This is when the Spider-Man, that I knew who had lost Uncle Ben, who’d defeated Bonesaw. this is when he had become truly lost. Spider-Man 3 tells a dark story that confront the audience with very serious questions. And for this reason, I think it became a very divisive film. It’s a movie from a different era, where artists were encouraged to take bold risks, uninhibited by close-minded executives. And I sincerely doubt we’ll ever see Marvel, reach these heights again. Like Alfred said: “with big power comes big responsibility."

The funny part is that even without the symbiote, the basic story of his ego and pride taking over was all gonna be in there, according to Sam. The symbiote merely enhanced this!

I've seen the movie plenty of times, and I've watched dozens of videos of people discussing it. Some blasting it, some defending it... But no one I have ever seen has made the biblical connections and symbolism in the film before. This is a truly brilliant observation, and really changes the way I see this movie. Great job Ben. Can't wait to watch it again with a new perspective.

The “He’s still out there” call back to the episode of caravan of garbage did not go unnoticed. Gorgeous stuff

Always love the SM3 appreciation, it was my favorite when I was a kid and I still love it whole heartedly. Everybody gets the theme wrong though. The theme is forgiveness. Harry forgives Peter. Peter forgives Flint. Mary Jane forgives Peter. It sets it up not only over the course of the whole movie, but really it started with the death of Norman. Incredible movie

I like that we are in a time period right now that we're all starting to enjoy campier movies that we all thought were bad 10+ years ago. Also great video overall!

Fun fact: When Sam Raimi asked Christopher Young to score Venom's theme, he asked him to make it as "demonic and devilish as possible."

"Investing too much energy into disliking a movie's flaws can sometimes prevent us from seeing the actual value of the thing itself." I wish everyone could take those words to heart. I've said for years the reason so many people hate some things is because they just want to, or think they're expected to hate something, and then they refuse to be entertained by something good. It's a real pain to see good movies go down the drain because people wanted to be so hateful.

Man it seems like Ben just is SUPER positive about literally everything

I rewatched the whole trilogy a few weeks ago and was expecting the third one to blow. But then I was like, this is actually pretty good. It’s definitely the weakest in the trilogy but it still does interesting things with the storylines and characters from the other two movies. Raimi was still able to deliver a fun and satisfying story despite the studio meddling. Now that some time and franchises have passed since Spider-Man 3, people are looking back and appreciating what is great about it.

J. Jonah Jameson also represents truth in this film. The truth that Spider-Man is a MENACE!

Another little detail is that in this movie, Eddie Brock is an active sociopath if you stop to analyse his behavior towards people. His first scene he is basically taking pictures of the woman the supposedly loves (Gwen) while being dead cold about it (and even introducing himself to her father), he also doesn't even seeks to help her in any way after Spider-Man saves her, just goes takes pictures of Spider-Man because its his major interest. He also actively has a lot of charisma and speech skills that allow him to almost right away get a job by talking with J.J Jameson and just didn't got it because of Peter. There's also the great element of deceiving, lying and doing anything he can to get what he wants. Eddie also is vengeful, after Peter reveals him as liar, instead of trying to repent from his mistakes, he actively seeks revenge, so much so that he literally goes to a Church beg God to kill Peter. Venom never made Eddie evil, it just gave the means for a desire he had to revenge against Peter.

The fight sequence between Harry and Peter at beginning is gold! The Spider-Man life crashing into his Peter life in the middle of the street. Peter having to Spider-Man it up, with no costume. Being forced to realize his friend wants to kill him. Peter desperately trying to cling onto that wedding ring while trying to cling on to his life. Masterful!

I like it despite its flaws. Imo it’s one of the Spider-Man movies that feels most like a comic book.

“It’s always more interesting to look at the film itself, rather than what the film isn’t or was it supposed to be” Maso in shambles

My guy referenced Sex Education, Uncharted 4, and Before Midnight in the timespan of 30 seconds and his argument hit different. Love your videos, Ben! Keep up the good work.

Between this, the bi Fast and Furious reading, and some of your Mr. Sunday Movies videos, you really nail the "pop culture rescue" video essay style. Whether or not I agree, it's so engaging to watch someone unabashedly gush about something, especially something often maligned. I love challenging criticism that builds up rather than tears down.

It's always a good year when Ben uploads

Wasn't expecting both a Raid: Shadow Legends ad and an analysis of scripture in a Spider-Man 3 essay but I'm loving every second of it

I know I'm in the minority here, but the third one has always been my favorite. Not because it's the best (IT'S NOT) but because it's just so fun. It's the kind of movie that I'm always down to watch regardless of my mood.

Also, while Eddie is nothing like in the comics, this was the character this movie needed. He was the anti-Peter Parker. The kind of guy Uncle Ben was worried Peter could become.

