Yeah, I'm weak. So what?

[1godzillafan]

I know that half of my threads seem to be about Spider-Man 3, but what can I say? I'm a fanboy, and you're getting another one.

That said, I just forked over 8 bucks for the ultimate spoiler...the film novelization. The last time I did that was for the original Spider-Man, which says something about how much I'm looking forward to this movie. I didn't buy 2, because I had already had Spidey on DVD, seen him in action, and Ock wasn't really my favorite villian, so I didn't really see the point. Now that the symbiote story is being told, I feel like a high schooler in 2002 all over again, and I can't wait to find out what's in store for me.

Will it ruin the flick for me? All I'll say is that I read the original novelization before seeing the first movie, and it still became a top 10 favorite for me. Reading things on the page have no match for watching them unfold.

I'll post thoughts as they develope, in spoiler tags, of course. My first thought is on the page count, which is 355. I dug out my old novelization of the original and compared the page count to the runtime on the DVD (I didn't adjust for opening and closing credits, mind you). 311 pages = 121 minutes, which makes for an estimated 2.57 pages per minute. I don't have 2's novelization, so I can't make a comparison, but if this estimate holds up, Spider-Man 3 should clock in at about 137 minutes.

I hope to finish before Thursday, because I gotta work. So, I better get reading.

[Captain Bryan]

I've been thinking of getting this too. I got the one for Spidey 2 and it didn't ruin the movie for me at all.

[1godzillafan]

40 pages in, and so far the story doesn't hesitate in just thowing us in. In the very first chapter, the symbiote has already found Peter, a bit sooner than I was expecting. So, I expect this movie's pace to be tight.

Impressions: The prologue is throwaway "bringing you up to speed" stuff. I expect it to be tossed in favor of Peter narration pining over Mary Jane, yet again. It explains that Peter has finally found a balance between his personal life and Spider-Man, and he couldn't be happier...except Harry still won't talk to him.

Chapter 1 features Peter at MJ's new play. Peter sees Harry in the audience and chases him to his limo, where Harry has just entered. Peter tries tries to explain his side of the story, but Harry just says "Tell it to my father. Raise him from the dead." The limo drives off and Peter meets MJ backstage. They then take off on Peter's little motor bike and go stargazing on a web (as seen on the exclusive NBC sneek peak a month ago. A meteorite carrying a black goo lands near them, and it is attracted to Peter's "power" and attatches itself to his shoe.

Chapter 2 starts off with Harry arguing with the "ghost" of Norman Osborn that's been haunting him since Spider-Man 2. Norman convinces Harry to partake in the same experiment that turned him into the Green Goblin, and Harry enters the gas chamber, exiting an insane madman.

Flint Marko is also introduced. He has just escaped from prison and has broken into his wife and daughter's apartment so he can deliver letters to his daughter and raid their fridge. His wife, Emma, catches him and they begin shouting at each other in front of their daughter, Penny. Marko leaves when he hears a siren, fearing they're after him

So far, the story is unwinding well, even if all these origins occuring at the same time gets a bit too hard to swallow. I had the same problem with the original Spider-Man, though, in which the hero and villian were created on the very same day.

BRUCE CAMPBELL WATCH: I've decided to keep a lookout on possible roles our favorite demon killer might cameo as in this film. So far, I see one in "Tony Winner" who compliments MJ on her performance. If it is him, I hope they extend him more than one line, because it would be awsome to see him as an uptight, famous actor.

[1godzillafan]

100 pages down. Origins are still being told, but things are heating up.

Chapter 3 starts out as the other two clips NBC provided. Peter delivers the news to May that he intends to marry Mary Jane, and May gives him the ring Ben gave her. Confident that his life is getting better, he heads home on his bike, and sure enough, Harry fucks things up. He shows up in his Rocket Racer garb (described here as looking more like the Green Goblin, only more thrown together, but we all know the final design) and starts to kick Peter's ass.

Chapter 4 is the conclusion of the battle. Peter clotheslines Harry with his web, and Harry bites the dust. Worried about his former friend's wellbeing, Peter rushes him to the hospital.

Chapter 5 shows Flint Marko running from the police into a particle accelerator testing site, where they just happen to be activating it upon some sand. Guess what happens.

Chapter 6 has Peter lying to doctors and police about what happened to Harry. A doctor tells Peter that Harry's okay, but seems to have short term memory loss. Upon seeing Harry, Peter finds out that Harry has no recolection of the battle or Peter being Spider-Man. He vaguely remembers his father dying at all.

Meanwhile, Marko is trying to control his new powers of being blended with the sand. Inspired by his daughter's love, he succeeds in imitating his human form.

