I dont understand why people are criticising this film so much. I thought the special effects, the cinematography, the fights were all extremely well executed. Even the humorous aspects were quite amusing. In fact I would go so far as to say that this is the best of all three. Agreed that it was a bit over the top in terms of the emotional quotient but for heaven's sake this is a super hero movie. They are meant to be like that. If one wants darkness they should watch Batman Begins or X-Men. Spidey was always the goody goody type super hero. Cheers to the Director and Producer

Ali Zaman, Karachi, Pakistan

Spiderman 3 was the movie that made me angry more than any other.

It wasn't bad enough to enjoy laughing at a bad movie, it was just bad.

I counted 14 people get up and leave after an hour of this movie.

I really feel cheated with this movie and want my money back.

Joel Curnuck, Cairns, QLD Australia

i feel like they should have focused on one of these at a time, like may have said, but if they really wanted it this way then this should have been the last movie and spidy should have married MJ (mary jane)

judy, nyc, NY

This movie sucked. They killed the Spiderman Movies for good. IF they come out with 4, I will not be seeing it. Simply the worst movie I've ever seen.

David, Houston, TX,

I'm an old school spidey fan and as such, never really liked the venom storyline in the comics. Having said that, both Venom and the Sandman deserve to have a film each as Spidey's villans. All the space which the first two films lent to Spidey's foes to allow their story arc to develop is lost here. In fact Venom, who had no time at all to develop when attatched to Peter Parker and even less when it got together with Brock, was nothing more than 'the big nasty alien'. Shades of the old Batman franchise seem to be creeping in with a 'more villans, more noise, more edits is better' attitude.
Harry Osbourne as the new Goblin is another character that deserves a movie of his own to deck it out with Spiderman. Again a wasted opportunity in the rush to be bigger and better.
Still, it has to be said that this is still the best superhero franchise out there and in any other directors hands this could have been a complete mess. This is very much a Raimi film and that is never a bad thing.

Richard Floyd-Walker, Bath, Somerset

i thought that the spiderman movie harkened back to an earlier time in movie history when there was a moral to the movie and it was not just mindless. i was intregued by the way the movie showed the consequeses of their choices, especially to the other people involved-i e venom and spidey; sandman and spidey and harry and spidey.

Cheryl, Ft Wayne, IN-USA

iam a real spidey fan-no it all. They did Venom no justice. i thought it was going to be an all out fight between spidey and venom...instead Sandman and Venom team up??? What.. it remines me of the batman movies. Two face and Riddler, Mr freeze and poisen ivy..I mean come on Venom is the best spidey villain of all time.. it was just to much cramed in the last half hour..All this crying and the Osborns
butler confessing in the end, that he knew his father killed him self, he could have told him dat in the begining. Well may be iam just a comic nerd...That movie sucked

ThunderKat, Baltimore, Maryland

I think this is the best Spidey film yet, and most of the criticisms I've heard are unfair and offbase.
I have heard that the villains didn't have enough screen time. However, both Sandman and Venom's origins were handled well and faithful to the comics, and Harry Osborn still had time to be put through the emotional ringer, pinballing back and forth from good to evil right up until his heroic ultimate fate. And you knew going in that Spidey would be wearing the black suit first, so it only stood to reason that Brock wouldn't acquire it until the movie's second half.
Also, who cares how Tobey Maguire's face looks when he cries? No one looks pretty in the throes of emotional turmoil, and it was very unvain of Maguire as an actor to simply express what his character would be feeling without worrying that he might not look his personal best.
The movie could have done without the dance number, and it was a little uneven sometimes, but the good far outweighs the bad in this film.

Travis, Harrisonburg, VA

I've seen it - and i suppose i can understand where what these critics are saying is coming from. It is a little bit cheesy, and it does have its share of unrealistic moments - but i think the bottom line is that SPIDERMAN IS A COMIC BOOK HERO. Its not suppose to be super realistic, and of course the alien goo (although bad introduction of it) will obviously land on Spiderman. Like all movies, it had its ups and downs - but i think overall it was excellent. I don't care what the critics are saying. Hell, they say a lot of things. Now as it goes for a 4th, I think theres no doubt about it. No matter how bad the reviews are, they still made shit loads of money on this one. But the thing is, i was reading the article about a fourth this morning in the Toronto Sun, and i came across a heading that said new actors? I'm sorry, i mean I'm all for Mandy Moore, (although i do like Kristin Dunst) but Jake Gylenhal for Spiderman? Will that work?

Zachary , Oakville, Canada

I went to see the movie few days after its release. Although i read different reviews that made me change my mind about seeing it, i think it's about the greatest Spiderman movie i've ever seen even though it's not actually what i expected but i believe so much effort was implented to make the movie a "success($)" and we should all commend the great ability of both the casts, the crews and even the director. I believe more could still be added to the movie that would make more sense about the lesson of revenge which is what all humans always hang onto. My girl loves it and that made me happy because i didn't waste my money at least. GO ON SPIDEYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

Akin, Scarborough, Toronto, Canada

It was entertaining enough. I enjoyed it, but then i am a life long comic book fan. However, for a long movie, the plot did feel rushed, touching here and there to supposedly establish the various characters, but substance got lost along the way. Not sure Venom is dead, just dissapeared along with brock, probably to some dimension or whatever explanation they will give in the next installment...if they use venom again. all and all, they could have done better...but i would still buy the dvd for my collection.

Mel, Somerset West, South Africa

I can see why the reviews are bad: that the film was overlong and burdened with too many characters and a poor script. As a result the Peter/Mary Jane/Harry relationship was not dealt with properly and the humour doesn't quite fit with the serious side of the film - a weakness I have often seen in Raimi's work. Much of the story is overblown so for me didn't sustain disbelief.
Lastly i felt there was a definite sense of the actors playing by the numbers. However, I think it will do well at the box office because it was still an entertaining film - it had a beginning middle and an end; the special effects were fantastic and it maintained the action. Far better than Star Wars 3 or Matrix 3 - just disappointing because I expected more after Spidey 2...

James, Milton Keynes, UK

It was entertaining enough. I enjoyed it, but then i am a life long comic book fan. However, for a long movie, the plot did feel rushed, touching here and there to supposedly establish the various characters, but substance got lost along the way. Not sure Venom is dead, just dissapeared along with brock, probably to some dimension or whatever explanation they will give in the next installment...if they use venom again. all and all, they could have done better...but i would still buy the dvd for my collection.

Mel, Somerset West, South Africa

Why? just why?, how can they make a great superhero and such great characters play a part in such a bad movie?, i honestly believe it takes some kind of wierd talent to make this movie so bad. The whole emo look given to him and the eyeliner and the whole forgiveness throughout the whole movie just made it a little bit too bad. One can only hope that the hobbit is not passed down to this guy. Shame on you Stan Lee.

Jeronimo, Temecula, U.S, CA

I dont see whats wrong with the American Flag?!

And Venom shouldnt have been killed off in 3...he should have been in 4.

I personally liked tha movie...tha only dissappointing aspect of it for me was the fact that there was too much for one movie..i felt it was being condensed...i wish they would have with-held the last fight scene for the 4th...Oh well....like i said no argument here...great film!

Graciie_Babii, KiSsiMmEeE, USA

Convienient isn't it that at the beginning venom crashes to earth just yards from peter Parker not at all like the original story where JJJ's son goes up in a space shuttle & brings it back! WHAT happened to spidey's "spider sense" & why Kill venom!

Damian, catford, London

I guess that the problem with the American Flag is that it is extremely "cursi" for a film that is intended to be delivered in so many countries

Luis, Lima, Perú

fantastic film for all spidey fans, brilliant special effects and editing but we have to remember, this film haves a wide variety of audiences. I think it went a bit over the top with the humour as someone already said, and the fact that one of the most loved villains (purely cuz he looks so cool and hard) Venom, wasnt in the film much. People love action and fighting, but it can get too much. This film balanced it well with various storylines e,g mary jane and uncle ben. Think comic book fans would be a little disapointed to see some of the main guys killed of in such a bad way! Plus people arent realising that venom never dies! only his living carryier can die. If you notice, Harry brushes of the symbriote at the end, and the scientist guy also haves a speciment of venom in a container. We havent seen the last of Venom! The red goblin is still yet to come. Overall brilliant film, but as always had some bits which dissapointed.

Jamie Guy , wolverhampton, england

I just think that having 30 min. of Venom in a 2h30m Spider Man movie is so ungrateful...

And the worst is the fact the character died in the final whitout a chance of putting him in the 4th film.

It´s really a shame.

fernando leite, Feira, Portugal

I thought Spiderman 3 was good. A little too long though and the middle of the movie seemed to drag on. The best scenes were with the new goblin and the sandman. The special effects were awesome when Flint Marko became sandman(the birth of sandman) and throughout the movie. I kept thinking though, were the hell does all that sand come from if he is an average size man! Anyways, I guess you let your imagination go with it. Venom was very cool and the toughest of the villians and the meanest! I thought the way spiderman defeated Venom was not very good though! I wanted to see more fighting scenes between spiderman, sandman, venom and the new goblin. Good movie overall though and worth seeing to be entertained for a 160 minutes!

Sean, Irvine, United States/ California

The movie was deffinetly te best of its time, maybe the best i have ever seen. I don't understand why there is so much controversy going on about this movie. I saw one person said that Raimi was dissapointed when he was asked to put Venom in the movie. The truth is he was fine with it. I read on a post quoted by Raimi himself that he was fine with it. I believe Raimi wanted to stay true to the comics. By putting Venom in he did so. Raimi is mostly affialiated with the 60's and 70's comics not when Venom was introduced. Another person said the sandman shouldn't have been in the movie. that is totally wrong. He was one of spider-man's best villians. Venom was not created until the symbiote came off of peter and went onto Eddie Brock, so what would the rest of the movie be,all fight scenes with Harry? As for he beat Venom in a crap way, no way. The symbiote doesn't like loud noises it is sufficient. Spidey did the dance moves but I did not find it funny it was the symbiote taking over.

Marc , Seabrook, New Hampshire

I loved this movie,it was so entertaining there was'nt enough time to get venom into it more because they had to show the evil side of spidey.
it was all build up to the end,which was really cool,think about it if harry died then it would be too much of a good ending 2 good against 2 evil and evil lose both of their guys and good go fine and dandy it would be too much of a good ending.
if harry didnt die you would probably be given out so stop being so impulsive.
sure it was a bit cheesy but it was really funny
and stop going on about america,they put it in because it matches the costume.
and anyway it mostly meant for teenagers and i should know i am one

Aran, Bray, Ireland

Spiderman was cool. I liked it because it had action and I liked the super villans. You should see this movie if you want to see action. If you go to the movie and do not like it, you should make a review like I did.

Jordan, Los Angeles, CA

i thought it was a great movie. i could say all my little complaints but that would be dumb because it doesnt matter to me. i love spiderman, i know the director is passionate about what he does, and like this one comment i read, i am just greatful that there are spiderman movies to go see.

Jenna , Garden Grove, USA, CA

spiderman 3 should better be known as... spideman turns emo!

Liz, Seattle,

Enough about the stupid flag thing to ut it simple it ok the have the flag becuase it takes place in amerca and spiderman is american!!! Anyways about the movie....
I thought it was totally awsome ill rate it 4 stars/ 5 stars! Here is what i also think!
Postivie: Special effetcs.. peters emo hair/ bad side, having 2 villains in the movie, pretty good acting (about 85% of the time) I say 2 thumbs up or more if i had more!! everything else was good, it was really epic and they added a lil twist of comedy! i also that it was way better and totally unexpected then the other 2 movies
Negatives: not enough venom, the dance moves were pretty bad but i understand why they put that part, peter did cry a lil too much, a lil to much romance, and not enough depth into the character
I just thought it was simply awsome!! I cant wait till the next movie and i still dont get why people hate the movie..oh well I LOVE YOU TOBY MAGUIRE!!

Elizabeth, NewMarket, Canada

This movie was a dreadful disappointment. I was very excited about seeing it and got tickets a week in advance for IMAX. Maybe it was just my expectations were too high, but I was actually excited for it to be over. The entire thing was contrived and sophomoric , I'm sorry thats an oversight it is less then that it was not even Freshamoric. Even the excited prepubescent fanboys around me left feeling let down. Its no wonder the cast is sick of the franchise, they knew how bad this movie was. The script was terrible and it dragged the entire way. The fight scenes were few and far between and lacked any plausible realism (I know the whole concept lacks realism but the CGI was too much), plus I was so bored I did not really care by the end. Oh and bad ass Tobey just did not work - I like him as an actor, but a new hairstyle and ridiculous dancing to be cool was laughable. corporate Hollywood sold spiderman's soul.

Craig Shames, Boston, MA

I saw spiderman last night. Not as good as the other two but good special effects. Considering it took them two years to make i thought they could have come up with something of a better story/plot.
Anyway overall it was good entertainment but it could have been better and shorter.
Manish , London

Manish, london,

i read one comment that said sandman was not needed in the film, i disagree cause even if you were going to have venom as a cliffhanger who would have been needed to fill in the action parts up until the end? not just a crane, not just robbers. i was also dissapointed to see that venom was in the movie for about 20 or so minutes, i was very excited to see him in the film i think raimi almost tried to shove it in our faces that he doesnt like venomn and that he was only in the movie to make a few extra dollars. with all that being said it was still a very good movie, i think we all might have been expecting way too much after the second film was so well put together, i think if this film came out before the first or second (obviously u couldnt have the loose ends like uncle ben or harrys father) then it would have gotten rave reviews, now i dont see how it could have been possible to make this film any better than the second it was just too good to improve.

Justin, Windsor, Canada

What are ya all babbling about this was on of THE most amazing movies i ever saw, amazing special effects, they almost tore you in to the screen,a lot of action, lots of twists and turns in the story and more supervillains than the last 2 movies combined. It even think its gonna be very hard to surpass this 1 with Spiderman 4.

Nick Vroomen, Kerkrade, Netherlands

Just saw Spidey 3 last night, with a sold out theatre. Here's a tip to all of you hollywood directors, sit in a sold out theatre and see how an audience reacts to the pacing of a film. By the time the first 1hr and 10 minutes had gone by, you heard the signs of a really restless audience. Mainly due to the several scenes (and characters) that weighed down the pace of the film like an anchor on a ship, the Peter Parker soul train dance sequences, Harry and MJ and their "Emerald live" scene in the kitchen to name just a few---and, as many have said before, the extra characters that the story could have done without, the blond classmate, the sandman (though he was cool to watch). (It would have been nice to see a great deal more of Venom's character explored. He had a battle the last 1/2 hour of the show and that was it. )

Overall it was a good film with exciting moments here and there--but definately could have used a little more editing on script and on the screen.

lisa, aaaaa, aa

So American Flag aside, this movie was a huge dissappointment. The only thing that topped the horrible writing was the horrible acting. There is something to be said for the fact that during what was supposed to be a tear jerking scene, the entire theatre burst out laughing because of the sheer cheesiness of it. They tried to squeeze so much into this movie that they forgot to actually develop the plot. Venom was in the movie maybe 5 min, when he could have been a villain who carried an entire other movie. Oh and I can't sign off with out the mention of the jazz club dance off, which was just plain ridiculous. Frankly, I think that the makers of this movie were counting so much on the fame of Spiderman to make them money, they very blatently assumed that an average moviegower is not going to notice that the movie is a huge dissapointment.

D, New York,

Hands down, the worst film I have ever seen. I want those 2 1/2 hours of my life back.

Jackson, London,

Leo Lewis if it wasnt for GI's and the USA you would be a lampshade.

Steven, Chicago, illinois

Spider-Man 3 Rocks!

Just QUIT IT...This is a COMIC BOOK Movie! You people quit expecting it to be My Best Friend's Wedding or Titanic. It was an awesome experience for anyone who wanted to see a knock-out summer movie with a satisfying story and some wonderfull action scenes. It added enough fun for everyone to enjoy including my wife who wants to see it again. It was a little bit cheesy in places but hey it is a super-hero movie, and that is to be expected. I would also like to add that I loved the American flag shot! Good to see some people in Hollywood still take pride in their country.