Spider-Man 3 will always be my favorite of the trilogy. I’ll never argue that it’s objectively the best, but the themes and Peter and Harry’s journey to forgiveness has always resonated with me the most

I think the points you have made about lies are one of the reasons why some people don't like this movie. When all the characters are constantly lying to one another and themselves its just painful to watch, as all the conflict would be solved if they just stopped and thought about it. While all the lying is admittedly more realistic, and how a lot of us act, it's not always fun to watch, it can just be frustrating. I prefer a hero who tells the truth, suffers the consequences that come with that, but remains true to themselves despite the price if being honest. Still a great vid that gives me a lot more respect for Sam Rami and the movie itself.

I've always defended this film, I think it's genuinely good. What ultimately hurt the movie was the execution and the casting of Topher Grace as Venom. And let's not kid ourselves, it was going to be a monumental task trying to one up Spider-Man 2

Dude, I cannot fully explain how excellent this video is. I recently watched the trilogy with my wife (before NWH obviously), and we enjoyed SM3. I could tell there was more to it than I thought as a child, but couldn’t put my finger on it. The lying from everyone was just as frustrating as I remembered, but my adult perspective helped me see the reality in it. The last few months, I’ve been hiding an old habit from my wife. The last few weeks, I’ve been struggling and praying with how to come clean. Or whether or not I should even come clean. I can just handle this myself, right? Plus all the struggles of “if I committed, why am I still dealing with this bullshit? Life should be normal and good now.” Damn, man. You hit the nail right on my head. Yesterday I realized I need to tell her. Today was a struggle, but this helped me confirm it. Beautiful work. I don’t know where you’re at spiritually, but you ministered right to my heart, all while giving a spot-on analysis of this divisive movie. God bless you. Gonna go come clean.

It's so refreshing to see a video essay that's basically 'hey, let's actually look at the good in something for once'. I'm not the biggest fan of this movie, but I really enjoyed both your thoughts on it and also the fact that it wasn't yet another video just dunking on a divisive movie for #content

Last year, I spent weeks editing meme videos for this movie (and deleting them all because creative dysfunction) -- BUT its given me so much appreciation for this movie. Harry and Peter working together to save MJ hits my childhood softspot for everything I wanted to see from Spider Man. & Themes of truth and forgiveness hit so hard, I cried like a baby. Toby gets shit for the over his the top performance, but Ive grown to love it.

Spider-Man 3 was already one of my favorite Spider-Man movies. Now I love it even more. Ben from Canada is one of my favorite RU-vid channels, by far.

I'm still not a fan of this movie, but this has given me a neat new way to look at it! Mad props!

It's so refreshing to see a take on this movie that doesn't boil down to "girl bad." I'm so sick of snotty obnoxious "film critics" constantly shitting on MJ 🙄

You can always hear the passion and love for what you talk about and create in these vids, love it!

Dude this was awesome! Love your in-depth essays! I actually really like the Editor's cut of the movie which used the deleted scene of Harry looking at the picture of his friends instead of the Butler telling him the truth. The only other thing I wish got changed was the news teams' coverage of the final battle, it was so cheesy and took away from the drama imo. If those segments were cut, I'd say it's a near perfect final movie.

Thank you for making this video Ben. I’ve always LOVED the Raimi trilogy (ALL OF THEM) for the human depiction and emotions they convey. They make me feel like I too can be a hero. And I always loved the undertone of forgiveness in this movie. Forgiveness saves Peter from himself, saves sandman and restores Harry and Peter’s friendship. Because of forgiveness, Harry goes so far as to give his life for his best friend. And, ultimately, Eddie is destroyed by his lack of forgiveness. Beautiful.

I would actually recommend the hybrid cut, which basically takes the best of both the theatrical cut and the editor's cut

This was great--thank you!

Love you Ben perfect timing for my lunch break

Boy I love these video essay type things, great work Ben! Look forward to whatever you do next

Dude you're straight up one of my favorite RU-vidr's right now, your essays are some of the most entertaining and interesting explorations of some stuff I didnt think about. Even things I openly hate like the Sam Raimi Spiderman movies

Dude, love your style, great vid.

5:45 in Spider-Man 2, he did tell Aunt May what really happened on his own

Appreciate your editing on the "other channel" I do like your in depth look at the videos you make.

I found your RU-vid and I couldn't be happier Ben from Canada aha great video mate

Bro! You HAVE to make more videos. They’re so deep and unfiltered every time! Please make more!

My brother and I both agree, you make amazing videos! Keep at it bro! Take your time, such amazing work!

Best video essay I’ve seen in memory. Absolutely incredible job!

Beautiful dissection of this film! Bravo 👏🏻

Wow. I love your breakdowns. The insight, the comedic timing, the depth. I loved hearing you talk about _the Truth_ put throughout this film, and I did not fully realise the connection with Satan (literal or figurative), Peter, and Eddie. Eddie being himself and not lying anymore... he was always bad, wasn't he? I thought he was a fairly sympathetic character, but he really does do the wrong thing every time. Also, the goop demon line just gets me, so funny.

Thank you Ben From Canada. 1 and 2 were my childhood, and this is no exception. Ive watched this so many times and still love it to this day

Dude this video was amazing! It was everything I have had bubbling up in my head over this movie and you just put the words in a video. Fantastic

Really enjoyed this video, this is a nice change from the usual vitriol towards this movie!

This is your best work so far!