I'm shocked that after 100 pages, Peter hasn't put on the Spider-Man outfit at all. He was doning it within 5 minutes of Spider-Man 2. His brawl with Harry is in his civilian clothes, and he hasn't done any crimefighting at all. The story is driven by Peter's friendship with Harry and Marko's love for his family so far. I applaud them for continuing the franchise as Peter's story instead of Spider-Man's.

BRUCE CAMPBELL WATCH: Nothing new. I briefly considered the scientist that were testing the particle acelerator, the doctor at the hospital, and even one of the various policemen, but ultimatly, the roles are just too serious.

[1godzillafan]

Ten chapters in, and almost halfway done. Peter's personal storyline gets spicier, but symbiote story seems to be on hold.

Chapter 7 confirms that if Peter is happy, someone else must be miserable in return. Mary Jane recieved a scathing review about her performance in her play, and looks to Peter for comfort. Just when they begin talking about it, Peter recieves word that a crane is out of control, and Spider-Man needs to save the day.

Chapter 8 is probably my favorite chapter so far, so full of action and humor, and Gwen Stacy and Eddie Brock both come into play. Spider-Man saves the day, and Gwen as well, while Brock (her self proclaimed boyfriend) snaps his camera away ("Dear God, please, let's see some bodies!"). Brock beats Peter to J. Jonah Jameson (their conversation is absolutly hillarious, I can't wait to see JK Simmons play it out), and JJJ favors his photos. Brock wants a full time job, but Peter argues his case for the position. JJJ puts a contest on the table, whoever gets a photo of Spider-Man caught in the act of violating the law gets the job.

In Chapter 9, Peter takes Harry back to his mansion, where they chat like the friends they used to be, pre-Spider-Man. Meanwhile, MJ discovers she's been cut from the play.

The story starts to kick into high gear in Chapter 10, where Spider-Man is given the key to the city, by none other than Gwen Stacy himself. Trying to put on a show for the crowd, Spider-Man and Gwen share a juicy kiss, which makes MJ furious (and even though his reaction isn't shown, I don't think Brock would have taken it to well, either). In fact, she seems to be driven right back into the arms of Harry, who seems keen on rekindling the romance they shared in the original Spider-Man. Suddenly a giant sandcloud looms over the event, and Spider-Man is off to investigate.

I like the way Peter's life is turning, great personal drama. Peter is on top of the world, but MJ is reaching the breaking point. Personally, I think this would have been a great story with Black Cat as the antagonist, but I guess she's not showy enough for the big screen.

By big gripe so far is that we're halfway through the novel and the symbiote is on the backburner (dispite being introduced at the beginning). This has me a bit worried that the Venom story is going to be rushed. I have confidence that it will turn out ill-founded, since everything is in top form so far (I can't wait to see JJJ's scene on the big screen).

BRUCE CAMPBELL WATCH: A few more candidates appear. The first is Ernie Schultz, a model photographer that Campbell might relish in playing. There is also a radio DJ, and I'd say it was a shoe in if I weren't so damn certain the role isn't going to be in the final film.

[1godzillafan]

200 pages...still no symbiote. These three chapters seem to be building up to it, though.

Chapter 11 is the first battle between Spider-Man and Sandman. Sounds like one to watch.

Peter attempts to propose to Mary Jane in Chapter 12, but a surprise visit by Spidey's liplocker from the previous chapters, Gwen Stacy, sends MJ off the deep end and she storms out of the restraunt, not knowing what Pete had in store for her.

Chapter 13 gets Peter all riled up, as Captain Stacy informs him and May that Flint Marko is the one who murdered Ben, and the carjacker was just an accomplace. With conflicted feelings about this bit of news, Peter returns home in a rage.

Meanwhile, Sandman uses his stolen money to fund a doctor into helping find a cure for his sick child.

These chapters are full of anger and emotional distress. No doubt this is leading to the symbiote's attraction to Peter, since it amplifies rage. Sounds like the bonding chapter is next, but deep down, I wish it the symbiote's time didn't seem so compressed. Peter's story is keeping me reading, and the promise of the symbiote has me compelled to finish it tonight, but Sandman...I know he's a fan favorite, but I always found him so lame. His family story justifies his inclusion in the movie, but knowing that he isn't going to be the main antagonist during the showdown is a big relief to me. Lagging on with this uninteresting character is starting to ware on me.

BRUCE CAMPBELL WATCH: Whew boy, did I find a good one: the maitre d'. I don't know if ol' Bruce can do a French accent, but if he can, it would be too perfect for him. I'm fairly positive it was written for him.

[TheLanyard]

Ahhh!!! I'm barely keeping my self from reading.

[1godzillafan]

MWAHAHAHAHAHA! My plan is working perfectly! I'm so evil!

[1godzillafan]

16 chapters and 250 pages later, the pace is starting to move rapid fire. Warning: These are the juiciest spoilers so far.