Josh, Marion, Arkansas

From what I have heard in interviews, the reason why this movie failed to deliver like the amazing first two is because nobody involved wanted to work on this movie. Toby Maguire and Kirsten Dunst were both tired of the franchise and wanted to move on, and Sam Raimi was insulted when Sony made him add Venom to the movie when he was wanting to hold him to the next one. I mean, come on, if this guy makes blockbusters, why second guess his ideas like that? I'm dissapointed with the film when you consider how great it could have been if they hadn't tried to make it such a merchandising scheme.

Dusty Sullivan, Mize, Mississippi

I thought it was pretty amazing. And James Franco did an awesome job acting throughout this whole movie.

Sam, Madison, WI

Apparently a lot of you have never sat down and read a Spider-man comic or any Marvel comic at that because if you had you would understand why the movie was set up the way it was...its made after a comic obvious enough and in comics that don't stick to one current flow of a single event but many at the same time and although they didn't stick strictly to everything in the comic obviously because they couldn't fit the Secret Wars into the plot line but I thought they did an excellent job working everything in. And the American flag? i can't believe thats all you people are focusing on in the movie who gives a crap about an American flag showing up in a movie besides he's a superhero they always have to make a superhero seem totally over the top patriot it doesn't mean they're shoving american patriotism down your throat...just a suggestion but maybe you people need to actually read one of the comics before you start slamming the structure of the film.

Immy, Hell, Michigan

I have recently become an American citizen.
Here are a few things that I LOVE about this great country.
1.Freedom.
2.The wonderful American people who are always willing to give generously to help less fortunate Americans and people all over the World.
3.How Americans fight and die every day to help other people gain the freedoms we have. Japan and Germany Korea, Philipines Russia etc. and soon Iraq.
4.ALL people are able to attain their full potential if they are prepared to work hard irrespective of race religioun or creed.
5.Where else in the world can you win a green card in the lottery come to the States, 6 years later have a great business 2 cars, kids at great schools.
6. I am so grateful and feel so proud to live in the USA.
7.God bless this country and all it stands for it is the shining light of the world.
8. The USA is not perfect but the good so far outweighs the bad.
Please don't walk in our shadow bask in our light.

Steven, Chicago, illinois

I cannot understand why everyone is using the space allocated for the review of a movie(especially one geared towards the enjoyment for our kids) as a political platform. Everyone should be proud of his country's achievement. If the Americans are proud they have all right to. Therefore, the display of a national symbol in a movie should not create such a pitiful debate. Please use the space for its intended use and stop attacking each other in such a cowardly way.

ASO, Kingston, Jamaica

i love the movie it was great

Aran, Bray, Ireland

I have never been a fan of superhero movies. Until, I watched all three spiderman movies this weekend. Needless to say, I will forever be a fan of spiderman. His character more than a flat cardboard stand as other movies have portrayed superheros. Spiderman has depth, love, hate, jealousy, revenge, grief, and emotion vulnerability instead of some weird scienitific physical threat. Spiderman is just like us. As his aunt stated there is a hero in all us. I can only hope that there is another spiderman movie. He is the superhero for this age where spiderman has to contend with what we all have to contend with, emotional fraility. As for the American Flag, Yeah Raimi, spiderman is AMerican made..........Marvel Comics again American born and bred. The shot of the American Flag is perfect representation of overcoming all deficits to combat the enemy. Yeah Raimi for giving that quick glimspe of this symbol that continues to stand for the overcoming of evil.

chris, peoria, illinois

Oh god...so dissapointing. 3 stars? Your far more generous than I was. The movie was the most disjointed, abominable piece of crap known to man, full of inconsistencies, bad attempts at morality, and some horribly bland romance.
Peters dark side just...wasn't dark. He just looked like a wannabe goth. Heart of Darkness this ain't.
The romance was absolutely pitiful, not to mention the plot contained more holes than swiss cheese. I won't spoil it, but suffice to say this movie seems to be assembled by 10 different people, and then cut together by an amateur director with a faible for b-movie romance...and the stars and stripes? Oh please. I understand spidey is an american hero and all, but it was just so in your face it was annoying....go get bin ladey spidey. Oh, and kids, go visit your local recruiting office.

Not that it was all bad. The fight scenes were great, if somewhat repetitive, and the special effects were stunning. Still, that has never made a movie. 1 star.

Andrea Varotsis, Providence, RI, USA

I watched Spiderman 3 in a packed theater on Friday night in Bloomington, MN. When the giantic American flag appeared upon the return of the good spiderman, the ENTIRE theater erupted into laughter at the ridiculousness of the shot. Comforting to know that the public is starting to see the laughability of such patriotic propaganda.

James, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Well i thought the acting was shocking, the effects were a bit rubbish and as Harry from London rightly points out they turned into a chick flick. I did walk out of the cinema along with a load of other people - I believe i left about half an hour before the end but by that time many people had already decided they couldnt stand any more. A big disappointment. And what was sandman about??? I was in hysterics it was that bad.

Renato Guatamacchi, Santiago, Chile

i have mixed feelings. I enjoyed the film, storyline and effects where good. I am a die hard spidey fan though and i am getting annoyed of the constant diversion from the comics. Each film appears to be drifting further and further away from the true plot. Venom is on screen for 15 minutes? come on? one of spideys greatest foes gets fifteen minutes? then theres marko flint saying he killed ben? no he didnt.

Its annoying that marvel would let the producers get away from the plot so much, but at the end of the day i did enjoy it ; just do not understand the need for changing a fantastic series of comics

Adam, Liverpool,

Spiderman 3 was amazing film, i enjoyed watching it was worth it. The effects was amazing venom n sandman especially sandman i was amazed with the graphics. Like in the cartoon when the symbiote bonds with peter he becomes more of a dark sided person. Harry as Green Goblin was great but not as better then Norman he was better green goblin. Mary jane look great in the movie but her scream lol so loud. SPIDERMAN 3 WAS THE GREATEST MARVAL FILM IV EVER SEEN.

The Spider, London, Hounslow, UK

it was over the top, to many stupid effects & goings on, at one point I forgot I was whaching spider man, me & my girlfriend where very dissapointed! Most times I dont like leaving to go to the toilet coz I hate missing parts of films, but in this case i didnt actually care, they completely ruined everything in my eyes, I didnt think it was acceptable as a 12 either, I mean some of the scenes where abit ott, I mean the bit where he had his head against the train & it was Just waring down, replaced with sand it dont look as gory, but if it was red it would Just be a typical horror movie scene if you see where im coming from, I just hope pirates of the carabian is good. Sorry spidey, but you havnt got my vote.

Joe, Rochester, England

Why did they turn a comic hero action film into a tearjacking, cringing chick flick? I almost walked out of the cinema. Worst film I have seen in years. I rather watch Titanic again.

Harry, London,

To put it simple... the movie overall sucked!

It would have been better to be split into 2 movies, having the split just when Spidey sheds the black suit and Brock first turns into Venom... That would have made a great cliffhanger and would have given more time for character development with two movies. I found that the movie skipped throughout trying to rush the story and cram too much into one. I found that the only character development that showed and had something to it was Frank Marko, Eddie Brock Jr., and J.J. Jameson (and his scene in the office with pills was the best in the flick).

As to the flag.... there was one???

It was just a wee bit over the top at that moment, I preferred the flag moment at the end of the movie like the previous two.

John, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

Well fans- it finally arrived. SM3. Bigger and badder than the other 2 films. Problem is, I didn't want bigger and badder. I just wanted something with the same heart and emotion. I found this one lacking both. Good special effects, yes, but as some others have said, Sandman was totally unnecessary. His only purpose I could determine was to create a need for Harry's character to come help and return from his evil side. That, if it was even necessary, could have been done better without Sandman.
The ending really seemed like an afterthought. The movie is over-how do we end it in 2 minutes after 2 hrs 15 min of rollercoastering all over the emotional chart? Worth seeing? Of course it is. Could it have been better if not so long, busy and overpopulated with villians? Definitely.
If there is a SM4 Rami will be hard put to continue the saga without Harry. That's where the true story line was and has been since the first movie. So long Harry.

steve white, Branson, Missouri

The movie was actually rather alright, I thought. They could have focused a little more on the ass-kickery but it wasn't so terrible. The special effects were great and Raimi managed to actually stay true to the comics.

Also the whole flag episode was bullshit! C'mon! How retarded did it look?! Why would you even WANT to add this horse shit into a film like Spiderman which would get a whole lot comments if not spark off so many political debates? People are actually talking about Osama/Bush/the Middle East etc over a stupid clip of a fictional comic book character shot against the backdrop of a flag?! And Ew from Atlanta. GA -- GET OVER YOURSELF. NO country wants America to do ANYTHING for them. NO ONE was/is/will be knocking on your doors asking for any sort of help because everyone is capable of running their own countries. So get off your high-horse and stop spewing random bullshit.

Sheena, BL, India

After reading everyones comments i felt obliged to write a review.
In my opinion the move was good but nothing in comparison to the other 2. Effects brilliant and some good comedy. Like many others I didnt like the flag, even if the flag was british, japan or any other counry i would not like it, to overbearing. I felt the movie was to long but this was because of the incredibly slow start and slow middle. I also felt robbed with the ending. Great films have a great beginning middle and end mostly.
Most importanty this brought Venom to the screen and repectfully too so its a good film lol

jason Hendry, cleethorpes, England

biggest disapointment ever. since spiderman 1 ive been waiting for venom and when he finnaly hits the big screen hes on ly on it for like 9 percent of the whole damn thing..and the black spidey montage was way to short before it ended... sand man was so unnessesary and why o why did harry have to die....the movie was filled with so much of parkers dailey life and emo phase crap that they failed to focus on the good stuff. if your going to sardine four enemys and i say four loosly ( parkers evil side is being counted in this one ) then why fill the movie with so much garbage that has nuthing to do with the plot...end result, dispite the fact that black spidey and venom were freakin awsome to the max the film sucked balls ..it made topher grace look like a resonible actor for venom...and hes not dead.

they should have just focused on one enemy woulda made the movie that much better ..what could have been a golden 10 turned out to be a rusty magget infested 4and iam being genorous.

mike, providence, usa/ rhose island

A lot of the comments here just re-enforce the perception that Americans have an unthinking, simple-minded patriotism and an incredibly naive view of their country's actions abroad.

The knowledge of world history displayed here is also embarrassingly ignorant and is probably gleaned from Hollywood movies rather than reputable history books!

Firoz, London, UK

Yeah the whole flag thing kinda caught me strange while watching the movie, but now in hindsight, i think its cool in its own right. And yeah sure venom didn't show up till late in the movie ( which just built the suspense for him even moreso), and there was poor character development, but Come On! This is Spider-Man 3, I'm just happy enough that they are even making spider-man movies for me to go see um. Yeah i could've been better, but i still think it was great, and will definitely go see it again in theaters just for fun.

James K, Troy, Michigan

I was dissapointed, there was hardley any fightng in it and it was too long.

Also, venom gets killed in a crap way.

However, I ike the ending with unkul ben's killer

bob, derby, uk

I thought the movie was excellent....I actually enjoyed it more than the first two. Good couple hours' worth of fun.
Simple solution to those who don't like America, don't care for it, or thought it was awful or ridiculous to appear in the scene with Parker: GET OUT! Then you won't have to gripe.

Oops, look there, an open can of worms.

kentson, Ft Worth, TX

I think it's stupid that everyone is just focusing on the american flag...who cares? yes it was a little cheesy but so what? talk about the rest of the movie...I thought it was good...a little cheesy and a little too much of peter parker crying but I thought it was good and really funny.

mary, windsor, canada

Spiderman 3 was terrible, the greatest villian (venom) who matches spidey in every way gets killed in the lamest way ever! also the shot of spidey coming to the rescue with the american flag in the background!!!!! WHY????? i think that it was just unnecessary!

Ben, london, UK

Spider-man 3 was terrible! Throughout the entire movie the audience broke out into laughter during the "serious" scenes. The acting was bad, the directing was bad, the writing was bad. I think that this will be one of the biggest flops of the year. It will be a movie that will be fun to rent and have a good laugh at later.

Andy Nelms, Coweta, Oklahoma

"America is the face of democracy and freedom". I guess that depends who you are. Osama is a direct product of America's bloody foreign policy - he is a US trained operative. The 3000+ civilians shot in cold blood by US troops in the Panama in the 80's might feel differently as well (and guess what administration that invasion happened under - Bush senior). America looks after it's own interests first, and that is patently obvious to the rest of the world. The only one's in denial seem to be Americans themselves, which is what the rest of us find so bemusing.

I don't think anyone's saying America is the face of evil, but it's certainly not the absolute good the teary eyed references to the flag in your culture make out (of which the short scene in Spiderman 3 was just another example).

K. Williamson, Phoenixa, Arizona

the british only have a real problems with americans because you guys are so proud of all that you have "achieved" in the 200 odd years your country has been in existence. We GAVE you democracy, your nation is none other than a bud off of ours, and yes you have every right to be patriotic, but only up to a point. We didn't, as you so eloquently put it, "beat the hell out of the germans," we did what needed to be done at the time. WWII wasn't a massive victory for either of our nations, it was infact a loss of humanity the world over. Despite what our nation leaders think, we are not infact true allies. Americans are moderately despised this side of the pond because of what you are doing to yourselves [obesity issues], what you are doing to other countires [the unjust war in the midle east, fuelled by hypocracy, beaurocracy and an corrupt government] and what you are doing to us [involving us in all of the above].

Andrew, London,

What?! Get over it - it's not even worth 5 minutes in the whole movie! The American Flag will be interpreted different by many - I for one (and after briefly reading the comments, appear to be the only one) who didn't notice - however it's not for anyone to say whether it's use was right or wrong. After all, isn't it supposed to stand for freedom: of speech, of action, of rights?

I went to see Spiderman 3 on Thursday; but I can't say that I was disappointed. I know, I've read all the reviews and I feel that generally, opinion is that it was a let down. I thought that the acting was scrappy at times and I wanted to see more of Venom - much more of Venom, and more depth to Sandman. However, there is only so much you can do with a plot, when Raimi has been handed yet again the scaffold of this Spiderman film.

They managed to finish it...the trilogy...true to the comics, and still the best remake. The special effects were great. btw, I loved emo Peter, very Panic! at the Disco

Ella Lou, Sydney, Australia

...wake up people. We're in the future. Flags and overt displays of nationalism only undermines our potential to become a inified species.

cj, london,

absolute rubbish....

cj, London,

Why does everybody insist on blasting America and saying that our flag doesn't represent peace and freedom? freedom and democracy are exactly what our flag represent. it's so popular nowadays to criticize the US and not give us any credit for anything. but the last i remember while we had a revolution to escape tyranny and oppression and to establish a free democracy all of europe and the rest of the world was suppressed by monarchial rule. not until we succeeded in democracy did the rest of the world finally wake up. America IS the face of Democracy and freedom.

and by the way, why are British peeps trying to speak poorly of the US and are efforts in WWII. We're not supposed to hate on each other. we both beat the hell out of the Germans together. the UK got it done in the Atlantic and the US in the pacific. some people have forgotten that we're still allies and should act like it sometimes cuz when it comes down to it, we both believe in virtually the same values.

Jennings Imel, Los Angeles, CA

Title SPIDERMAN 3 ain't appropriet! and the movie should be called "Marry Jane & Spiderman"
The balance between action and romance in this movie is TOOOO even,... after we saw the movie i realized, that in Spideman 3 only GUY who didn't cry was the J.J (redactor of the Dayly Bugle) !!!
The movie is so overfiled with romance and "love" sequences it makes me sick.... and don't get me wrong, when i go to the cinama to see a romance movie with my GF i expect romance, kissing and not that somene kicking ass all the time...! And when i go to se and ACTION movie, ohhh well...
NEGATIVE:
1.To much romance
2.To much of Marry Jane (i love the actress but she ain't SPIDERMAN)
3. The US flag was a typical US movie "stunt" =kitch
4. PPL in this movie CRY TOO MUCH="sopeopera"
POSITIVE:
1. Verry good action (when there is action!)
2. Verry nice special effects
3. Good scrypt true to a original Spiderman comics.

