“Spider-Man 3″ is director Sam Raimi’s masterpiece. It is one of the most entertaining superhero movies since “Superman: The Movie” and easily the best of the “Spider-Man” trilogy. It perfectly balances thrilling action with some of the funniest scenes ever to appear in a superhero movie.

When the movie begins everything’s swell for the dweebie Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire). New York loves the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. He loves Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) and Mary Jane loves him back. But the happiness is short lived. Things begin to take a turn for the worse when Harry Osborn (James Franco) dons the Green Goblin garb and battles Peter in one of the most thrilling action scenes in the movie. But the best villains are still to come. Much has been made of Venom’s appearance in “Spider-Man 3,” but Sandman steals the show. Thomas Haden Church plays Flint Marko to perfection and Christopher Young’s Sandman theme adds a menacing tone whenever the sand-shifting palooka appears on screen. The visual effects are breathtaking, especially as you watch Marko first transform from an undulating mound of sand back into the ex-con Marko. The CG is really cranking and it’s better than anything you’ve seen in the first two “Spider-Man” movies. You’ll have to wait quite a bit to see Venom (Topher Grace). But the wait is worth it as the black symbiote will give the kiddies a few unexpected jolts. Who ever thought Topher Grace could be scary?

Not just a thrill-a-minute roller-coaster ride, “Spider-Man 3″ is full of laughs, especially after Peter Parker acquires his black suit and in the process acquires a personality. When in black, Peter’s personality not only turns dark but he’s cool. So cool, in fact, that he does a sexy dance routine with Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard). J.K. Simmons is hilarious as usual as the tyrannical J. Jonah Jameson. And, of course, there’s a cameo by Bruce Campbell, who plays an obnoxious French waiter this time.

The movie isn’t perfect, though. There are a few too many convenient coincidences. Like when the meteorite carrying the symbiote just happens to crash right near Peter, or when Spider-Man rids himself of the symbiote Eddie Brock just happens to be there, too. But the movie is such a fun ride that you don’t really mind (unless you’re a nit-picking geek).

“Spider-Man 3″ has heart-stopping action, a ton of laughs, awesome visual effects, and some of the best villains to ever appear in a superhero movie. What else can I say but “See this movie!” Though, I’m sure you’re already planning to.