Chapter 14 finds Peter sitting in his room alone, listening to a police scanner for any sign of Sandman, and Mary Jane, as if reading his thoughts, shows up and tries to convince him not to go after him. After she leaves, Peter soon falls asleep. Atracted by his anger, the black ooze on his shoe crawls out of his closet and bonds with Peter. Peter wakes up, hanging upside down on his webbing, in a strange black costume he's never seen before. His Spider Sense senses Sandman nearby, and Spider-Man swings in for his revenge. With Eddie Brock snapping photos of Sandman's break-in and Spider-Man swinging in on the scene, a battle ensues. When the battle reaches the subway underneath the ground, the two start fighting more furiously. Spider-Man then confronts Sandman with his anger, "Remember Ben Parker?" Startled by the accusation, Sandman replies "What's it to you, anyway?" Spider-Man rips off his mask and shouts "EVERYTHING!" Looking at Peter's rage filled face, Sandman knows the battle has turned personal, and the battle continues. It only ends when Spider-Man rips a pipe open and water washes Sandman away. Believing his foe to be dead, Spider-Man returns home.

Chapter 15 begins with the return of one of my favorite characters form Spider-Man 2, Peter's landlord, Ditkovitch. After the battle, Peter walks back up to his apartment. "RENT!" Ditkovitch shouts. As if this one word was Peter's breaking point, he verbally lays into Ditkovitch, leaving his landlord (and his daughter) shocked at the outburst from the normally quiet college student. Peter storms back into his room and tries to take the costume underneath his clothing off. But it seems to be sticking to his skin. Finally able to release himself from the costume, Peter goes over to Aunt May's, to deliver the good news of Sandman's death. But May is shocked at the news, not believing that Spider-Man would ever kill anybody. Emotionally conflicted with his feelings and the feelings of his aunt, Peter returns home. Still afraid to even look at his costume, Peter finds a trace of the black ooze on his shoe and takes it to Dr. Curt Connors for analysis.

Meanwhile, desperate for a friend to talk to, MJ calls Harry, who sounds delighted to have a visiter. But when he hangs up the phone, Harry begins to flash back to Spider-Man lying down Norman's body, and Spider-Man being unmasked right in front of him. Norman has returned to his son, still trying to convince him into doing his bidding. Harry refuses, because he believes his life is better, and Norman disappears.

Chapter 16 belongs solely to MJ and Harry. The two of them cook themselves lunch in Harry's massive kitchen. One thing leads to another and the two of them kiss. MJ, thinking of Peter, becomes furious at herself, and runs out of the house. Feeling hurt and betrayed, yet again, Harry returns to Norman, now willing to listen to him. Harry then puts on his Goblin gear and catches MJ at her apartment, telling her to do as he says or Peter will die.

My, my, my, quite a last few chapters we have. Things are heating up, and I'm getting excited. All I have to say is that I hope Ditkovitch is in the final film, I'd love to see Tobey act their scene out.

[Captain Bryan]

Man. I think I'm going to go get the book:(

[1godzillafan]

A little over 50 pages left...can he do it?

In chapter 17, Mary Jane breaks up with Peter, following the will of Harry. Confused, Peter puts the black costume back on, desperate for the feeling of confidence it gives him. Afterwards he finds out Brock has won the new job they were both gunning for, with a photo of Spider-Man robbing a bank.

Chapter 18 starts with Eddie Brock overconfident with himself, until Peter bursts in with evedence that he faked the photograph of Spider-Man. J. Jonah Jameson fires Brock on the spot, and Brock runs back to Gwen Stacy for comfort. Gwen lays on the truth real thick, she never cared for him, despite his feelings for her. Broken hearted and humiliated, Brock gets drunk.

Peter confides with Harry about MJ in chapter 19, only to find out that he was the "other man" MJ was talking about. Peter confronts Harry again at his mansion and they brutally fight, and Harry comes off much worse.

Peter's other revenge takes form in chapter 20. But first, Dr. Connors delivers the news that Peter's black costume is actually a life form that amplifies agression. Not really caring, Peter doesn't listen to the full details and asks Gwen out to the jazz club MJ is "convieniantly" working at that night. Putting on a show for MJ, that ends with our hero laying one on lovely Ms. Stacy yet again, Gwen realizes his intentions and storms out of the club, while MJ is staring at Peter, crying. With one of his waitresses distressed, the manager and a bouncer try to kick Peter out of the club, which leads to a one on god knows how many bar fight, and Peter is kicking ass. MJ tries to calm him down, but Peter tosses her across the room. In shock at what he has done, Peter leaves.