OVERALL 7/10

Michael R, Århus , Denmark

The script was abysmal. Kirsten Dunst's character in particular was made the mouth piece for such cheesy, unreasonable, and self absorbed feminine angst that it is awful to watch this time around. Justifying dysfunctional emotional drivel by appealing to the politically unchallengable forum of female feelings is banal in the extreme, and belongs in a soap opera not a comic book movie.

The "villians" suffer from a similarly canned moral dyslexia. Nothing makes sense if you scratch the surface or think too long, and the idea that emotional weight can be loaned to an inadequate script by rolling tears down the cheeks of characters as they struggle through bumper sticker lines is cynical. The movie carried none of the dark weight of the source material this time, and all of the corniness.

And that soft, glowingly lit shot of the American flag was cringeworthy. As Spidey swung up to the action afterwards, all I could think of was the inane myopia that pushed Raimi to think it was a good i

K. Williamson, Phoenix, Arizona

i really don't know how i feel about this third installment. i've looked forward to seeing this movie for so long, and i built it up soo much after seeing every trailer.this movie was not exactly what i expected. first sandman is visually pleasing when he turns into sand, that's it, they should have cut him out and found closure on uncle ben's death another way.second venom is too much of a major spiderman character to lack so much character developement in this movie. forget sandman, focus on venom, in the movie,he has a small role and few lines, biggest disapointment ever. everyone in this movie gets too emo, even mj w/ the damsel in distress thing (to much crying, suffering, moaning, getting hit, and getting kidnapped). and harry's butler just forgets to mention that spiderman didn't kill harry's father, COME ON. the butler just let harry suffer and plot for years, when he knew how mr. osborn really died, please.this movie just packs too much into 3hours,it takes away from the story

Kevin, North Wales, PA

to lisa from nsw Australia, incase you wonderd why Americans were claiming spider-man to be their creation,

uh DUH, BECAUSE IT IS AN AMERICAN CREATION !!!!!!!!

Peter Parker, is an AMERICAN, LIVING IN NY

HOW MUCH MORE APPLE PIE AMERICAN does it need to be to prove it ?

and yes im dissapointed that the movie was so cluttered.

John, FL, USA

Spiderman may have been a little on the chessy side with all the sappy love scenes but I think it brought out a lot of good messages hopefully the younger and older crowds can pick up and take these lessons with them and use them in everyday life. I teach inner city children so when the message was sent that "You always have a choice" I had to share this with my kids and Don't waste your life on hate and anger and revenage was another important theme. Too often movies are all blood and gore and I think spiderman is a change from all of this. Its focused on the main audeince, children and they are very impersonable people and I think its important that messages are sent out in a way where they will be interested.

Gina , Matawan, USA NJ

i really don't know how i feel about this third installment. i've looked forward to seeing this movie for so long, and i built it up soo much after seeing every trailer.this movie was not exactly what i expected. first sandman is visually pleasing when he turns into sand, that's it, they should have cut him out and found closure on uncle ben's death another way.second venom is too much of a major spiderman character to lack so much character developement in this movie. forget sandman, focus on venom, in the movie,he has a small role and few lines, biggest disapointment ever. everyone in this movie gets too emo, even mj w/ the damsel in distress thing (to much crying, suffering, moaning, getting hit, and getting kidnapped). and harry's butler just forgets to mention that spiderman didn't kill harry's father, COME ON. the butler just let harry suffer and plot for years, when he knew how mr. osborn really died, please.this movie just packs too much into 3hours,it takes away from the story

Kevin, North Wales, PA

It's just a movie! Who cares about a flag showing in the background! It doesn't in anyway carry the plot of the movie so why is everyone all worked up over it! It's just stupid! Did you like the movie or not! Just state your opinion and shut up!

Mike Close, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Last time I checked, New York City is still located in the United States. Chances are, you're going to see a US flag flying somewhere.

If Spidey was based in London, I would expect him to ocassionally swing near a Union Jack. Or past a Rising Sun, were he based in Tokyo. Or heck, even a Maple Leaf if he were a native of Toronto. (I'd never expect him swinging by a Tri-Color. Outside of the Eiffel Tower, Paris doesn't have any skyscrapers.)

C'mon, Lew. Criticize the movie on it's merits, not it's politics.

Edward, Council Bluffs, IA, USA

Spiderman is an American creation. Stan Lee and Steve Ditko both Americans created the strip in August 1962.

Regarding the drawn out opening credits. It's a sequel do you think that they'll get right to the point? What about building anticipation, or showcasing the people that worked on this film?

the franchise has created a story that people can relate to on some level; precisely why its become so popular.

personally speaking I want a story and the action. Senseless action in movies like "crank" really don't have mass appeal exactly the reason why that movie is in the bargain dvd bin.

Trusz, Ontario, Canada

I am a girl, and I generally do not mind a sappy chick flick or two, but I did not come to see Spiderman 3 so I could see everyone CRYING. I think there should have been more action and less of Spiderman acting like a tool. And I realize that comic book movies are often conveniently staged - but this was so over the top. Amazing how the meteor with venom lands 10 feet from Spiderman and MJ. The man that killed Peter's father just happens to "stumble into" a particle testing pit. They should have spread the movies out a little more to add more plot and character development. This was just cheesy.

Becky, washington, nj,

I had the (well thought it would of been) pleasure of watching the movie yesterday and i have to be honest it was a waist of my money the characters were good yes but all the emo in it, it took the thrill right away. The bit with the american flag felt to me like the Americans were claiming Spider man to be their creation, The opening credits were good but draged out for to long.
What happened to filming it like the other Spider man movies? not as much lovey dovey bits keep them for the dramas and romance films. As i have understood spiderman is ment to be Action packed, Crime fighting EXPLOSIONS thing like that i was glad to get out of the cinemas, i'll stick with spiderman 1 &2 not as much emo more action!!!!

Lisa, NSW, Australia

I dont really think you have to be that cruel with Sam Raimi's creation... he was a well-known director of zombies films before this. He's not Almodóvar or Spielberg. His films arent that good. At all, the film was what it was expected to be: a blockbuster with over-acted plays and some spectacular fights over falling bridges and apocaliptic cities. In fact, I think it has got some quite good nail-bitting moments... that ones in which you say the famous: HE CANT DIE!!!!! Maybe its just another summer blockbuster. Maybe its a waste of money. And maybe its what the audience wants to see.

Stephen, Leeds, UK

Please could contributors state whether they have actually seen the film or not? As a huge fan of the US from the UK, living in Tokyo, I can only agree that the use of the flag was completely out of step with the movie and jarred as a cheap way to make a point that the script had failed to articulate successfully. Shame, because character underdevelopment aside, there were some good moments!

Alex Miller, Tokyo,

The US flag also stands for democracy and Christian values.
As does the UK, Australian and Canadian flags.
And all the other free democratic Christian countries.
Or should.
But that's not so PC these days, is it?
Sometimes the truth hurts.
Sometimes it's easier to get ugly than admit that you're wrong.
Nobody is saying that these countries are perfect, or their leaders are saints.
But why not ask the experts? Take a look at the international immigration direction:
The rest of the world is voting with its feet where it would rather live.
After the soviet collapse and the clear immaturity of China you would have thought that the tired old socialist rhetoric would have died out, but it seems the dinosaurs die hard.
How about getting to be part of the solution for a change instead of this personal angst-driven rebellion?

Anil Gulati, Sydney, Australia

I just saw the film yesterday, and I have to say i was really disappointed. The main reason why i wanted to see this movie is because finally Venom would be in it, but they didn't even introduce him until the last 20-25 minutes of the movie, and spent more time on Peter Parker doing stupid dance routines trying to make MJ jelous!!!! BOOOO!!!

TJ Bova, Manhasset, NY, USA writing from Germany

OK, enough with the interpretation on the flag and the spider-man sub-culture in America. It honestly too much of an analysis. Anyway, from watching the movie just now in Germany, I'd say the director did the very best he could to salvage a poor script. The sandman's history and character build-up is pretty thin, and so he fails to connect with the audience. Even as a gigantic homage to the character Tetsuo from the anime classic, AKIRA, the Sandman fails to portray a true threat to spider-man as it relates to the theme. As for Venom - well, the movie's main theme is SUPPOSED to be the way spider-man finally confronts the worst manifestations of his personality. The film is left with little time to develop Venom as a physical villain that directly endangers spider-man, so it's forced to turn to MJ as the go-to motivator to snap peter parker back to his "hero" senses. The movie should have focused more on the internal struggle of spider-man's duality, not a poor 4-way brawl.

Joe, Whittier, California, USA, writing from Germany

I'll give in to this discussion about the american flag and say that it makes perfect sense to me why, while it's not technically in poor taste, it IS an annoying split second in the movie. Let's face it, the movie plot SUCKED, the characters were not fully developed, even after 2 1/2 hours! So when spider-man comes to "kick ass", it's actually pretty annoying to have the american flag in the background, basically cuz spider-man hasn't really EARNED the patriotic emotion that the short scene is going for. IF, for example, the flag was shown in part 2 when he saves all those New Yorkers from the collision-course train, THEN it would have been perfect to somehow put the flag in there. The scene in part three? Dude, it's just spider-man going to fight 2 bad-guys that have been bugging him for the past 2 hours of the flick. Let's just show the american flag in every movie so that everyone can go buy tickets and prove how patriotic they are. Seriously, enough analysis, get over it.

Joe, Whittier, California, USA, writing from Germany

Well, I've just seen the film, and I'm still very much impressed, and not just by the amount of money or special effects, although the latter do play a major part in the picture, and could not do so without the help of the former...
But back to the film. About the shot with the flag: it's not the only shot with the stars and stripes in the film, and yes, as a european, I do find it disturbing to have flags all over the place; but this was already somewhat the case in the two first movies. All the houses in Peter's/MJ's lane have flags hanging from them...pathetic, yet close to reality, and anyhow, it sure doesn't change the way the film is received by the viewer.
In the New York of the Marvel universe, Spiderman is as much an icon of the city as the stars and stripes are of the country, and the fact that these two coexist in the film is just to further the credibility of the film, to fix it more soundly in a possible reality. I, for my part, think this works fine.

Anthony Garrett, Lyon, France

America only enetered WW2 after they got a good butt kicking from the japs! and by this time the Brits had already beaten Germany in the battle of Britain. So all this bull about the English speaking German if it wasnt for the USA is just another huge American lie! and lies are what the whole American way of life is based! all I have to say is if it wasnt for the Brits all the Americans would still be speaking Apache!

Jay Vaccaro, Barcelona, Spain

Mate, if it wasn't for the good ole UK you'd all be speaking french and hanging with the cheese eating surrender monkeys!

El, London, Great Britain

I suspect the majority of people here haven’t seen the film. I have, and if you go and see it when it comes out on general release you’ll understand the journalist’s point.
The scene in question with the flag, within the context of the film, is gauche, badly filmed and just plain looks stupid. I love the American flag and I’m one of the biggest fans of America and it’s culture but this was just badly shot and you have to see it yourself to understand this. Of course, the implication was that when Spider-Man becomes good and true and pure and is racing to save the day it’s shot with old-glory behind him to rally the audience, but it’s over-egging the scene.
Perhaps (as someone who has actually seen it) I’m talking the level of film criticism which nobody here seem to be interested in, rather a depressingly polarized pro or anti American stance. But anyway, the film is dreadful and not a patch on the first two and no amount of flags or absence of them is going to change that.

Oscar Acosta, Dubai,

Can Americans please stop saying that the English would all be speaking German now if it wasn’t for them? If the Americans knew anything about Europe then they’d be well aware that German is a tricky language to learn and the vast majority of us Brits are far too lazy to bother becoming fluent in any other tongue.

Irwin Fletcher, London,

John McIever, you're right to say that world war two was not won solely because of america, but let me offer something further: america did bugger all towards defeating the Nazis.
you wanted to sit back and watch europe fall under hitler until pearl harbour, and even then you concentrated most of your efforts onto defeating Japan (ironically making yourself the only country in the world to use the most destructive weapon known to man, twice, despite your now pious stance on nuclear weapons), leaving the Russians to defeat Germany through the battle of Stalingrad and the British through D-day.
Oh, and America only helps nations when it'll help them right back. Heard of Darfur? where's america there?

Nicola, Liverpool, United Kingdom

The US flag isn't the symbol of freedom, it's the symbol of fifty modern states and thirteen historical founding states. It is an entirely local symbol representing no universal values.
On the other hand, a dove with an olive branch is widely accepted as the symbol of peace and freedom.

Me100, Cumbria, UK

Its sad that one shot in a movie has sparked a debate like this. 1st off before anyone here starts saying things please make sure you understand what your talking about :)
people who keeps saying "you would be speaking german if it werent for us", just stop. We would be speaking
german if it werent for them. In both world wars we were their for each other and if one or the other wasnt their we would have lost.Everyone in their country, no matter which country you live in, is patriotic. You would be quick to defend your country if people all over the world were ridiculing your country constantly. Let me bring up a point though. The US has never failed to support a country that has been hurt by a natural disaster, or an opressive goverment, or anything else.America is a great country and you cant deny that. Every country makes mistakes and this country has made more then a few. But most people forget America is still very, very, young as a country and has a lot to learn. God Bless.

Joe McIver, Las Vegas, United States of America

It's a shame so many of these comments seem to identify America with Spiderman. True, the reviewer made an irrelevant and pointless statement about the American flag, but the reaction has been way over the top. We ALL love Spiderman because he's a good guy and beats up nasty guys. Everybody in the world likes that idea and wish they could be him. He's American - great. Half of the X-Men aren't though, and nobody cares. The USA is just another country, with a Government which helps others when it feels threatened (politically or physically). It bears no comparison whatsoever with a Super Hero.

But - for the record, the flag shot is fine. Why not? There's plenty to really like about America. The Spiderman movies are a good example of that.

Tony, Geneva, Switzerland

This is simply a case of classic symbology: To one person an icon is a representation of evil; to others a good. This case has valid points upon both sides with regards to Spidey's roots and the fact that moral values can and are a global thing.

Most non-Americans actually can and do like America. Someone else spoke of judging by a career, not a mistake. Good. But the rabid "USA! USA!" attitude is much reminiscent of say, the same 'nationalism' in Iran. It's this over-fanaticism that freaks many.

For Gods sake chaps, just sit down, shut up and enjoy the film. That's to European and American viewers alike.

Just how long does this shot of the US flag last for in comparison to the rest of what looks to be a spectacular film...?

Douglas Roberts, Bangor, Great Britain

To Damian from the Bronx:

Baseball is merely a steroid-pumped version of a game invented long ago here in the UK, called rounders. It's played mainly by girls.

Dan, Reading, UK

Truth, justice, greed, murder and the American way.

Sounds like a good movie mind... well up for it

Timmy, London, UK

Come along children ! this is a movie for kids and it has got an awful lot of people ( adults ! ) worked up. Maybe the comment about the flag is a little offhand and has genuinely offended people but remember free speech etc......I for one would like to thank America for saving us from the nazis / communists / Japanese / Godzilla / selected aliens / beasts from other dimensions / ourselves . I would also like to mention that the patriotic feelings expressed by many people here is admirable, maybe we in Europe could do with a little bit more of it. God Bless America and Europe ( maybe not Germany ) ! Lets all make love !

teddy, liverpool, uk

Spiderman wouldn't surrender to Iranians.

FD Pilot, Richmond, VA

Please excuse my fellow Americans for taking themselves too seriously.

God save the Queen! *ahem*

Christy , Palo Alto, CA

Catherine,

I want to thank you for noticing the glaring omission from the last Superman movie. I was so upset when I heard the line altered to not include "the American way." Spiderman is an American creation, is set in one of the most iconic of American cities, and has always stood for the principles most cherished by the American public. I think that the presence of the American flag in the movie should be of little or no concern to a critic. If that is the only bad thing that can be said of this movie, then it undoubtedly is the best movies of all time!

