Spider-Man 3

Three villains, a doubting girlfriend, a hard-to-resist seductress and some evil alien goop: Spidey has many troubles in this third instalment of Spiderman on the big screen. They say Spider-Man 3 is the most expensive film of the trilogy, but does it give you more bang for the bigger buck?

Simply, the answer is resounding yes. It's still larger-than-life when the action cuts begin. The CGI effects are is nail-biting. The Sandman, Spidey's new enemy, is awesome with his post-particle physics body that alternates between a sandstorm and a human form with perfect ease. The climax is blockbuster stuff. And Spidey still sends a thrill down your spine as he dizzily bungee jumps across the Manhattan skyline.

Spider-Man 3 finds our hero and his alter ego Peter Parker played by Tobey Maguire, having overcome most of his hero woes in Spider-Man 2, as finally happy. He's deeply in love with Broadway actress- girlfriend Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) and plans to pop the big question soon. Spidey is also being accepted by the public and has even become a highly-promoted tourist attraction / poster-boy for New York City. Peter is at the top of his class in college and has drawn the eye of attractive lab partner Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard). Only his shaky friendship with pal-turned-villain Harry Osborne (James Franco) stands in Peter’s way of apparent perfection in life.

But as with anything in Peter's world, his newfound happiness is in jeopardy. A bad review destroy’s Mary Jane’s career, and with Peter focused on his own celebrity she turns to Harry, who hopes to use her against Peter as revenge for his father's death. Entering into these dramatics is petty crook Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church) who may have been responsible for the death of Peter's uncle years ago, who is turned into the ‘Sandman’ in an industrial accident. As if we needed more, there's also a strange black ooze from outer space that attaches to Peter's Spider-Man costume and which seems to influence his behaviour for the worse, through the suit, into an alter ego, which ultimately ends up evolving into a villain called "Venom." Whew!

It's surprising, then, that a film with this much activity actually wraps it all up in a mostly satisfying conclusion.

And assisting us on this rollercoaster journey are the special effects which make it all possible. Whether we're watching Spider-Man save Gwen from a collapsing skyscraper or witnessing the birth of Sandman, this film's effects are nothing short of brilliant.

Most of the actors are fantastic – Topher Grace as rival photographer Eddie Brock Jr is an especial standout. Kirsten Dunst was the most notable flat spot in the movie. She was passable but perhaps she was showing signs of a lack of interest in the material after three movies.

But despite a lacklustre performance from Kirsten, Spiderman 3 is still a fabulously entertaining movie. Go see it!

300

The first thing to remember is the movie 300 is not a historical retelling of the 480 BC alliance of Greek city-states fighting against the invading Persian Empire at the pass of Thermopylae in central Greece. 300 is based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel of the event – Miller (Sin City) is a renowned comics artist and writer known for hard-boiled stories of almost operatic intensity and stylishly overwrought violence. In his graphic novel, Miller injects his own brand of graphic sensationalism into this ancient tale of national survival. While clearly the graphic novel and therefore the movie isn't interested in being historical, Miller’s is portrayal of the ancient world is compelling.

Regardless as to how historical 300 is, as a movie, it makes an impact! Directed by Zack Snyder, there is a great tale being told by some fine actors, but this may be a little overlooked in the gore. But if you listen and watch between winces, 300 is an amazing experience.

Miller’s strong graphic style translates brilliantly well to the screen and the result is very visual and in a weird kind of way, also beautiful. In spite of the CGI, it’s hard to imagine Snyder didn’t blow the budget on personal trainers – rarely has such a gathering of magnificently hewn thighs, pecs and biceps graced the screen!

Scottish actor Gerard Butler (Trainspotting, The Phantom of the Opera) is truly charismatic as King Leonidas. Our own David Wenham (Lord of The Rings, SeaChange) takes the role of the narrator Dilios and his voice doesn’t make the narration irritating as it can sometimes be. Gerard, David and the other key actors certainly made the effort worthwhile for us of turning themselves into mighty Spartan warriors with rippling eight-packs!

Some may think that 300 is only for the red-meat eating men of our movie going population – I disagree. Yes, I must admit that I was initially reluctant to gone along with my partner to watch this film but as this was the third time he was off to see it, I thought I had better see what all the fuss was about. And yes, I did cover my eyes – but only in a couple of places! This is certainly a great film, a spectacle for the eyes and ears and well worth the ride.

PS Zack Snyder started out as both director and cinematographer of music videos and commercials, before he directed Dawn of Dead which was a 're-imagining' of George Romero's famous zombie film Dawn of the Dead which became one of the top-grossing zombie films of all time.