Several years ago, I was among the first here at Hollywood Jesus to review Spider-Man.  I was blown away at all of the spiritual connections in the movie and am grateful that I have been along for the journey. 

Generally, I don’t like hearing or seeing other people’s reviews prior to seeing the movie, but I did catch one yesterday that was somewhat intriguing.  The reviewer stated that Spider-Man 3 was too good.  It was so good, in fact, that the story overshadowed the incredible special effects.  I was somewhat surprised by the comment, but after seeing the movie this morning, I find myself in full agreement.  Spider-Man 3 is almost too good.

One of the fun facts about the Spider-Man series has always been each movie’s ability to stand on its own.  What I didn’t realize until this morning, though, is that they also form an incredible trilogy and journey.  After viewing what will likely be the last go-round for Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and director-writer Sam Raimi among others, I can honestly say that the Spider-Man movies were well worth the time.  I would even go so far as to say that, with the possible exception of The Lord of the Rings, the Spider-Man trilogy may be the best compilation to ever come about.  It is simply that good and that moving in virtually every way imaginable.

Without giving much away, I will focus on the movie’s spiritual themes.  In my review of the first Spider-Man film, I said that Spider-Man may be the most “Christian” of all superheroes.  That comparison hasn’t changed with any of the three movies.  We see the journey of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) throughout the series, as he learns to use great powers, learn to love, and then base his actions on his faith.   He never forgets the things taught by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May.  We know from past episodes that these two are strong people of faith, and we see the impact they have on Peter in many ways.

One of the beautiful things about Spider-Man 3 is the realization that even good people have the potential to become and/or do evil.  Peter experiences this as he becomes more focused on himself than he does the needs of others.  After an outside influence takes control of his actions, Spider-Man turns from a humble servant of others to a self-glorifying, self-promoting hero of sorts.   It isn’t long before we see a darker side of both Peter Parker and Spider-Man.  We also see this journey in virtually every other character.  In prior films, we have seen the journey developing deeply within the character Harry Osborn/New Goblin.  That journey changes Peter and Harry from the best of friends into the most vengeful of enemies.

As Peter progresses in his journey, he eventually sees that he has become something he can’t stand—something that is tearing away everything he loves.  When he realizes that he doesn’t like who he has become, it is literally at the church where Peter Parker finds salvation—salvation not just in a physical sense, but in a spiritual sense, at the foot of a cross.

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