(I'll try to avoid any major spoilers...)
No matter what you may have heard, the best word to describe this movie is: awesome.
When the first action scene kicked in, I was a bit worried myself. It's one of those typically hyperactive, disorienting CGI-fests that surely everyone's sick of by now. And yes, there are a couple of things wrong with the film: Tobey Maguire is, let's face it, a dork; some of the touchy-feely scenes (e.g. Sandman talking to his daughter) are cheesy to the point of vomit; and Aunt May remains one of the most annoying, pointless characters in the history of cinema. Whenever she shows up, the film grinds to a halt so she can spout out her trite, redundant advice, speaking SLOOOWWWLY to make sure that the 2 year-olds in the audience will definitely get her point.
But I digress. This was still absolutely awesome. Why? Mainly because for the first time, all the characters are actually really interesting (with the exception of bloody Aunt May). And the action, once you get past that first scene, simply kicks ass.
Some have complained about the multiple storylines and villains. Well, they're wrong. The fact is, there aren't many films these days that handle mutliple storylines better than this one.
Sandman gets some amazing scenes, especially his creation in that particle physics testing ground, and the way he rises up and puts himself back together. Plus, the fact that he's not just pure evil (there's a clear parallel between him killing Peter's uncle, and Peter killing Harry's father) means that we actually care about him, and we're not quite sure how we want it all to end.
As for Harry - what a great character arc! The stuff that goes on between him, Peter and MJ in this film is what should have happened in the 2nd one. I won't spoil it, but it's great drama, and the way it's resolved is just inspired.
Eddie Brock: again, such a great character. Topher Grace gives an excellent performance and his scenes with Maguire are a joy to watch.
The relationship between MJ and Peter is a crucial part of the film, and for the most part it's handled pretty well. They go through some hard times, and it feels like they're not just a couple of kids in love anymore.
My favourite part was when Peter is under the influence of the alien suit - he gets all cocky, stops taking shit from everyone, struts down the street Saturday Night Fever-style, and does a completely over-the-top song and dance number at a club. It's such a brilliant, refreshing scene because first of all it's funny (and these films really need some humour in between the darkness and the action) and secondly it gave Peter a chance to show some balls.
In fact, the humour is probably what carries the film through. The scene at the newspaper office with Peter's boss trying to hold his temper was great, and Bruce Campbell as a very French waiter was just genius.
As for the final battle and the ending, all I'll say is that it manages to do what I never thought it could: bring the whole Spiderman series to a truly satisfying conclusion. As an added bonus, it actually made my date cry a little.
Don't believe the backlash, and don't miss this film. I just need to say it once more: awesome.