Spidey....Anyone??

It's obvious to me that I don't know anything about critiquing film. I often find myself liking the very films that the crtics hate. I can usually find redeeming qualities in almost every story. For the record, I LOVED Spiderman I and II. I really felt that both movies had good storylines that caused an examination of character and life in general. I also found both movies entertaining. So, I was excited when Spiderman 3 hit the theaters this season.

Tonight I took DSs 3 and 4 and our new neighbor to see it. I agree with the critics that it is a bit long and moves slow in some parts. But all in all, I realized that I am still not a "real" film critic because I liked it.

Jacob Sahms of Hollywood Jesus, a site that reviews "pop culture from a spiritual point of view", says, "Did we find ourselves caring at the end that Parker throws off the costume, or are we tired of his whining, tired of his complete rejection of what his Uncle Ben taught and his Aunt May reminds him of not once, but three times, in S3?"

And while I agree to some extent, I cannot help but think just how "human" Maguire's Spiderman truly is. For some of us it takes three, four, five, or even five hundred times to realize that we must "choose what is right" and that "good can conquer evil." I mean how many times did Jesus ask His own Disciples (and us), "How long have I been with you and you STILL don't get it??" And some of us in our humanness, like Spiderman in this version, find ourselves wrestling with revenge-seeking vs. forgiveness. At least I do!

I can relate to him. No, I have never found myself swinging between tall buildings or rescuing those in distress (DS 3 will tell you I prefer to have my feet on the earth). But I have been in situations that called for a decision on my part. I could get angry, hold a grudge, and seek my own revenge---and sometimes I have. When Peter Parker realizes that the darkness has overcome him and he doesn't know who he is anymore, Aunt May (in her infinite wisdom) says, "First you have to take the hardest step of all....you must forgive yourself." OUCH! It's hard to start there.

I believe the message here is clear, "When we can forgive ourselves and shed the darkness that often surrounds us...then we can extend forgiveness to others." And it's when we come without mask, or web, or super powers, humbly to another that we find true redemption.

For what it's worth, I think it was worth my $7.75!