by Peace, 6 September 2010

In this third of the movie series, Spiderman returns to protect the city and continue his crime fighting. His sudden popularity results in a combination of showmanship and extreme cockiness. He is drunk on a high from his newfound widespread appeal.

But, just behind the happy facade lies a dark, hidden danger. Unknown to Parker, his body had been invaded by an alien force. This contagion changes Parker's character; turning him from a mild mannered youth, into a nasty, vengeful hoodlum.

After the Police informed Parker and his Aunt of the real identity of Uncle Ben’s killer, Parker immediately dons his black Spiderman suit to take revenge and kill the guilty villain. Parker then rushes to tell his Aunt the “Good news” saying that the villain “deserved” to die. Aunt May surprises him, by pulling a long face and explaining: "Uncle Ben meant the world to us. But he wouldn't want us living one second with revenge in our hearts. It's like a poison. It can - It can take you over. Before you know it, turn us into something ugly.”

Even with Aunt May’s warning, Parker continues to wear his black super-powered Spiderman suit. We see his personality take on a cruel edge that is reflected in his eyes, and the things that he allows himself to do. Parker has lost his authentic character, until one day, he sees his reflection in the mirror and it awakens his inner conscience. He decides to never wear his black suit again, even though it has given him unlimited power and easy victories. At that moment, he comes to understand that without a compassionate heart, the exercise of great power is most dangerous indeed. The power to heal becomes the power to destroy. Parker and Spiderman defeat the dark side and reemerge more grounded in self-knowledge.

When we are faced with temptations-of-the-flesh, we always have a choice to take the righteous path. Those who have talents and special abilities especially must beware that the choices they make are aligned with the HIGHEST GOOD.

The Spiderman trilogy is much more than a mile-a-minute action superhero adventure series, but rather it shows the impact that adult caregivers (in this case Uncle Ben and Aunt May) have on the moral and character development of a young person. By always being gentle, yet watchful over the young Parker, their steadfast advice and guidance brought him back to the path of light.


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