Go Team America.

David , Tallahassee, United States of American / Florida

I have just rad this article and feel the author makes a valid point of opinion about what could been seen to be a 'cheesy' end to a film. What i realy dont understad is how on earth he could be seen to be acting 'unamerican' as so many of you have stated. It seems to me that the author is a film critic giving an opinion on a film! For all you small minded fools with a goldfishes knowledge of history who have turned this into a war of words about some of the greatest atrocities the world has ever seen what are you on about? The US hav'nt saved the world they seem to think they have to right to stamp all over the world for their own gain and derstroy inocent lives and communities for there own advantage no matter of the consequesnces you are to busy being swallowed up in your own propaganda machine to know the difference between right and wrong get a grip on reality people i mean isnt the US bulit on the notion of freedom of speach! Down with the capitalist US capitalist regime!

John, Dundee, Scotland

Our contributions as you so put it kept your relatives and quite possibly you from learning German!

Mark, Madison,

Typical American view, please remember that they were "world wars" hence everyone was involved!

I find this citing rather racist and unsettling, the context in which you so flippantly bring up a world war is somewhat disturbing!!!

If people want to debate patriotism within a film then fine, but claiming the US gave more in World Wars then others is both ignorent and egocentric!

Josh, London, UK

I'm sorry, is posting the American flag an embarassing thing to you? If you were trapped in a third world prison unjustly, and suddenly you saw soldiers suddenly appear.

Which flag would you like to see on their uniform?

A) the flag of the country you saw imprisoning you?

B) the flag of the Peoples Republic of China

C)the flag of the United States

What's embarassing is people like you who don't appreciate exactly what that flag means and the constitution it represents.

Jeff Zang, Jacksonville, Florida

"the first knocking on our door when the next anschluss comes" and others. Could they be referring to the 17-18 war or the 42-45 war? Personally I´m more concerned when historical fact is changed and the flag is draped over it (the film U571 anybody?).

KingEl13, Heidelberg, Germany

So Mr. Lewis, it's obvious that the American flag is a source of discomfort for you. Would you rather the old Soviet flag? UN? EU? Your comment is a sad reflection of the dying British spirit that is sweeping the UK. Your pride has been replaced by guilt and cultral loathing. While you may view flying the Union Jack as culturally insensitive or even offensive, we fly our Stars & Stripes proudly.

Jay, Providence, USA, RI

POT CALLS KETTLE BLACK, FLINGS ASPARAGUS
An American flag fluttering proudly behind Spidey in his moment of
triumph? Well, why not? Oh, I forgot; my country is aboslutely wicked,
mad, bad and dangerous to know ...or not.
Give it a rest, cousins. Yes, "Mad King George" Bush is a fool, yes,
invading Iraq was mad, yes we've got dire problems. Where did we
learn to behave like such arrogant, condescending, class- and
status-obsessed, money-hungry imperialists?
Why, from Mother England, you silly. We'll get over it, just as our British
cousins did, and probably in the same way: when we've made so
many enemies that we're no longer welcome anywhere.

Joseph Austin, Albuquerque, New Mexico

What I want to know, not in a spirit of anti-Americanism, but just of curiosity, is why so many Americans post on the website of a British newspaper?

betty , London, UK

I don't see any problem with the whole flag thing, it is a tad cheesy, but so are the comics the whole thing is based upon. I feel somehow that it has all been blown out proportion (by both the Americans and Europeans), it's just supposed to be a bit of fun in the end. Possibly I would see more of a problem if Spidey was up against enemies with questionable euro accents while wearing the flag as a cape or some such.
But as he isn't I think it's best to remember it is JUST A FILM stop crying about it.

Ivo, Berko, England

To my fellow Americans, I love the outcry of national pride, and I agree and back you all up 100 percent. This bunch of Eurotrash postings in here don't understand the concepts behind the movie and wish to throw cheap jabs about the Iraq war...how pathetic. As mentioned, the movie is American, the hero is American, the artist behind the comic is American, so why is it wrong for us to have national pride? I am never going to stop from being proud of where I come from and that is what kills the rest of the world. For they aren't as proud or as happy of where they live and wish to knock us for it. Its not our fault you don't have your Irish pride, or country patriotism like we do. And if you don't like American films, don't pay money to see them, for if you were born here we take pride in our flag and recognize it still waved high after the redcoats were booted from our land. Old Glory baby...wave on!!!!

Chris, Tampa, USA

It's too bad you are dissapointed in the America flag. I am proud to have it wave behind an American hero.

Venjeana, Grand Rapids, MI

What a lot of interesting comments over one shot in a film! Great to see that so many Americans are so proud of their country, and there is much to be proud of, but there is also much to be ashamed of - just like most countries really!

Shouldn't we be debating why the reviewer only gave the film 3 stars when, as its a Spiderman film it must be worth at least 5?

Nigel, Leeds, UK

The American flag IS supposed to equal all that is just and right. If that bothers you then I feel sorry for you.

John, LA,

hilarious!! every american comment comes chock full of "you'd be speaking german" or "God bless america" twaddle.

what they fail to understand is that it's this sort of small-mindedness that really annoys the real world. every comment basically underlines the point that leo lewis was originally making.

Brian, London,

I am sure Spiderman 3 is a great film.

Cant wait for the Fantastic 4 as well now they have the CGI to do the Silver Surfer.

Marvel Comics is American so l can see what the problem is with the flag.

We regularly produce mediocre films banging on about how hip London is when it really isnt at all.

Checkov, London,

Bill, I'm not sure they'll understand the irony !!

Ade, Maidstone, UK

All Superheros are AMERICAN! What other flag would be flying behind our wonderful web-head!? The British flag!? Many countries owe America a huge debt of gratitude and the sight of the American flag should be inspiring.

Tedd, Houston Texas, America

I saw the film at the preview screening the other night and whilst the flag scene is very blatant it doesn't really trouble me or offend my UK sensibilites. As a comic fan though it does strike me as a little hypocritical, and cynically exploitative of the rightly patriotic US public, when you consider that Marvel recently killed Captain America because his 'apple pie' morally strong values no longer fitted in with the violent and corrupt US world of today. I'd just like to know whether they feel the American Dream is alive, dead, or just suitable for exploitation when it helps the dollars roll in? If I were American I think that would infuriate me far more than the words of one reviewer

Dan Turner, London, UK

"America has done more to further the pursuit of peace, medicine, science, technology and charity than all other countries combined throughout history."

And there was I thinking that almost every major invention and scientific discovery in the past 3 000 years was European or Asian, that the Greeks created the first democracy, that an English king signed the Magna Carta, that the idea of freedom and human rights was first put forward by British philosophers, that the British defeated Napoleon and became the first major country to take an active role in eliminating the slave trade, and that they along with the French started the war against Hitler which the Soviets finished. I have learnt a lot today.

The US has been a force for good over the past 100 years (I'd rather see thae stars and stripes than the hammer and sickle), but let's not be silly.

LB, oxford,

"If it wasn't for the American flag you would be speaking German. Or Russian. "

Pray tell me, what language would you be speaking if it were not for us?

LB, oxford,

You gripe about having the American Flag in a story about an American Hero figure?
Dude, get over yourself!

Greg, Scottsdale, USA

Paul in NY.

Even though I have not seen the movie I have to ask myself why it's a problem "to give audiences that warm, fuzzy feeling inside." as you state. Isn't that why one goes to the movies? Should I assume you are not a fan of the flag and/or this great country?

Love of country is easy for some, hard for people like you.

Kip , Temecula, CA

I can solve the problem. Make your own movie's. That way you won't have to subject yourself to "American Made Movies"
Of course the flag sceen is "cheesy". It is a big budget Hoolywood Film. It caters to the lowest common denominator....and unfortunatly that can mean Americans sometimes. It is a MOVIE!!
Maybe when other countries create a big Hoolywood like place they can put in thier own cheesy moments, but untill then I guess you will have to keep watching our films...being that you can't make your own.

Clay Drury, Dallas, TX

Not only that but you are obviously ignorant of the history and tradition of the use of the American flag in the super-hero comic genre that has roots in the '50s and '60s of my youth. You should write about topics that you actually understand. But I get where you're coming from. You provoke and keep poking at folks that have a positive opinion of America. We're big enough to take it and I consider you on the annoyance scale of an aggressive horsefly. *grin*

Mark Blackmon, Arden, North Carolina

The fact that this has become an argument is comical. It is an American movie, that happens to have widespread appeal. That does not imply that there is some obligation to make a ficticious superhero an international icon, whereas any reference to another country is unacceptable. You don't hear any Americans complaining that James Bond works for a British intelligence agency. A flag is not an endorsement of a current administration or a political party, it is a symbol of the idealistic values of a country, and if you look at the actual history of the character in question, you will realize he is meant to be the living embodiment of these ideals. It is no coincidence that his costume has red, white and blue in it.

Lucious, Washington DC, DC, USA

Well being as it is an American hero and the original comics had a strong sense of patriotism, it would make perfect sense for Raimi to maintain that angle. Afterall, the movie has mirrored the comic very well, for the most part.

But I guess someone would actually have to know a little about the original comics to understand that. Seems like someone is grabbing for straws to find something to whine about.

carson, houston, usa

Phil from Germany succinctly expressed my thoughts, so I'll just repeat in the vain hope it doesn't get lost in all of this jingoistic noise:

"I think that the point he is making is beautifully illustrated by the responses."

Tim, Melbourne, Australia

Mr. Lewis must be yet another self deceptive member of the tribe that hates everything American. Hates everything Western for that matter. They hate America, hence hate the flag. But they love making/stealing money from America, fleecing the rubes. What a hypocrite.

Donald Blake, NY, NY

Every nation has patiotism.
Anyone ever see the opening ceremonies of Olympic Games?

Spiderman/Peter Parker is a American hence the American flag.
I would find it disturbing if a country's flag/symbol was not in the final good guys win ending of a fictional/comicbook/manga hero movie.

I believe many are reacting with their personal view of the United States goverment's policies.
What ever your views, when was the last time YOU contacted YOUR representatives in YOUR country to tell them YOUR opnion on how to run YOUR country?

L.B., Phoenix, USA/AZ

"Europe has always resented us, for the very reasons we like to throw in their face; speaking German, Russian, etc"

People have turned a throw away comment into a full debate and gone a bit OTT i think, some of the comments on here border on racism!

also people harking back to the war is just petty and infantile, every country did their bit so lets not pretend the US saved us all in WW2, you helped but then so did many countries -UK/Russia

Josh, London, UK

The point isn't that the reviewer has anything against the American flag. The point is that American jingoism is obnoxious, which is true. The point is that Spider-Man is a hero independent of the American brand loyalty that Raimi is essentially pushing here.

I'm pretty tired of the knee-jerk reaction from people who can't stomach even the slightest implication of something critical said about the United States -- which, for the record, this absolutely isn't.

There's nothing inherently heroic about the United States. Comments about our liberation of Europe more than 60 years ago have little bearing on the care with which we have to examine our actions today, and tomorrow.

Benjamin, Dana Point, California, USA

the american fist-thumping and small-mindedness that pervades their every comment on this page simply serves to underline leo lewis's original point.

Brian, London,

Good God - Americans really are bonkers - never more so confirmed than by the comments in this thread. Grow up and get out more.

Hugh Jampton, Chester,

to all those people who have said that spiderman is an AMERICAN superhero etc etc....

the times is a BRITISH newspaper and as such is entitled to express any anti-american view it decides is appropriate - a freedom that your press doesn't enjoy.

if you don't like it, go and read usa today or some other rag and try to spot the spelling mistakes.

Brian, London,

Perhaps you would like the flag of the cresent moon instead. That flag will be flying over Buckingham palace within a generation.

Fanuci, Greensboro, USA / NC

Well I liked Batman Returns best out of the Batman movies because it was darker. Hopefully this will along the same lines.

Spock, california,

Hmm... I see many, especially Brits, complaining that the American flag is out of place and aggravating to many in the rest of the world. The early returns from Japan are going to be staggering. SM1 was the all-time highest earning movie at that time. Do you really think that all your sniveling is going to have an impact on the sales of SM3? Methinks us Yanks should react in a like manner the next time a movie comes out including some of your beloved Royals.

TK, Phoenix, AZ

I think the individuals who have posted that view the Flag as propaganda have missed the entire point of having heroes. Heroes are ideals, they are human but show us both our flaws and potential. To me the flag shows us what it means to be American, or how an American citizen should be. It isn't meant to say how great we are, but challenge us to rise to the challenge and be heroes in our way.

Shortly after 9/11 Marvel published a special edition titled heroes. It showed their characters and their sorrow over the events, as well as the true heroes of the day. If you want to see more fo the flag and what it means to the artists and characters I suggest you pick it up... if you can even find it. That issue reminded us who sacrifices for our safety, this movie and the flag reminds us we can all reach that ideal of citizenry.

Sean Richards Tikkun, Ottumwa, IA

"However, the USA will continue to come to the aid of countries around the world that are threatened by enemies, natural disaster, etc."

Hilarious. How's that situation in Zimbabwe working out for you? or Algeria? or Darfur? Oh, whoops, I forgot - America only reacts when its own interests are threatened.

You guys really ought to get out of your country more.

Octavis, Oxford,

Oh horroers. The American flag?

Dear Mr. Lewis,

Do I need to say it? It is soooo obvious. But yet, it is true. And continues to be true. If it wasn't for the American flag you would be speaking German. Or Russian. Your high-browed arrogance is all the more assinine because of your rhetorical bed-wetting. It's a movie. Get over it.

Kevin, Bluffton, SC

I was worried you were going to tell me there was a scene with two girls kissing. It seems this is the in-thing these days in Hollywood for PG movies.

Since you tell me that the U.S. Flag is flying high in the movie, then I'll take my kids to see it. We must not be ashamed or embarrassed; it is a tremendous symbol of hope and freedom. I know I was not born here.

Commander, U.S. Navy

Dario, Tampa, FL

Spider-Man is an AMERICAN superhero!

Catherine, California, MD USA

Leo has been an expat in Tokyo too long. Remember where your passport comes from, Leo. You may need to go home one day.

Greg Sedmak, Tbilisi, Georgia

The creators of Doctor Who consistently involve the Union Jack in episodes -- visually, and in the dialog. As an American, it never occurred to me to be offended by this. Should I reconsider?

Brian, Jasper, GA, U. S. A

Also disappointing is the inability of the critic, Leo Lewis in Tokyo, to end his review without taking a cheap shot at the American flag.

Stay in Tokyo.

Nick, Baltimore, The Great United States of America/MD

"I've lived in several other countries, and while there's plenty of great things about them all, America alone has freedom. "

Are you out of your mind?

Patrick, Philadelphia, PA

Harold Bishop, I was unaware of the "hundreds of innocents in Guantanamo". Hopefully spiderman can free them and deliver them to Liverpool.

Benny Hill, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Just to counter all those voices in support of the American flag, I should just like to remind our American cousins that outside of fat-ass land their flag is not a symbol of freedom but of cultural oppression, obesity, greed, corruption, the needless slaughter of closing on a million Iraqis, bigotry and stupidity. A film that is being made for an international audience should be careful about promoting the cultural agenda of a segment of that audience and all film makers should be encouraged to shy clear from mawkish, nationalist symbolism, particularly when it is hopelessly cliched and an object of disgust for approximately 5.7 billion people on the planet.

Mike James, London,

Was just having a ball until that happened and ruined the whole show! Jeez.......Perhaps if the flag had been burning, or if Spidey did a 180 and pissed on it would have been more appealing to to Leo the liberal. What a cheap shot. Takes a small mind and a complete lack of character for something so benign to be so threatening. One would expect no less.

Jerry, Houston, USA

I'm no longer saddened or offended by casual hatred of America. I could really care less what Europeans think of us. Does anyone in Europe care what Americans say or think? Of course not.

If Europeans need to belittle Americans to make themselves feel important, good for them.