Just as I figured, the symbiote story is going a bit too fast for my taste, though it's not poorly told. Just a bit disappointing. I was also disappointed that Brock's prosperity didn't last longer.

"Yay! I won!"
"You're fired!"
"Wait...what?"

That's pretty much all there is to it. But we're setting up the climax, so things gotta give.

BRUCE CAMPBELL WATCH: The jazz club manager or the bouncer come to mind, though neither are specificly Campbellian, they could be properly beefed up.

[1godzillafan]

FINISHED! What a ride!

Chapter 21 is the classic moment in Spider-Man's saga, Peter sits in a church with Eddie Brock several stories below, struggling to get the black costume off. As the church bell rings, the sound vibration helps Peter force the costume off his person, and he flees the scene, not sticking around to prolong the nightmare. But little does he know that the alien being that bonded with him is now taking Brock as his new host, and sharing such interesting secrets with him as well.

In chapter 22, Sandman has fully reformed and tries to see his family in the park. After scaring them off, Sandman meets a new aquantance that makes him an offer he can't refuse. All they need is a little hostage named Mary Jane Watson (yes, she gets taken, yet again).

Chapter 23 is the shortest of the bunch, seeing how it's just Harry watching Sandman and his new black costumed friend demand for Spider-Man to do battle with them. Peter shows up at his door, begging for his help, not thinking he could take the two of them alone. Harry refuses, but the voice of reason comes from the most unlikly of all places.

Chapter 24 is the one we've all been waiting for. The big melee: Spider-Man, Sandman, Venom, Harry "Rocket Racer" Osborn. And two will not make it out alive.

It all ends with an epilogue, where the end gets a bit rushed, but I expect better in the film.

Having read the entire story, I'm going to post a spoiler free impression upon it. I'm going to say with full confidence that this is going to be a good movie, and another sequel in the series that's better than the original. Whether it's better than Spider-Man 2 or not depends on how well Sam Raimi and company do it, but the potential is there. Right now I'm saying dead even, because Sandman drags it down, IMO. I understand why Raimi chose him (and the explaination for him being Uncle Ben's true murderer is very well done), however, he's just not strong enough a villian to hold up the villian side of the story as long as he does. The fact that Venom is the bigger threat at the end holds the story together better, and in a way, the villain usage is almost perfect, two villians that probably don't deserve their own movie supporting each other, yet not patting each other on the back ala Burton/Schumacher Batman style. For those of you worried about Venom's sudden appearance at the end, don't. It works. And it's arguably the only way they could have used him (as much of a fan I am of the character, an entire movie would have been too much. An all out ass whoopin' on the wallcrawler was definatly the way to go).

Speaking of the ass whoopin' at the end, this is going to be fucking spectacular. Just reading this I was getting chills picturing what it would look like on the big screen. Think of your favorite action scene from Spider-Man 2 times 100. It's going to rock, big time. My only complaint is that Venom should have taken Spidey on solo, instead of teaming up with Sandman, but whatyagonnado?

Now, for those of you who can't wait, the final fates of our main characters. I don't like to spoil, but you don't have to read them. But it is tempting to just scroll over them. You could make it look like an accident if you wanted.

Peter/Mary Jane: Still together. Peter never proposed, and MJ never found out he was going to. The lesson doesn't lies less upon Peter, but MJ. If you love a superhero, you should know what to expect.
Harry "New Goblin" Osborn: In a moment that's sure to bring tears to the eyes of the audience, Harry sacrifices himself for Peter by jumping in front of a killing blow Venom is about to deliver. Just before he dies, Harry tells Peter he forgives him for his father's death because he's his friend.
Flint "Sandman" Marko and his family: For once a villian doesn't die. Sandman confesses to Peter the truth about his uncle's death and Peter forgives him. Sandman stops in his tracks and runs away from the final battle with his family. Whether Sandman went to jail, finally accepting his fate, or is still on the run isn't explained.
Eddie "Venom" Brock: Brock embraces the symbiote so much that it makes a much more impressionable connection. Spider-Man uses the girders around him to make intense sonic vibrations. The symbiote seperates from Brock, but instead of leaving the man behind, it leaves only a skeleton. Spider-Man uses the same technique to destroy the symbiote for good as it evaporates.
Gwen and George Stacy: I know this was the big question on my mind, and no they don't die. Perhaps in a future sequel.

[eSJayBee]

Hah. I'm safe. I have enough willpower.

[1godzillafan]

One day I will break you, Jay! One day!

[DragnFire22]

I read them and didnt see anything i didnt expect.

[Drakon]

The only spoiler I looked at so far is in the first post.

[Shivure]

I read the whole god-damn thing

[eSJayBee]

Are you crying now?

[Abaddon]

shit, I almost read it all.

[Atrax robustus]

Im SOOOO tempted to read them, but I wont.