It’s choice, not chance, that determines who we become. This for me is the main point of the film Spider-Man 3. Peter Parker/Spider-Man faces a lot of crucial, often difficult choices in this one-hour-and-a-half movie. Sometimes he has to make split second decisions while battling his opponents in midair, while at other times he chooses to do something important after a careful thought.

When he learns that his Uncle Ben’s killer is finally identified, Peter goes to his room, shuts himself from the world, and plans his next move. An internal struggle sets in, and Peter has to make a choice – whether to avenge his beloved uncle’s death or to forgive Flint Marko/Sandman, the killer. In other words, whether to use his powers for his own benefit or for the good of others. To aggravate the situation, a slimy black substance attaches itself to Peter and transforms him from a jovial, selfless hero into a dark, egocentric jerk.

The black Spider-Man chooses to punish Flint and enjoys it to the full. For a while, Peter feels good about his transformation, and in the process, needlessly hurts Mary Jane, Harry, Gwen and other people that matter to him. Acting as if his voice of conscience, auntie May makes Peter realize that even if his dark side rages within him, he still has a choice to do the right thing. After all the terrible choices he has made in the past, Peter does the right thing and forgives Flint in the end.

Of all the three films in the Spider-Man franchise, I like the latest installment best. Its fast-paced fight sequences, the love triangle between Peter, MJ and Harry, the superb visual and sound effects, and a coherent storyline are wonderful entertainers. Aside from its technical and literary merits, the film also teaches many valuable lessons to viewers. One of the important lessons it imparts is that a person’s good character is not something ready-made, but something in a continuous formation through good choices and sincere efforts. Becoming a good person does not just happen – it is a goal to be achieved, it is a matter of making the right choices.

It is a real joy to recommend this film to moviegoers of all ages.

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Image credit: Internet Movie Database