Chris, Atlanta, GA

He's entitled to his point of view. This IS a UK news site after all. Chances are, he's not American, so he's on the outside looking in.

Sure, the US flag shows up a lot in movies that were written, directed, produced, or starring Americans. So what? Are we too proud? I think many people need to either be proud of their homes, or find a new one. If you can't be proud of where you live, then it's time to find somewhere that you can be proud of.

Is it a big deal that this, and other, American movies have flags flying? No! Sometimes it's about the setting, not about your implied messages. What if all images & dialogue implying NYC were removed, the rest of the film was unchanged, but at the end of the movie, Spidey is beside a breeze blown Indian flag? It wouldn't make any sense. It's not a primarily Indian cast, nor does it look like any city in India.

Basically, what one symbol means to you, may mean something else to another. It may mean nothing at all. Don't take it personal.

Zack, Athens, GA, USA

I'm not putting down the US, it has done incredible things and people have a right to be proud. However, I like to think Spiderman can stand for truth and justice on his own.

He's one man standing up against crime in a big city and I think it makes a more powerful statement to show him standing alone. He doesn't always have the support of his community and he doesn't always need it.

The flag behind him suggests a support network, mainly ideological, that I don't see in the rest of the films. It does seem tacked on for effect and unnecessarily so.

Bond has financial and moral backing from the government, thus the flag and all the "For England" shennanigans. Spiderman can stand for greatness on his own, and I'd like to see that. So can Superman for that matter. There's nothing wrong with being independent so as to be more culturally inclusive.

Oh, and please could commenters refrain from calling British people "you Brits". We're not carbon copies.

Jo Ridd, London, United Kingdom

Wow!! It really is US versus the rest.

Stuart Mainland, Karachi, Pakistan

Do I even really need to explain this? apparently so.

The point is that, as the author says - when Spidey comes good, it is synonymous with him standing by an American flag, putting forth the ideal that good values are American ideals, and that they are mutually exclusive and one and the same thing.

People are irritated by this because it's very much a holier than thou approach that takes away from the values of other cultures. Indeed, it reeks of neo-colonialism.

Sure, America has done enormous good in the world, but has also done a lot of harm, like all other countries (except Luxembourg maybe), so when one attempts to portray all they do as just and correct, people are embittered.

Like I said, it's sad I need to explain something so simple to those taking offence to the authors comment, but before you get all high and mighty, try to understand why people don't like it. America does not stand for all that is good in the world, nor is it all bad.

Remy, Toronto,

Because not all of us need patriotism shoved down our throat to remind us that we're Americans and that we love our Country

Patrick, Philadelphia, PA

Sorry... Leo, looks like Spiderman did not succomb to the political correctness of the Superman movie no mention of THE AMERICAN WAY when mentioning Truth & Justice.

Alex, Newbury Park, CA

So what do I think the crux of this is?

One, in America, the Flag represents what is best about us, so any negative comments is like insulting someone's mother. You're going to get some defensiveness and anger.

Two, a lot of people don't understand our motives, or dislike them if they do. Europe has always resented us, for the very reasons we like to throw in their face; speaking German, Russian, etc. Let us Americans never forget that our revolution required the money, Navy, and to a lesser degree soldiers of France.

Lastly, Stan Lee said, "with great power comes great responsibility." The cost of going against the wishes of others is to endure their anger. Our economic and military power is such that the cost of truly standing up to us makes it too expensive to force us to stop something we choose to do; Iraq. Hence we get comments like the ones we see here; frustration and anger.

Personally, I think that Europe didn't learn from Chamberlain's mistake; but we have.

Mike, NYC, USA

Jeff, I agree with your statement. Unfortunately, it's not unusual for Mr. Lewis to take the time to complain about the American flag being shown in conjunction with an "American" hero...even a pretend hero.
Obviously, the "powers that be" behind the film learned a valuable lesson from the last Superman film. Instead of Superman's REAL slogan "truth, justice and the American way" he was reduced to (I'm paraphrasing here), "truth, justice, and all that other stuff". Practically NO ONE saw that movie after this was made known.
Mr. Lewis is under the mistaken notion that Americans are ashamed of being Americans. Me to Mr. Lewis - not all Americans "blame America first" and we didn't all run out to buy the Dixie Chicks latest cd either.

Sheryl, Hillsborough, NJ

What ...is he supposed to hold the flippin' UN flag or soemthin' ?

Riker, iowa,

Lewis' inability to see the American flag as a universal symbol, and his knee-jerk reaction to condemn the flag's use in a scene that is supposed to convey a sense of honor, is symptomatic of the chic anti-patriotism that pervades the media. The ideals behind the American flag are universal: liberty, the rule of law, the value of the individual. These are no doubt the themes that Raimi wanted portrayed in Spidey's return to honor scene; it is too bad Lewis didn't see beyond the red, white and blue to the honor those colors represent.

Frank, Washington, DC

Re: Flag Waving.
Raimi is simply allowing Spiderman to pick up the slack that the hacks who made Superman Returns left off. Superman Returns shrugged off the super hero's "American Way" persona, completely disregarding the entire genesis of Superman, probably in desperate hopes of getting better film reviews from Rolling Stone Magazine editor types. Spiderman comes from a period and a writer's vision that is uniquely and undeniably born from the United States. That being a fighter for good (negating the idea of moral relativism), despite the differences and oppositions around you. And this Spiderman origin still has relevance today.

james, Birmingham, Alabama

Unlike some of the previous wags, I don't consider your comment about the flag to be anti-American. It's just a complaint about the lack of subtlety in that scene.

But let's remember: this is a SPIDER-MAN movie. The whole point of comics is putting sharp black lines around the edges of bright colors. Subtlety isn't on the menu.

Matthew Mark Miller, Albany, NY, USA

I didn't understand the fuss until I saw all the comments.

You see superheroes as American icons (and they are predominantly US creations). The problem is that a lot of the world is a little worried that perhaps you see yourselves as the Superhero nation, one that has God-given powers, and is always in the right even if there is a understandable element of the dark side (Abu Ghraib?).

But that's alright, as your opponents (whoever it may be this episode) are evil and sub-human, twisted untermenschen on drugs, to be destroyed time and again.

Frankly, the rest of us find this a litttle scary. We watch documentaries weekly showing Shia bomb victims in Iraq calling for the return of Saddam. The world is not a comic book and the US isn't the superhero. Please don't confuse escapism with realpolitk.

I know you mean well. It would be nice if Iraq could become a stable democracy, but one look at Northern Ireland shows the trouble of a sectarian society.

God bless.

Rory, London, UK

Good grief, who knew a throwaway line would overshadow the whole article? All seems a bit over-sensitive to me. Spidey is American, he lives in NYC, there's so many American flags on display over there it'd be a surprise NOT to see one. And it is an iconic shot.

I agree with Matt, Oxford: we'd just like to see a different montage from the last 2 films. That's all. Calm down America...

I'm more worried about the 3 stars - I was hoping to see it get 4 at least... Ah well, I'm sure I'll still love it, it is Spidey after all.

Ross, Ripon, UK

Perry White, representing the media, wouldn't have equated truth and justice with the American Way in today's day and age. We would do better to focus on how the desire for revenge, as opposed to the need to offer forgiveness, has real effect of our lives...even moreso than nationalistic pride.

John, Tyrone, PA

I say, why don't they just substitute the american flag for a rainbow colored one!

Borat, New York, New York

The flag should be there for all the world to see! After all the whole world looks to us with hands open for our money when a disaster strikes. The USA is expected to save the world, WW1, WW2 etc...Sidey is an all american guy and so they US flag is appropriate. If people from other countries don't like they don't have to see the movie or ask this country for handouts anymore!!!

Terry, Anniston, Alabama USA

The International Community (America included) has nothing to be 'proud' of today. Global discussion of our lax gun laws is rife and after the diaster in Baghdad yesterday I think we would be better keeping a low profile.

However, it's nice to have a bit of flag waving happiness at the triumphant end of a movie.. where's the harm?

Peter, Franconia, NH, USA

you nerds get so cranky about the american flag. the author doesn't have a problem with america or its flag. it's just CORNY to have a superhero stand in front of it. you know what else is corny? getting huffy about a FLAG. you should spend more time fretting about the actual country and not its arbitrary symbol (obviously the flag's design is not without symbolism, but there was no sacred mandate that the flag be what it is. it could have easily been anything else and in that sense, arbitrary).

spencer, chicago, illinois

"Also disappointing is the inability of the director, Sam Raimi, to end the romp without a fleeting shot of the American flag."

It's a shame we didn't get shots like this in the Superman movie. Kudos to Raimi and Sony for doing this, you have my support as a customer. As for Mr. Lewis, I read your article for a review of a movie, not to hear your personal political views. If you want to share your political views, go write an op-ed.

Mike, Providence, USA/TX

I think Sony learned from Warner Bros. mistake last year when the new Superman movie down played his American heritage. If you recall it didn't take in the revenue they were looking for and some of that was due to bad press about this very issue.

Americans want their heroes to be patriotic. We have a rich history of overcoming evil to create a place of freedom for every citizen. Are we perfect? No. But films like Spiderman allow us to look at our humanity and how good and evil battle against each other. It inspires us to cheer for the good and see evil for what it is. We also hope to inspire those who don't have the freedoms we do.

One other note. I watch films from other countries. I enjoy seeing how each culture takes pride in their heritage. Please allow American filmmakers to do the same.

Wayne, Lexington, Kentucky

What is the problem with having a flag in the background? And what type of "depravity" would be appropriate? A Quentin tarratino type? I haven't seen the movie but liked the review, at least for the most part?

matt, springfield,

The rest of you ungrateful Europeans have so easily forgotten the hundreds of thousands of men representing Old Glory, the American Flag (as well as the Union Jack) that sacrificed their lives in liberating your continent not once, BUT TWICE during the last century. Maybe you'd like it better living under a Swastika or Iron Sickle. And yet you still trash AMERICANS who hold human life and freedom so dear to our hearts.

You arrogant, ungrateful Socialists!!

America Rocks!!!!!!!!!!

Timothy Baker, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

Personally, I was angered by Bryan Singer's recent attempt to downplay the fact that like Spider-man, Superman is an iconic American character. Maybe if his Perry White had uttered the famous line, "truth, justice and the American way," instead of "truth, justice ...and all that stuff." more people would have embraced his version of the return of the iconic AMERICAN hero. Bravo Sam Raimi..

Aaron Schneiderman, Surprise, Arizona, USA

I just read all the comments and it's good to see that many people still have a backbone and can recognize evil and moral relativism when they see it. The world would be lost without American values because they are the best of us all.
From saving Europe and Asia from tyrants and dictators in the 20th century to attempting to stop the worldwide slaughter of innocent civilians from terrorism in the 21st, America has done more to further the pursuit of peace, medicine, science, technology and charity than all other countries combined throughout history.
Foolish comments like "your policy now erases everything you've ever done" are a silly attempt to justify your hatred and make yourself feel better.
It's a little intimidating when you are on the opposite side of such a force so it's understandable that these losers would do their best to belittle the noble cause of America, it's values and it's people.
BTW, if you don't like the American flag, go make your own movie.

Dan Brady, Plano, Texas

When Europe calls on us once again to rescue your behinds from yourselves, then maybe the American Flag will not be such an offensive sight. At least until the next time you need us. Unbelievable!

Rick, Dallas, Texas

L. Lewis, who are you and what is your problem with the American flag? I happen to actually like and appreciate America and am glad Raimi did that! We communicate effectively through metaphors, and symbols. I would guess Sam Raimi was communicating something by the shot of the flag. I would guess you also are communicating something by your disdain for that shot, Hooray Sam Raimi!

Terry, Dayton, Ohio

I only hope more films remember that this is the home of free speech and show the American Flag more.

God Bless the Greatest Nation on Earth

Andy, Atl,

I think it is disgusting that Leo Lewis, the "reviewer" has to say what he says about a shot of the American Flag in the background. If you read between the lines, the reviewer is really saying, that America Sucks and depictions of the flag should not be shown.

Sorry Mr. Lewis, but I love my country and more then that, I live here. It is the best country on the planet. For all our faults, I would rather be here then in some third world country being told what I can and not do or what I can or can not pray to. If you hate this country so much.....Leave it. Go live somewhere else.

andy, barrington, nh

Hey brits come over here so we can have another tea party remember Boston

Pat, Lakeland, Fl.

You'd think Mr. Lewis was ashamed of the American flag. Shame on him. America has a thankless job, always there to help everyone else. Thank you Mr. Raimi. God Bless America!

Sheila, Independent, Albany, NY, USA

Displaying the American flag is a hate crime. Welcome to your brave new world.

Cheryl, Austin, TX

I think all of you fail to realise how often in life the american flag is flown and it could be just in the background. They already took "the american way" away from superman. Just let the regular americans have pride in the simple excitement of seeing the flag behind a good guy and grow up. Not all things are made to make all people in all countries comfortable.

M H , shreveport, USA

I personally do not think the American Flag represents "good" in the world anymore, not by a long shot, but still think that many will feel a sense of pride when Spidey does his thing in the foreground. It works, they know it works, and most will enjoy it. Big deal. I would much rather know how the movie was based on any other criteria. Character relationships, writing, etc...

Mickey, Chicago, IL

It is called jealousy Pat.

Chris, Fort Washington, MD

The European reaction to the shot of an American flag in an American movie about an American superhero further demonstrates what many Americans have come to associate with Europe:

Politically correct cry-babyism.

Get over it, folks. It's a movie.

Greg, Blue Mound,

Spoken like a true, America-despising liberal, Paul. The flag represents the superhero in all of us. The greatest nation in the history of the planet, and feeder for every modern technology the world presently enjoys, deserves the last frame.

Oh, boohoo, the Stars and Stripes wins again. Get used to it. And get a job.

Michael, Vero Beach, FL

It wasn't enough just to review the film. Instead, Lewis had to throw in some gratuitous anti-Americanism. Hate never takes a holiday.

B. Slattery, wash dc,

Turning a review into an anti-american rant? Childish. If you don't like Spidey and NY, go make a Captain Euro flick. It's funny how all the anti-war, pro-tolerance lefties hate with such a strong passion.

Steve, Fond du Lac,

Tons of great comments, this is the only time I read through so many-
To our British and other friends, thanks for your kind restraint for the most part here, we do tend to get a bit riled these days about the flag(justifiably i think).

To the Irish posting here: my God! Find new media sources.

The fact that some actually believe the US is keeping and torturing innocents is troubling, as is the fact that they think Iraq wipes out the good the US has done.

IMD from London had some fantastic points. Except: American values are no longer universal values. Truth, justice, hard work, piety, standing for something. These values are our majority values. No other countries seem to be there.

So please don't mind us if we pump our fists and cheer our flag. It's America, and we are alone.

thomaspaine, Pittsford, NY, USA

hey paul from new york,

who said we thought the reviewer was an america hating blue state liberal. he's simply an america hating brit. for those who don't remember, most of those famous old american comics were openly patriotic ( remember "truth, justice, and the american way"). unfortunately, it's become pc to change all that to "truth, justice, and all that stuff" in the latest movie version of superman. just because these movie makers decided to stick with the original patriotic themes and tones doesn't make the movie bad; those themes and tones are perfectly germane to the original comic strip. It only is uncomfortable for those who don't like it when america and americans are portrayed as good people heroically fighting for truth and justice. these are personal demons that certain anti american viewers have to resolve within themselves and have nothing to do with the film.

roger brown, visalia, ca/use

I for one love the fact that the Bond franchise has used the Union Jack and other Brit iconography to identify 007 from other ho hum spys. The irony is that Bond films are all American made! Yet even us Yanks can get behind Bond,James Bond. Why then is it so hard to understand the relevance of Old Glory in a decidedly American action hero?!

You Brits seem to have some cynical need to sneer at our inherent patriotism. Why is that? That patriotism is the nature of most Americans. Not just natural born Americans mind you. I have close friends that are 1st generation immigrants and they proudly fly the flag on the 4th of July,Memorial Day,etc.