Always excited to watch your uploads

Dude I really love your videos, your are the best!

So much awesome analysis crammed into this video, love it! 👍

Great job, really enjoy your work.

Awesome. Loved it. Thank you, Mr. From Canada!

I enjoyed Spider-man 3 so it is good to see an appreciative review

KEEP. THESE. COMING!

how out of all your essays this one is the least viewed??? it's an amazing new view on one of my favourite movies, i love your channel and these essay type videos with sprinkles of jokes.

Love your work

I'm glad you're making content, man. You're points are always so well articulated.

Good to see you again. I was worried you weren't making another video which would've been a shame because they're brilliant.

Your videos and analysis areincredible. Thanks for making these..

Avi Arad is an interesting force in the Spider-Man media saga. I was a little shocked to see his name in the credits of No Way Home as “the original true believer,” when so many of his decisions seem to be motivated by the bottom line. John Semper-who fought with Avi to maintain the artistic integrity of Spider-Man TAS when nobody else had faith in Marvel’s stories coming to a new generation-deserves that title so much more.

Just found this channel. I love it when I find great content on a channel that's starting out (although your editing makes me thing you're no rookie)

This is brilliant!!!

I love your analysis - so fascinating and insightful - and improves the movie on its next viewing! All while cracking us up and teaching principles of storytelling.

I mean, that's fair. I'm just not gonna be first in line to praise Avi Arad, the studio, and others getting their grubby mitts into Raimi's vision like that. I respect the man too much as a director.

You’re really good at this, had a blast watching it. Keep it up

new ben from canada video🙌🏼🙌🏼😩

Woh, thank you for helping me to love the final movie when I already love the first two!

Yay! Ben's back!

This channel rocks, I'm subscribing. I like your sense of humor. And we gotta respect the classics!

Absolute banger of an analysis, thank you for giving me even more reason to love and appreciate this movie

you did it, i'm convinced, might have to reference this in a sermon one day

Fantastic work Ben! This is probably your best video yet!

Amazing video Ben. Very much agree with your opinion on the movie. However, looking at this movie through the lense of a pursuit for truth and the different ways characters react to the truth is a new idea for me. Thank you for showing me a new perspective on this movie!

Amazing video. And thanks for making it and for just always being great

Ben I couldn’t agree more. I re watched these the other day and I enjoyed this one the most.

I enjoyed this video SO much❤️

This was a fantastically done video

Bro should do more of these !

you have a great channel and personality man. Good look in the RU-vid sphere. You certainly have my sub.

Ben, I absolutely adore everything you make

Ayo, unrelated to the video- Scott from nerdsync is one of your patrons! That’s so cool! Creators supporting creators is my favourite thing

Wow...just WOW!😭 this video just changed my whole perspective on Tobey Maguire's spiderman, and it really makes me relate to what peter parker has been doing, and what I have been doing these past few months. And you brought up the bible in this video and I have to say...you weren't wrong! I'm glad you put all of this into one theme. THE TRUTH and I'm glad you made this video! Thank you

God I fucking love this channel

Wow this Video is unexpectedly deep 😅 what you said about love, long-term partnerships and living truthfully really got to me

Thank you so much for making THIS kind of video, my youtube recommendations are usually just "Why ... sucks" I just want to see people passionate about films talking about what they love rather than looking for problems in films for jokes.

I'm surprised you didn't put in the line from Sandman's wife at the beginning, though to be fair it doesn't seem to have much weight in Sandman's actual story. "You and the truth, sitting in prison having three meals a day together. I live in the presence of great truth. And that is the truth that you left behind right there in that bedroom." (Their daughter)

This video is brilliant and hilarious. Great job!

Can't believe I haven't seen this video before, Ben. Absolutely class observation. The third instalment is the perfect act 3 to the previous two films. What happens when you've been given the ultimate boon at the end of the previous act? How to be master of two worlds? UGH SO GOOD. Also loved your inclusion of the Miracle Maker clips. Top notch grub.

This is hands down the best SM3 video made till date. Most of the videos about it don’t go further no actual reasons why they like the movie and just shilling on Tobey. But this…the deep breakdown and aspects of the movie I haven’t heard so far…you definitely should make more videos.

What Ben says at 0:49-1:05 is exactly how I feel about the Star Wars sequel trilogy. They’re imperfect and could be better, but by constantly focusing on what they aren’t, so many people ignore all of the good that they DO bring

Wish you’d upload more, your videos are great

Amazing video as always! One movie that may have more to it than just the surface level that I'd love for you to do is "The Accountant". So many great characters and actors all with their own arcs... but not all get enough time to pay out. Just an idea... keep making these videos!

I’ve always loved this movie but this video has changed my view of it. Keep up the great work.

Great video! Also I see Ben is a fan of Game Grumps

What you said at the 0:56 mark was really amazing and I couldn't agree more, I am super glad I found your channel and your content is amazing :)

6:03 - 6:26 😳😳 Creezus Jeist. Where the hell did that come from? That was so damn deep!! Are you a philosophy professor or something because that was something profound right there. You earned my like right there before I even finished the video. If only I could subscribe twice...