I think most people agree that SPIDER-MAN 3 was a travesty, and would share in the same main criticism about the film. The poorly-written, poorly-executed “evil” side of Spidey? The dance scene? The flood of villains? And let’s not even mention Topher Grace and that character they tried to pass off as Venom. In short, it was a shockingly horrible follow up to the truly great film that was SPIDER-MAN 2.

But what does SPIDER-MAN’s director, Sam Raimi himself, have to say about these criticisms? CHUD recently spoke to Mr. Raimi and he addressed them head on. Well, one of them at least.

Here’s what to always dapper director had to say:

“I think having so many villains detracted from the experience. I would agree with the criticism…I think I’ve learned about the importance of getting to the point and the importance of having limitations, and I’m hoping to take that into a production where I’m actually allowed to explore with more of the tools to pull it off with a little more splendor.”

When talking about his recent return to horror, DRAG ME TO HELL, and what he took away from it going into SPIDER-MAN 4, Raimi said “I hope I don’t lose that edge that I’ve just found. That would be my approach to Spider-Man 4: to get back to the basics.”

If the basics Raimi are referring to are the tricks we saw him dust off from his EVIL DEAD days for DRAG ME TO HELL, then I will welcome SPIDER-MAN 4 with welcome arms. Six, if I had them.