The screening of Spider-Man 3 went off this weekend without a hitch, and that can only mean one thing. Early reviews are in…does the third installment to the superhero melodrama compare to the first two flicks? Spidey fans, even comic book purists, probably won’t be disappointed when the new film comes to theatres this spring. The cast reunites to reprise former roles, with Tobey Maguire in the lead as Spider-Man/Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane, and all the old faces from the past two Spidey flicks coming together again. Topher Grace and Bryce Dallas Howard have joined the cast this time around, further expanding the Spider-Man family. Looking for a Spidey flick filled with cool special effects, a compelling plot, panoramic scenes, intense villains? Spider-Man 3 offers all of that…and more. The movie won’t make it to the U. S. until May 1, 2007, but some have already enjoyed a private screening of the film, so fans can get an early taste of all the Venom-ous action.

The somewhat controversial casting of Topher Grace has a lot of Spidey purists all tangled up, but Topher does not disappoint in his dual role as Eddie Brock, Jr./Venom. A perfect complement to Tobey Maguire’s Spidey, Topher shines first as a mild-mannered photographer and then a dark, deranged villain. As Venom, Topher will become one of the most memorable Spider-Man fiends of all time. In this latest installment to the comic book superhero’s sage, Peter Parker will have to face not only the dark and disturbed Venom but former buddy Harry Osborn (James Franco returns to reprise the role), who will become the New Goblin to avenge his father’s death. If the hero doesn’t have enough already on his plate with these threats, Spider-Man also has to face a very scary Thomas Haden Church as Flint Marko/Sandman. But in Spider-Man 3, the hero’s greatest enemy is probably himself.

When the Spider-Man costume changes, seeming to enhance Peter’s powers, Spidey willingly slips into his new gear. As great-looking as the new duds are, they begin to have a negative effect on Peter. His darker side begins to come out, so that while he battles threats and tries to save Mary Jane, he must also try to save himself. The stunning visual effects completely outdo scenes from Spider-Man films of the past (a tough enough act to follow), and the New York City background seen in most shots anchors mind-boggling special effects so fans don’t feel cheated on their cinematography.

In this film, Kirsten Dunst gets a chance to really flex her acting chops as Mary Jane for the first time in the Spider-Man franchise. She’ll have the usual running-around-getting-captured-and-needing-to-be-saved bit (her comic book character was the same way), but this time Mary Jane will have to fight personal failure (her career is on the rocks) and her own jealousy. Lovely Bryce Dallas Howard, newcomer to the Spider-Man family, will play Gwen Stacy and could be competition for Peter’s affections. Fans may remember Bryce from The Village and Lady in the Water.

Those who want epic battles, hard-core villains, demoiselles in distress, and a whole lot of Tobey Maguire are not going to be disappointed by Spider-Man 3. The only sad news of the entire film is that this third installment to the Spidey story is also, probably, the last. The two leads have hinted they will not return to make another movie, and Spider-Man 3 ends with all plots neatly tied up. The movie does pack quite a wallop, however, so fans will at least see their favorite arachnid hero go out with a bang.