The facts are that most Americans are a very patriotic sort as can be seen by the posts here. Sorry that you Brits seem to take issue with that but I'd rather be proud of my country than to just slag it off with sneering cynisim.

Face it Americans are proud. The French are snobs,and English food is rubbish.

Stephen, Point Pleasant, New Jersey-USA

Let's be nuetral. How about the Polish flag?

Art, Peoria,

Well, IMD from London, England, it looks like you'll just have go on being "uncomfortable", because the average American loves their country with all their heart.
National pride is a good thing, you know. Americans seem to be the only ones in the world who still have that. It's a pity.

Joseph Russell, Huntsville, USA

There's nothing wrong with the American Flag. Period. It's a thing of beauty!!!

TC, Houston, USA/TEXAS!

I am not an American but I find the sight of an American flag very uplifting and not chessy at all. And for all those Brits and Irish, well, pidey an American cultural icon and so is American flag. If you can't handle that, you are welcome not to see the movie.

Just because Sony is a Japanese company, it's fine if it takes the premiere to Japan or includes a Japanese reference: that's a tribute. But, an American director cannot include an American reference in an American movie. That's disappointing. Talk about double standards ! I would say, the more the chest-pumping, chessy bozo display of patriotism in the free world, the better for the rest of us. Go spidey!

pro, Sydney,

Mike from B'ham, so the inclusion of the American Flag flying behind a American superhero somehow excludes the rest of the world?!?

You, sir, need to get a grip.

Irwin Fletcher, Atlanta, USA

For all the non-Americans: As it has been said in this thread, its an American Character, set in an American city, and everything about its creating and production is set or done in America. The fact that you have an American flag in it is not exactly a shocker. That in no way says anything to the effect that the ideals or ideas presented in it are strictly American. That is completely YOU reading into it. It does not present that idea in any way. If anything, it reinforces the way the we, as Americans, support those ideals. Perhaps you could explain how it says that only we can lay claim to them.

Jason, Ft Lauderdale, USA/FL

Straight to the point, some people who see other nation's flag, made them feel uncomfortable. America itself is the strongest nation in the world and it can intimidate some people from other countries. That and the fact that people dont like something shoving it up their face that they are not comfortable with. In this case the writer plainly said it himself...

Leo, West Covina, CA/USA

What is political about showing the American Flag it is not a symbol of politics it is the icon of freedom and a way of life. This politically correct nonsense has to go My God (oh can I say that) its our flag in our movie get over it.

Pat, Lakeland, Fl.

The flag should be there for all the world to see! After all the whole world looks to us with hands open for our money when a disaster strikes. The USA is expected to save the world, WW1, WW2 etc...Spidey is an all american guy and so they US flag is appropriate. If people from other countries don't like they don't have to see the movie or ask this country for handouts anymore!!!

Terry, Anniston, Alabama USA

Hey euros? Get over it. The sun has set on Great Britian and the rest (with the exception of maybe Poland, they get it!)

America! The worlds last best hope!

Bob, Eden Prairie, USA/MN

If we're going to thank anyone for the article above being written in English and not German, which I assume is a WW2 reference, maybe it should be the Russians. At least 9 million of their solders perished fighting Hitler, not including horrific civilian casualties.

Just a thought.

Ross Manning, London, UK

Deal with it man! Spiderman is american. Wow.

bill, Los Angeles,

Just a jealous stab from the old, impertinent empire.

pat, Washington, DC

Surprise surprise ,a bunch of over-sensitive, reactionary Yanks bleating on about their flag. The point is that this is about trying to associate good, mild-mannered behaviour with the Stars and Stripes given the present international climate. The unabashed jingoism of the image is beyond ironic and in the context of the piece is sadly indicative of a simpleton's point of view on behalf of the film-maker. Much of the output of the US comic industry reflects a more acknowledging attitude to present domestic and foreign conditions. The use of the Union Jack in Bond movies is generally done with tongue in cheek and associated with OO7's irreverent attitude; us Brits are quite happy taking a dig at ourselves, something you Yanks seriously need to grasp for yourselves.

Wakeup call, London,

Okay, I happen to live in Tokyo - and even then I still can't understand your problem with the Spiderman/American flag shot. He's an American superhero. In Japanese action movies, the heroes have every right to stand in front of the country's Big Red Dot, so why can't Spiderman stand by his country's symbol?

Patrick, Tokyo, Japan

the american flag shot is to remind the world where exactly suoerheros come from------albiet the superheros do have European ancestry...

gene surma, madison, indiana

I agree with the belief there is nothing wrong with the American Flag shot. As previously mentioned, Spider-Man is an American superhero; it's a reflection of his pride and service to his country. Secondly for much of our history our flag has been a symbol of freedom and independence, of justice.

As for the brief forray into Spidy's darkness, I think that is in keeping with the comic story arcs and a testiment to his moral fiber. Compare Peter's change to that of Eddie Brock. The symbiote fed of the deeper layers of aggression Brock had, making his darkness that much deeper that it did with Peter's experience.

I wish critics would do a better job of familiarizing themselves with the foundational material when a movie is being based on a book or comic story arc.

Tim, Frederick, MD

For all you real patriotic Americans out there who think that Leo Lewis is one of those liberal, ashamed-of-the-flag, blame America first blue-staters, you should realize that the Times is a British paper and that Leo Lewis is not an American. Every website written in English is not necessarily run by Americans. And besides, Lewis isn't saying that we should somehow be ashamed of the flag, or that there's something wrong with it, or that Americans are somehow dumb and fat because they like their flag. It's just that when you're telling a story, in a book or in a movie, it sometimes feels overly sentimental to end with such a heavy-handed appeal to patriotism that has nothing to do with the rest of the story. In other words, Lewis probably feels that this final shot of the flag is a heavy-handed, instrusive gesture by the director that serves no purpose other than to give audiences that warm, fuzzy feeling inside. And it's boring. It's a cheap appeal to our emotions and an easy out.

Paul, New York, New York

Ridiculous that the reviewer would think to complain about an American flag actually being in *GASP* an American city, in an *GASP* American made movie.

Never hear any complaints about a Union Jack in Bond flicks, but I guess that's ok.

Being from Britain, the author should thank his lucky stars that he's not typing this review in German...that would be the stars that are on a background of blue, with red and white stripes.

Jeff, Kalamazoo, MI

Maybe Mr Lewis would have preferred a Japanese flag in the background. It was a movie sir. The director can pretty much put whatever he deems fit. If you don't like it, by all means please go make your own movie and then don't put the American flag in the background if that will make the movie better.

sean, shreveport, La

Yeah, heaven forbid the movie show the US flag. Maybe they should have shown Spidey waving an Iranian or Syrian flag with a digital Ismael axe put on his arm. Who cares if the flag takes the whole screen, looks cheesy, and is just an attempt to win cheers? I'll bet you still pay to see the movie and buy the DVD.

Mark, Brentwood, CA

Spiderman is an AMERICAN comic book hero from an AMERICAN city in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Some of us are proud of the history that our flag represents. We are a bit embarrassed by those who live in our country yet hate everything about it and everything that we represent. It would be nice if they would just leave. But our freedom allows them to stay and to speak out in ways that even other democracies don't allow. It is often difficult to do what is right and not just what is popular, lessons we often see in comic book stories. I look forward to the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA release of this film. I'm sure to see it several times.

David, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

I forgot to mention that we get bored with Union Jacks / James Bond and we're not offended by the American Flag, just bored of the metaphor.

Nick, London,

To Dan from the UK

You're welcome for your freedom, without the US you'd be part of Germany right now!

Michael, Boston, USA

The problem isn't the American flag.

Thing is, is that james Bond is a British agent, his character is British like spiderman is American, but the English national anthem doesn't play along side the waving of the Union Jack when Bond does something good.

I realise that the flag means a lot to Americans, national pride and all, however, to everyone else the statement is just a little cheesy.

Liz, York, UK

The spider man is fab

The plot thrills and excites with a tangled web

It razzles and dazzles the audience in a dream world

Boys and dads are engrossed & transfixed

Wing, Poole, UK

The reason that Europeans can't appreciate American Flags on every house and building and in our movies is because Europe has lost its sense of patriotism. Now with the EU and the passimism among Europeans what do you have to feel pride for? This is not a slam. I talk from experience. Talking to my inlaws who are from England has made me aware of the shame that they feel about their history and England's future uncertainty. It's sad really. I love the U.S. with all its greatness and faults. Europeans should learn to feel the same.

Mark, Washington D.C., USA

<<its the american people obssesion with their flag thats disturbing and over done>>

Uh, no. Maybe it's the undeniable FACT that over 400,000 Americans - from a country just over 200 years old - have given their lives so the rest of the world can freely trash those same Americans for having the "gaul" to defend them.

That is why we are "obsessed" with our flag.

Next time you need our help, don't bother. We'll take care of ourselves, thank you.

Bill, New York, USA

The dialogue, "For England, James?" was invoked by a soon-to-be villain in "GoldenEye", to which our erstwhile hero Bond seconds, "For England!" Ironic that this is acceptable for a British franchise, released for the whole world to enjoy by the way, to wave its national pride (as it has every right to) for dear old England, yet American films can't go and do likewise with their patriotism? Pull the logs out of your own eyes before you offer to remove the slivers from ours, my fellow Brits!

Mark , Astoria, OR,

What narrow perspective by you America haters. You are like sport fans who bash a star athlete because his most recent game was bad. It's the CAREER that should be remembered and not just a few games. If you look at the CAREER of the United States you will see an amazing amount of accomplishments from inventions (cotton gin, telegraph, phonograph, super computer, internet, etc..) to medical cures and innovations (polio vaccine, Cardiac Defibrillator, Heart-lung machine, etc...) to freedom for countries like UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, etc....BUT BUT to a few of you dweebs NONE of that matters because we invaded IRAQ and its a huge mess now. I'm surpised you don't just divorce your wives after one bad dinner. Stephen KIng shouldn't be judged based on his worst novel but his entire body of work. Same for any great athlete, scholar, scientist, and COUNTRY!!!

Jerrold Grecu, Roseville, USA/CA

If this movie had been about Godzilla, I would have expected to have seen a Japanese flag.

Seeing a US flag behind Spider-Man is totally within context.

Bill, New York, USA

Hire Leo as an editor, quick! The flag and all references to NYC should go to the cutting room floor - actually refilm it in Vancouver and dub over the aboots - we would not want to offend the Japanese who perceive the American flag rightly as a symbol of the invader who bombed and subjugated their country in 1945 and has ruled with an iron fist for 50 years.

LDee, KC, MO

How revolting! An American flag!

Maybe the last scene should have been Spidey watching news coverage of British sailors surrendering to Iranians, then whisking off to spare them from humiliating their countrymen.

Matt, Scottsdale, AZ

I only hope more films remember that this is the home of free speech and show the American Flag more.

God Bless the Greatest Nation on Earth

Andy, Atlanta, USA / GA

Yes, but why is it a point of contention having the flag in the background. It is typical hollywood...We're not anti-American! We're not Anti-American!! Hey...why do you have to show the flag in that scene...It's snobbery of the worst kind. The question is why SHOULDN'T the flag be in the scene? Spidey is an America icon. This is an archtypal movie...no gray...good versus evil. It is a comic book movie not something that needs to trifle with worrying about the artistic creative merit of having the American flag in the background...and just as an aside. The stars and stripes are a great symbol of heroism...in spite of what hollywood might believe!!

Sean, Beverly, MA

If you have a problem with the American flag, Mr. Lewis, just stay in Tokyo.

MarkA, Memphis, TN

Spiderman is a character from an American comic book, takes place in America where American flags do fly. We got enough problems right now, don't give us crap for having our flag in a movie please.

Reginald Heathcote, Yorktown, VA, USA

Isn't Spiderman a metaphor for Dubya and what has happened to the US in the last few years?

"Harmless little President becomes infected with a dark-side virus, invades nations and acts with impunity, but soon it'll be over as a new President assumes the throne." (Even our mildest Presidents like Clinton bombed cities with impunity and invaded nations without UN authority, but Dubya took it to a darker level).

So the parting shot hopefully signfies that the US is about to enter into a milder, more innocuous era.

Yes, I'm stretching the metaphor just a bit.

Doug, Mattoon, , IL

And who says it is "for the sake of appeal"? Maybe its just the filmmakers actual affirmative statement of the principles that flag aspires to represent? Unthinkable, I know.

In any event the reviewer's (and your) off-the-shelf objection betrays a reflexive cynicism that is far more banal than anything the filmamkers are striving for.

JRG, Brooklyn, NY

Leave it to the Times to continue to spout hatred for the U.S.A. by pointing out that the U.S. flag flies behind Spidey as he returns to his good old American superhero ways in Spider-man 3.

Spider-man is an American hero, and there is nothing wrong with pointing that out to the the world.

Once-Great Britain used to be proud of itself too, and at one time the sun never set on its flag as it flew far and wide across the world.

John Grosskopf, Austin, USA/TEXAS

No, it would be bad to edit out the American Flag just for the sake of editing it out. That doesn't make any sense anyway.
There is so much anti-Americanism out there these days it's nice to see the 'Stars & Stripes' flying in a major motion picture.
The world needs to get over its anti-American feelings and deal with the absolute fact that without America the world as a whole would be a MUCH worse off.
Thank God for America and the American Flag!

Joseph Russell, Huntsville, USA

The American flag is in the film because Spider-man is an AMERICAN made icon.... Do not try to score cheap political points. Why do American's need to justify their USA chants when we do not ask you to justify your patriotism, pride, and loyalty to your own country.

Mike, Birmingham, , USA, Alabama

Actually, I just read everyones commentary. I had written a bit of screed defending having the flag in the picture, but I hadn't read everyones comments.

To all the UK contributors: Is this really what you believe about the US? I am from the US as you can see, and I am just as proud of the Union Jack. I have always viewed the UK and the US as friends. Yes we are patriotic, and that is okay.

Don't look at Iraq in a vacuum...our two countries have more in common than we do differences, are we forgetting that?

Whether you agree with what is going on now or not, our countries are beacons of freedom in the world. This too shall pass. Don't believe everything you read in the press.

Sean, Beverly, MA

We are talking about a comic book, for crying out loud!! Have any of you Brits ever even read a Spiderman comic book?? A kid that gets bit by a radio-active spider and gets spider powers??...a bad guy who is made out of sand??
...and you want to argue about the final scene with the American flag in the background being "cheesy"??

david, Mulvane, KS

Leo Lewis in Tokyo? Stay in Tokyo.

Trent, Circleville, Ohio,

Perhaps the director put that shot in as a reminder to those who live under the stars and stripes that (as Peter Parker was told) ‘with great power comes great responsibility’.

It’s a good maxim.

Matt Pomroy, Dubai,

I noticed the other day how overtly American some major superheroes are. Look at the apparel of Spider-Man, Superman and (obviously) Captain America. I wonder if the red/white/blue combos in their clothing offend the review writer. I also watch MMA. In Pride FC, why is it that the Japanese audiences invariably "root" for their native competitors? Could it be national pride? I don't know why that's so wrong, so long as it's not at the expense of the dignity of others.

James, Jacksonville, USA/FL

Ah yes, besides creating a daft work of art in your own review of the movie, you take the opportunity to belittle a symbol of freedom and hope. Let us remember that the reason this charactor resonates with such power is his continual struggle to live the American Dream and be a good person. A struggle that most Americans feel they go through each and everyday.

Paul, Akron, Ohio

Gee, how disappointing... an American superhero in front of the flag that represents the First Amendment, which allows this writer the freedom of speech to say such stupid and insulting things about this great nation.

On the horrors! An American flag! Make it go away! (note sarcasm)

Jake, Marietta, Georgia

I suppose he'd rather see the flag with the rising sun? Uh no, we took care of that.

EW, Atlanta, Ga

You're welcome Dan.

Greg, Birmingham, US/NY

I would rather see my flag flying proudly in Spidey 3 than see it burned in the street by some so-called peace protester.

