When I left the screening of Spider-Man 3, I was in awe.

 

I was looking forward to seeing the continuation of Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2. Both had great storylines. I was fascinated with the special effects. I was pulling for Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) to follow their hearts. These two films were highly entertaining and I enjoyed them immensely. 

 

So I was confident that I would not be disappointed with Spider-Man 3, though I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect beyond a high-quality, entertaining and thrilling movie. The storyline offers some unique twists and introduces new characters. The special effects are even more amazing. Spider-Man 3 seems to have a bit more humor than I remember in the other two releases. And of course, there is a bit of romance. With these elements alone, I would have been pleased (and I was).

 

But what left me practically speechless (a rarity) is that Spider-Man 3 offers more than a thrilling plot, fascinating scenes and mind-boggling special effects. It also presents an incredible message.  

 

A new black Spider-Man suit brings out a new confidence, arrogance and pride in Peter Parker. The suit empowers a new Spider-Man as it feeds off Parker’s anger, hatred and bitterness. Now the superhero is intent only on getting revenge.

 

In the film, the suit is in control, making the people act on their deepest, darkest feelings. Parker’s professor warns that the substance of the suit is hard to control and once it takes hold, it’s nearly impossible to release its grasp. 

 

There’s a lot more to this story, but I’ll stop with this little glimpse. But I will expound on the message. This film visually demonstrates what hatred, anger, resentment, unforgiveness does to us. Once these have taken hold, it’s hard for us to break free—even when we want to.

 

As I was driving home, contemplating the film, I thought of the verse, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19, NKJV).

 

This made me think that perhaps one of the reasons God made it clear that vengeance should be only His, is because He is the only one powerful enough to control it. And He knows that when we keep bitterness, resentment and vengeance in our hearts, it overtakes us and wraps us in bondage too difficult to break. God wants us to be free and stay free!

 

Spider-Man 3 demonstrates the ugly reality of what unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred and anger can do to us. But it also shows the life-changing freedom that truth and forgiveness bring. 

 

Spider-Man 3’s incredible message applies to viewers of all ages, but this film is most appropriate for pre-teen and older.