An 'obsessed' American

Jackie Alpeter, Syracuse, New York/USA

Gee, an America comic book hero having a shot in front of an American flag. How freaking depraved is that? We all know America is the evil in the world right? At least this reviewer seems to revile America and the flag since he is complaining about it. It's a FREAKING MOVIE. Get over yourselves. I am sure that you don't complain when a British hero, like Bond, displays the Union Jack.

James, Huntsville, AL, USA

Glad they showed the American flag as opposed to the cowards who made Superman.
May God bless America.

mlc, LA,

Im agree what is your issue with the American flag? It a American made movie, American setting and an American Hero. I am disapointed to see this gibberish here...Im glad the director was willing to keep the American patriotic sense..especially when the new superman removed it...

Noodlehead, Norcross, ga

He hasn't criticised the flag in anyway, he just criticised it being in a film thats suppose to be universal.

Get a grip folks!

Mike, Birmingham, UK

There's nothing wrong with the American flag being there - Spider Man is an American creation and America is still the land of the free, home of the brave. Sam Raimi didn't sell out like the director of the last Superman movie who didn't even have the guts to have the line "Truth, justice and the American way" included in his movie.

Catherine, Dallas, Texas, USA

Give me a break with your aversion to Old Glory. Spidey is an American character and stands for the things Americans respect-"For with great power comes great responsibility." And the press hates Spidey. Hmmm. The American press is always is a state of self loathing...the comparison is dead on. Wave that flag. Waving the stars and stripes is not fascism so get over your 1960's hang-ups and move on with your life. Go Spidey!!

Justin, Atlanta, USA/GA

Yep - agreed.
I love the image of the flag, and everything that flag represents.
If the fact that it "appears" in the movie at a moment of "triumph" is more than you can stomach, then you need to develop a stronger stomach.

james jones, stafford, va

Well isn't superman the human embodiment of the USA? Obviously the flag should fly when he makes his triumphant return, its only natural. Count on an overindulgent post modern utopian from Europe to add such a complaint. They always want us there when the goose stepping starts, they just don't want to have to see our flag. Its almost comical...almost!

Michael, Boston, MA

The problem with the flag is that god awful nationalist sentiment that goes with it. It could be any flag you morons.

As for the free thing?? You guys live in a police state?? You're the least free people in the West from what I can see. Is the government still bugging your phones? Reading your emails? Checking out your library withdrawals? Going to war on false pretenses.

Grow up, you're being brainwashed into thinking your country is perfect, something similar to what the politburo used to do.

Paul, Dublin, Ire.

the hundreds of innocents in Guantanamo would disagree with you Random63.

Harold Bishop, Liverpool, England

Mr. Lewis,
If you do not like the flag or America, you have the right to leave!!! I suggest that exercise that right and not let the door
hit you in the butt on the way out!!! You are a hater, and you have no place in a free society...Do us all the favor.

william rice, plant city, FL, USA!!!

There's a problem with an American-made movie, that portrays a fictional American hero who was created by an American artist and is set in an American city displaying an American flag?
Even as a fleeting shot?
You've gotta be kidding me.

Vic Burke, Richmond Hill, USA/GA

When Iran or some other country threatens the world with nukes, what country will be the first to stand up and take action? We will always fight to protect the free peoples of the world. It's just the way America is (American liberals excluded).

Mitch, Decatur, Illinois, USA

While Sam Raimi might be applauded in some circles for maintaining his patriotic themes, Mr. Lewis certainly has a valid point in it becoming cliche and slightly annoying. Patriotism is all fine and good but it is ridiculous to throw it into a movie just for the sake of appeal, especially when this movie is being released all over the world, not just in the country it is paying homage to.

Metastophles, Pheonix, USA

I've seen the movie and I think the problem with the scene in question is that it feels a bit tacked on in a cheap bid to win cheers. Spidey lands in his classic pose with the Stars and Stripes taking up almost the entire screen behind him.

That said we Brits didn't mind when 007 unfurled a Union Jack as his parachute and it is an American movie so there's not really anything here to complain about.

AndyG, London,

Wow. 421,000 Americans died in two wars to save you Brits from the Germans, but recent events have "overshadowed anything [we] may have contributed in the past". You should be ashamed of yourself. Rest assured, though, that it won't stop us from saving you again in the future.

Steven Higginbotham, College Park, MD

Last time I checked Spider-man is set in New York city. And, the last time I checked New York is still in the U.S. Guess you would be happier had there been an Iranian flag flying behind him.

Richard, St. Louis, MO

To our annoyed American friends - many of us Brits find the way the American flag is used in American films cheesy and annoying. It is not just spiderman, many big budget Hollywood films contain a scene with the stars and stripes flapping in slow-mo, usually accompanied by some uplifting music, identifying the hero with American values and culture. This in turn makes American viewers enjoy the film and identify with it, it makes them feel good about themselves. The response of American readers to this article shows how important their national flag is to them. Us Brits are a more cynical bunch.

Rob K, Norwich, UK

There's nothing wrong with the american flag, the reviewer is merely
pondering if sam raimi can finish a spider-man film, without the 'stars & stripes' fluttering in the background. this is the third movie, abit of originality might be nice.

matt, oxford, UK

Enjoy the sight of the American flag. Because of the patriots behind it the British, French, Italian, Japanese, etc. fly freely on the staff of democratic freedoms.

bruce, marengo, usa

Spidey 1 had to be edited to remove scenes showing the twin towers since 9-11 happened before the films release. The scene with Spiderman and a huge American flag brough applause and pride in theaters then. I congratulate the director for continuing the theme and I'm saddened that Mr. Lewis finds offense at the mere site of the Stars and Stripes.

John Hutchins, Morganton, USA/NC

To Mr B in Florida: I cannot remember the last time I saw Bond and the Union Flag in the same shot. If they are together it is usually tongue in cheek a propos Mr Bean/Johny English! I'm not sure the US flag is ever shown in a way that might be construed as funny either in action films or Desparate Housewives where it hangs outside every resident's house in Wisteria Lane. Is it that Americans are prone to forgetting where they are? !-)

Ben, London, England

Good grief guys get a sense of self awareness. The American flag thing is disturbing because it transforms the message from "look at these universal values of honour, probity and good honest fist-fighting (as Leo Lewis might put it)" into "gee doesn't America rock?".

It's not necessary, it somehow claims the values for America and it's not a little smug. It glaringly invites the viewer to extend their appreciation for Spiderman to the US.

This is exactly the sort of simplistic, fist pumping, "USA!" chanting rubbish that disturbs and antagonises many of the rest of us. America's actions and place in the world will never be as easy to define as the comic book fight between good and evil.

America is undoubtedly a force for significant good it the world but it also messes up and the reflexive self congratulation of many Americans makes many people in other countries uncomfortable.

IMD, London, England

I think what Leo Lewis is trying to say is that by showing the American Flag he is using a well worn metaphor that panders to American audiences that at the same time alienates just about evrybody else in the world.

Nick, London,

What's with the lame ending to this review? Spiderman, like Superman, is an American hero. American comic heros stand for "Truth, Justice and the AMERICAN WAY". And what's wrong with that? I've lived in several other countries, and while there's plenty of great things about them all, America alone has freedom. With so many people talking down about our country these days, I am GLAD to see someone not afraid to show his love of this country! Go Spidey!

Gen, Middletown, IN

Its great to allow everyone to say what they wish about the United States, I have no problem with that. If I were born in another country my views of said country I was born in and that of others would be differnent I am sure.

Perhaps trying to be everyting to everyone does not work in the long run after being asked for so much throughout the years by other countries (aid and what not). The world changes, countries change, and policits change ..sometimes slower than Rome.

Anyhow that all being said....whatever happened to being able to go and enjoy a movie just to relax and enjoy a movie. Ahh the good old days

I'm an American..and honestly all I can think of is that having Spidey out there with the stars and bars would be a bit of a throw back shot to the comics that the movies were taken from. Just something to consider

Kevin, Detroit , Michigan

I dont think his mention of the flag was meant as a bash on american culture. I agree with him, the obvious depiction of the american flag in the background as he makes a triumphant return to "goodness, honesty and honor" is obvious propaganda aimed at making the viewer associate the U.S with these qualities. Spiderman doesn't represent America, spiderman represents the idea that anyone can be a hero despite thier faults.
One countries elitist propaganda has no place in films, especially not films to be released on the world stage.

Joel, Dallas, Tx, U.S.A

Comics are as American as Apple Pie and baseball. And Spiderman is the king of the comic heroes - as noted Raimi is a product of that culture, the silver age of comics in particualr in which Spidey was born. He's smart enough to know its a package deal, the character doesn't exist in a vacuum but in NYC in the USA. And while it maybe considered somewhat of a cheesey move or a little over the top by some, those of the folks that don't get it - similar to the idiots who made the last Superman movie.

Damian, Bronx, NY

Yes, and blast those contemptible doctors with their shameless chemotherapy that makes the body countless times worse than it was before. Can't they just let the nice, reasonable cancer take it's course? I mean, who says the doctors only out for a paycheck should be the only ones with weapons of mass destruction?

Yawn, Houston, TX

It is a world wide film, there is no need to throw an American flag in it. I love how these bozos who are so upset at this writer's opinion about the flag that they suddenly need to start thumping their chests and singing the star spangled banner. Get over it people.

Scott, Milwaukee, WI

It's obvious that Mr. Lewis' problem is the juxtaposed image of the flag with Spidey's return to honorable behavior. Apparently he thinks that this is a metaphor in error. Those who hate America can not usually associate good and the American flag. For those people, America's inherent badness is axiomatic and so the image is troubling.

Dean, Tarpon Springs, USA/FL

Wow. Disappointed to see an American flag huh?

Do you hate baseball and apple pie as well, Mr. Lewis?

Derrick, Denton, TX, USA

Hey, Leo, despite what the rest of the world might think, and what liberals in the US would have you believe, there are plenty of Americans who are still proud of our country, and enjoy seeing the Star-and-Stripes waving.

Alfred C. Martino, Jersey City, USA

Just goes to show how brain-washed europe is with their anti-american, state-owned press churning out the myths by the dozen.

Any American classic comic reader knows how "Truth, Justice and the American Way" is the root value in so many of them.

Matt, Fort Lauderdale, FL

How dare someone show Spider-Man in front of the American Flag!

:: holds back laughter ::

Does *everything* have to be about politics? Can't we just enjoy a movie and drop the polarism long enough to be entertaied for 2 hours? Sheesh!

Rob, Dayton, OH

Yeah, that big evil American Flag... He should have posed in front of the UN flag! That's where Spidey got his start after all, defending the UN Values...

Man this review was interesting until that particularly pathetic comment.

G Rogers, San Antonio, Texas

I suppose we'll have to wait for the first Brit superhero movie and the flashing of the Union Jack in the background, then, won't we. What's wrong with the American flag is simple. It's American. And unless you are an American, it's going to be loathed, because we are the great Satan who, alas, happens to provide the culture the rest of the world, including Japan's Sony, embraces and despises at the same time.

Steven Steinberg, Cumberland, Maine, USA

What was the point of the pathetic flag bashing? Just stay in Tokyo.

Steve, Dayton, USA

What? Americans aren't allowed to show their flag anymore? Sorry "rest of world!"

Ted, Sacramento, California

The reviewer has no history or proper knowledge what a real comic book is. Sounds like Mr. Rami again transformed a comic book onto the big screen properly. I can't wait to see it.

Richard Schneider, Berkley, MI

Disappointing to have the American Flag shown? It is reallly sad that people feel this way. However, the USA will continue to come to the aid of countries around the world that are threatened by enemies, natural disaster, etc.

chris , athens, ga

Have you guys no pride left for America? Are you just going to roll over and play dead? Democracy, indeed, our very republic, was founded on the principle that the government is in power as long as we want it to be. If you are dissatisfied, take the steps necessary to remedy it.

Douglas A. Greene, Phoenix, AZ,

"Wake up and smell the coffee guys your recent foreign policy has more than overshadowed anything you may have contributed to in the past."

Our contributions as you so put it kept your relatives and quite possibly you from learning German!

Mark, Madison,

If the American Flag bothers you so much, don't watch the movie.

Rise, Roseburg, Oregon

Hmm, it's OK to pay homage to 'Akira' (more specifically the Japanese branded Akira manga comics) but not to America's mighty Marvel comics and their hometown Stars and Stripes? Marvel is America (Superman, Captain America, G.I. Joe). There is something strangely perverse about this train of thought, Leo.

Politics aside, I agree with those who 'trademark' Spidey with the good old USA. It is, after all, the story of 'American' Peter Parker, not Japan's 'Mitsuo Iwata' . . . deal with it, Leo! Sayonara.

Jake, Pittsburgh, PA

Oh my god. James Bond was a British agent... of course there'd be British flags flying behind him. Spiderman is a crime-fighter independent of any nation, and the whole Disney-Brand patriotism Raimi dabs parts of the Spiderman movies in. We're not watching a Captain America move.

Kurt, Toledo, Ohio

Interesting... I'm not following you with this American flag thing. It's an American character in an American city. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!

America rocks.....!!!

David M., Auburn , AL

i will say whats wrong with the american flag
NOTHING
its the american people obssesion with their flag thats disturbing and over done, especially in films

brenda, london,

The American flag makes perfect sense in this context. Though most of the world hates the United States, when the world is in danger it's always the good old USA that is relied upon to step up and save the day, and thankfully we do.

Adam, Beaufort, SC

Bravo to Sam Raimi for inserting the American Flag. Makes me think what a wuss Bryan Singer is for taking replacing the line, "the American way." with "and all that stuff" in Superman Returns. It is nice to see that some movie makers still have patriotic virtues.

mia, pringle, pa

Give Sam Raimi credit. In Superman Returns, Perry White couldn't even say "Truth, Justice, and the American Way"

Will, Memphis, Tennessee

Well, Spiderman is an American icon. So exactly what is so unfortunate about a shot of the American flag in an American movie set in an American city starring Americans. Oh, did I mention it's AMERICAN!!!

Kay, San Antonio, Texas

Why is the reviewer so anti-American?

Relax, the review is not anti-American. Spiderman is just good fun, so why stick a political symbol into the film ? It's a positive symbol for Americans, but for the rest of us it doesn't make sense in a fantasy film.

John, Dublin, Ireland

Long live the Stars and Stripes Mr. Lewis. Many American soldiers died so that you could have the freedom to express your views and take your little trip to Tokyo. What troubles me is that you don't even give a reason for your criticism of that scene ending with a shot of the flag.

Tom, Queens, NY

Sounds like he has a problem with our little atomic bomb thingy on Japan. When I watched the old Godzilla movies I didn't have a problem with those Japanese flags flying in the movie. Will Mr. Lewis bite the hand that feeds him? I think so.

Tex, Houston, TX USA

What's wrong with the American Flag?

Egen, Phila, USA

It tends to turn up just before some kind of American initiated problem...

Bill, Leeds, UK

Typical liberal smuck to put down the American Flag.
John, Boston, MA USA

John Fenton, Boston, MA

Erm... I'll tell you guys what's wrong with the American flag. It's a blatant bit of propaganda trying to make America look like heroes, when in actuality, the American flag should have been flown behind 'Venom' in the film, to accurately symbolise America's exploits in Iraq.

John Murray Hill, Teddington, Middlesex

The American flag has come to symbolise greed, jobs for the boys, and last but not least injustice for all.

Wake up and smell the coffee guys your recent foreign policy has more than overshadowed anything you may have contributed to in the past.

Derek Hutcheson, Edinburgh, UK

sorry that the sight of the American flag is so disappointing. I wish Raimi had included a picture of George W. Bush: that would have really disturbed the reviewer.

Karl Rove, Alexandria, VAS

Surprise, the "Hate America First" head rears itself again! Snake!

David Ray, BigIsle,

Does anyone see the irony that the writer of this article is complaining about American patriotism in Japan? Through strength comes peace. God Bless America.

J, Fogelsville,

What is your issue!? What's the problem with having the American Flag behind Spider man. The American flag represents the brightest beacon of freedom and justice that the world has ever known and I for one refuse to let your subtle jab at America just fly under the radar.

Gary, Saint John, Indiana

When you use "Disappointing" and "the American Flag" in the same sentence, you just lost any credibility of your article. If you have forgotten, that is where we live. I guess your going to write somthing about Sam Raimi having the Empire State Building in his movie next.

Jerry, Columbus, Ohio

Not sure what the hostility is over the American flag either. Bizarre anti-Americanism.

Sanjaya, Santa Barbara, California

Nothing wrong with the Amercian Flag per se....I just thinkl the rest of the world gets a bit tired of having it rammed down their throats everytime they watch an American film where alleged good prevails over evil......yawn yawn God Bless Amerika...

Adolf, Esher,

Agreed with previous posters, though I also think it's silly to dwell on just that quip out of the whole review.

I am actually glad to hear the reviewer say there was "not enough" of the villains-- seeing as how there are THREE in this film, I was worrying that Spidey would become like the 90s Batman movies where every movie tried to outdo the last in terms of villains, so that it was a complete mess by the time it fizzled out.

RodimusBen, Harrisonburg, VA, USA

I think that the point he is making is beautifully illustrated by the responses.

Phil, Paderborn, Germany

OMG.. Don't you euro's or asians ever think about what you people would be left to if the US ever retreated into isolationism??? You think the Chinese or the Russians or radical Islam sphere of influence would make the world a better place? You'll be the first knocking on our door when the next anschluss comes.

EW, Atlanta, Ga

Thankyou, Kyle from Escondido, for 'that whole freedom thing' and for making the world a better and safer place.

Dan, Reading, UK

I second that, what is wrong with the American flag? He is an American character.
Do you think we get upset when we see James Bond with a British flag?
Do not be so petty.

James, Bradenton, FL

Can't handle a shot of the American flag, huh? How's that whole freedom thing working out for you in Tokyo?

You're welcome.

kyle, Escondido, ca

American Filmmakers have no problem with James Bond's blatant 'Britishness' , nor do American audiences. So I'll second the question 'Mr Lewis, just what is wrong with an American flag?' .

Roy , Minnesota, USA

Leo Lewis has a problem with the American flag.

Dennis, Portland, OR

"Also disappointing is the inability of the director, Sam Raimi, to end the romp without a fleeting shot of the American flag."

The reviewer thinks that a fleeting shot of the American flag is a bad thing?
Why is the reviewer so anti-American?

dean, louisville,

So what's disappointing about showing the American Flag Mr. Lewis? I still think it stands for good in this world even though you don't.

Random63, Merritt Island, USA/FL

I find it unusual that Mr. Lewis would take time out to complain about the presence of an American flag in an American movie that takes place in a major American city and whose protagonist is an American icon,

Jeff, New York, New York

What's wrong with the American Flag?

Egen, Phila, USA

The American flag represents an ideal. It represents the dream of unity and hope. Perceived reality may be different, but the ideals of symbols is a whole other thing. Spider-Man is, himself, a symbol. A very American one at that. An outsider, downtrodden figure that has suddenly come into power...and uses such power not for gain, but to inspire hope. Imagine that. A person that could make money, gain fame, and become a faux icon...but all he wants to do is help those in need. To defend the defensless. To assure opprotunity. To stand up to oppressors. And when faced with his dark side, he sees it and rallys against it. Fights his own impulses to make sure he can again rise up against the dark within himself to be a beacon against the encroaching darkness within us all. Yep...what a sucky idea. And about villians in any film, I want them to be defeated. I don't need to learn about their bad upbringing. Plenty of 'victims' understand that their life is not the norm and they turn around.

Tom, Toluca Lake, Ca

The stars & stripes are appropriate here if only to remind us after all the bang wham action that this is set in the USA after all. Nowadays with all cities set to become clones of a future US city, there isnt much that tells one that this is the US, home of the superheroes. The flag says it all.

bk, toronto, canada

I'm from England. I have now problem with the US Flag. Most people over here have no problem with it either. Moreover, lets get this straight 99% of the UK want nothing to do with Europe and the UN is a spineless waste of time. I've been to the states a few times and think its one of the best places to visit.

There is nothing wrong with a bit of flag waving at the end of a film. I just wish people over here were a passionate about there nationality as the Americans.

Super hero films are great they give you a good few hours of fun and spark the imaginations of kids and big kids around the world. 3 out of 5 seems a little harsh. I know this is the film I'm looking forward to this summer.

Mark, Southend, England

Like Matt from Philadelphia says, its just cheesy You guys get a little too hung up on your flag and its symbolism (as do other nations including mine). I always laugh a idiots burning flags. If someone wants to burn a Union Jack - fine - carry on. its a piece of cloth thats all. It never changes what it stands for.

Matt , Perth, Australia

honestly keeping recent history in mind, I'd prefer no flag at all

gau, virginia,

"Also disappointing is the inability of the director, Sam Raimi, to end the romp without a fleeting shot of the American flag."

So, Leo, what's your problem with the Raimi showing the American flag? Does the site of it make you think of unwashed red-staters and their jingoism?

Cary, Birmingham, Alabama

Disappointing that there is an American flag in one background shot?!

He's an American comic book superhero!

My God, pettiness & anti-Americanism really have no bounds.

G, New York, NY, U.S.A.

Whats the problem with showing the american flag?!?

R, Bertram, Texas USA

Oh BOY(s)!!! So far the Spiderman movies have been banal Hollywood trash. I am wholly unsurprised that the third installment received a poor review. The whole flag debate is asinine. It all depends on the perceptions of the observer as to what the American flag represents. Ummm, unilateralism, genocide, racism etc….. that piece of cloth was high jacked by rapture wanting fundamentalists back in 2000. Why do we worship the notion of the hero that is able to save the world all on HIS lonesome? Why do you assume that the notion of the super hero was even developed, particularly within the American milieu?? Hmmm, maybe the fallacies of the American dream. If you work hard enough you can be anything blah, blah, blah, crap!! I must admit that I am a Batman fan myself: no reliance on extraordinary powers, but the utilization of technology to benefit mankind not to further enslave them. Plus, Christian Bale and a brilliant director!!!

Melanie, Athens, GA, USA

Haha what a wierd way to end the review. I guess everyone has to take their potshot at America, never mind the fact that New York is in America. Never mind the patriotic roots of comics and super heroes. Never mind that this is a movie made after a comic book.

Josh, Gilbert, Arizona

"Also disappointing is the inability of the director, Sam Raimi, to end the romp without a fleeting shot of the American flag."

I'm sorry....why is it a problem to show the American flag? Spidey is an American hero, after all....and we have no problems here embracing heroes from other countries like Japan. It is disappointing that Mr. Lewis finds it so distasteful to simply acknowledge the setting of the movie or, perhaps, be proud of one's country.

Gary, New York,

Yes, because heaven forbid that we remind Americans that they are most American when they act the most nobly.

That said, I agree that self-indulgent pandering to feelings of patriotism is the lowest form of opportunism: "patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel," after all.

Jimmy, Houston, USA - Texas

There need to be more American flags in the moves. There is nothing wrong with patriotism. Get a clue.

Scott, Modesto, USA!

"Also disappointing is the inability of the director, Sam Raimi, to end the romp without a fleeting shot of the American flag. The Stars and Stripes just happens to be fluttering behind Spidey as he makes his triumphal return to honour, probity and good honest fist-fighting."

Exactly what, pray tell, is wrong with this image? What would you suggest instead? I don't find this image disappointing or disturbing and am curious why this bothers you. I suspect I may be disappointed with your answer.

Sean, Washington, DC

I am tired of the anti-americanism that has so clearly invaded the media today. The showing of the flag coinciding with Spiderman overcoming his demons is a show of patriotism rarely seen in films today. Currently America is struggling with a variety of issues and it's citizens should support their country, not despise it as many in the media have chosen. Bravo to Spiderman3 for showing the values that make America great.

Mark, HAGERSTOWN, USA

Yeah, what's wrong with the shot of the American Flag?! What a dumb reason to be disappointed!!!

Andres, Anaheim, CA

All this rush to defent the American flag seems a bit OTT to me... I wonder why you all feel such a need to defend it? The author clearly wasn't having a go at America in general, more the cheesyness of the shot, so why all the defensiveness...

Maybe you all feel a tiny bit guilty about the damage your country is doing to the rest of the world and so just jumped to the conclusion that everybody hates America therefre they hate your flag?

Becky, Staffs, UK

Dan, he said it was a "fleeting shot." It sounds like any glimpse of the flag whatsoever would be overplayed in this reviewer's eyes.

Carlos, Los Angeles, CA

Spider Man is an American super hero. So is Superman. And Batman. I wouldn't expect the Japanese to show an American flag flapping behind the protagonist in Akira... what do you expect?

jeff, hsd,

What is wrong with showing the American flag at the end? He is an American comic book hero isn't he? I guess you would have preferred a United Nations flag or better yet a Mexican flag. How bout keeping your anti-american political agenda out of a movie review- please.

Eric, Chattanooga, USA/ TN

I don't think the bloke is implying that anything is wrong with the American flag. There's nothing wrong with the Australian flag, for that matter, but if the triumphant bit at the end of an Australian superhero film - in which the hero recovers his honour and probity and the like - played out in front of an Aussie flag, reviewers overseas would be well within their rights to comment on it. The implication would be that honour, probity etc are peculiarly Australian virtues, and they are not.

James, Brisbane, Oz

I'm so sorry you were offended, bothered, put out, or had whatever negative experience you did on seeing the American flag.

Finding the sight of our flag unsettling to you, to minimize this disturbance you could "vote with your feet" and move to another country where you won't have to suffer this on any frequent basis.

To suggest that a director should not feature the American flag even momentarily is to try to impose one's views on the director, and deprive the market of what it commercially wants. I don't believe you'll find too many non-America-hating Americans that are going to agree with you that the flag is better banned.

Bill Roberts, Ocala, FL

I'm cool with the American flag.

David, San Antonio, TX

Your docking points to Raimi for showing the American flag?

Wow.

I can smell anti-Americanism in the air. The film is based in America and NYC at that. God forbid someone fly the flag in America.

J.B., Dallas, USA

Hold on your horses Anglos, America, UN, or UK flag that's not really important!

Both Sp1 & Sp2 had some simple GREAT messages, let hear what's the Sp3's message ...ok?

Ariya, Ahvaz, Iran (PERSIA)

If it's alright with you, I'll generally see the portrayal of the Union Jack as a positive thing in a British movie. There's nothing wrong in being proud of where you came from or fighting to make that place you love an even greater place.

I lived and worked in several cities in England, and sadly, I just don't see this spirit anymore for much more than a football match. Such a beautiful country with such a beautiful past shouldn't be ashamed of it. And yet, among a group of 25 or so students, I, the American, was the only one who stood up to a guy who actually urinated on the British flag. That, to me, is a sad state of affairs....especially in the land that gave us the likes of Churchill.

Todd, Memphis, TN

Agreed this critic is just another socialist like the growing movement we have in the States. I Love our Flag and I would protect that flag with all that I have. Oh and Spidey is cool but Im more of a Batman fan. :)

Cheo, Austin/Texas,

If you "sensitive" americans read a real book, maybe you would learn how to write properly.

bob, london,

I generally find chest-thumping patriotism distasteful, too, but I can't see anything wrong with an American flag featuring in Spiderman. Comic books are the American mythos, after all.

But I can't help but notice how keenly your eye was trained on the masculine characters. Perhaps, Leo, there is more about you we should know before we put stock in your critiques? No doubt Drudge picked right up on that. He's America's most closeted man.

Geoff Carls, Deerborn, Michigan

Stan lee helped with ideas and the story line of the movie. How much better can it get. Who cares if the american flag is in it. Maybe japanese don't put flags in there movies (shrug).

Yes they had to incorporate venom into this movie eventually. Venom and green goblin are his biggest enimies. I found the script to be good and the teaser clips great. No complaints here!!!!

Bob Joe, Novi, Michigan

Confused? Whats wrong with the American Flag?
Most of our top super heros have those colors...

abe, los angeles,

it isnt that there is anything wrong with the flag but it comes off as cheesy propaganda that is unnecessary in the film. Spider-man isnt Capt. America so it doesnt fit some large them even though he fights for justice. That type of an ending just screams corn-ball cinematography.

Matt, Philadelphia, PA

What's wrong with the Stars and Stripes "fluttering behind Spidey"? You got a problem with the Stars and Stripes? Well, I like the Stars and Stripes fluttering there.

David Lanham, Hattiesburg, MS, USA

Why is it a disappointment that Sam Raimi includes the American Flag at the end of the moives, This is Spider-Man after all.

Scott Henderson, wichita, KS

Typical. The UK needs to end this bitterness towards the U.S., if you guys are not careful you may have no one to back you guys up when the EU tries to force you to give up your soverignty. Also, congrats on the record high on the pound. Inflation is going to be a pain in the ass, trust me. See you shopping in NYC sometime soon, hope you do not mind the flags on 5th ave.

james b, Lake Forest, IL

Leave it to the hate America clique of the Eurotrash elite to complain that an American move about an American comic book icon has a "fleeting shot of the American flag".

I have an idea. DON'T go see our movies if you hate our country so much!

Warner Todd Huston, Chicago, , Illinois, USA

Maybe the movie's final scene can show Spider-Man posed on the spire of a cathedral; a giant gothic cross in the backgr.... oh my... that'll offend certain people who worship a certain religion originating from Arabia, won't it? All right, here's the revised final shot: Spider-Man, posed on top of a Toyota hybrid vehicle. In the background, a giant poster of Al Gore, fist raised high, wrapped in the UN flag! Beautiful!! (and also politically acceptable to at least 95% of Europe)

Naman, Austin, Texas USA

Why is any flag necessary. It is just cheesy, plain and simple. The flag waving in the background has become such a cliché I groan inside when I see it.

Russell, Paradiso, Switzerland

Um, Leo... It's an American comic book character. Despite it's pandering to Japan, I don't see any problem with an American movie flashing a little patriotism. Like you wrote it's just "highly polished fantasy fun", take it easy.

Richard, Houston, USA

Agreed, how is the American Flag either relevant or could possibly be seen as disappointing?

Andrew, Elk Grove, CA

He's an idiot?

I think the central theme more or less goes beyond "heroes have a darkside". The movie is much more of a dual nature, and how easily our 'soul' can deter from what society deems as 'good'.

Sandman's circumstances turned a potentially good fellow into a criminal.

Spider-Man's circumstances turned a potential big headed hero into the hero we love.

Eddie Brock, who is so much like Peter, with his circumstances of hate/jealousy turns him into a monster.

A simplistic review, and a bad one at that. The Spider-Man flag ending cheap shot was enough for me. 3/5 stars yet the review seemed like a 1/5 stars.

Jake, San Fran, USA

I fail to see why the "inability of the director, Sam Raimi, to end the romp without a fleeting shot of the American flag" is so disappointing, since Spider-Man, the X-Men, and all the most famous comic superheroes were American inventions. Far more disappointing was the decision to pervert "Truth, Justice, and the American Way" in Superman to "Truth, Justice, and all of that". It is pathetic how Hollywood is so baltantly anti-atriotic.

Ryan, Seoul, Korea

Hmm, I guess you would have preferred a British flag? Then again maybe you would have liked a United Nations Flag?

This reminds me of the stupid Superman movie where you Brits were probably happy that it went. Truth, Justice and all that stuff.

Veritas, Michigan,

What is wrong with the American flag?

Josh Kahn, Kew Gardens, NY

How is it a disappointment that homage to the birthplace of the Spiderman legend is included in the film?

James, San Jose, CA

Even if the latest Spidey flick isn't perfect, it's still among the best superhero films ever made. And, yeah, I love the American Flag, so what of it?

Tony, Springfield, MA

I think the author was speaking to the fact that it is overplayed.

Dan, SA, TX

Leo,
What is the disapointment with the American flag about?
I didn' t get that part of the review.

Ric, Fort Wayne, In.

And what exactly is wrong with the American flag?

Joe, searcy, AR

I Don't get it, why would you be dissapointed that the American flag is in the background? Would you prefer a Sovet flag?

Rick , Lake Forest, IL