What we flagged
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Our take
Peter Parker is bitten by a lab spider and learns that great power comes with a heavy cost, while the Green Goblin terrorises New York. Fights get loud and personal, including attacks on people Peter loves, and a family death early on hangs over the whole film. Language stays mild, the romance is sweet and chaste, and the blood is limited. Teens around 13 who like classic comic-book thrills should be fine with a parent nearby for the scarier Goblin beats
Uplifting themes
The film's heart is that line about great power and responsibility, lived out when Peter puts others first. Courage, honesty with yourself, and looking after your neighbourhood get real weight. It still feels like a moral compass for younger teens Peter is awkward and flawed, yet he keeps choosing to help people even when it costs him. Aunt May offers steady kindness. They give families a hero who grows up on screen
Story (may spoil tone)
After being bitten by a genetically altered spider at Oscorp, nerdy but endearing high school student Peter Parker is endowed with amazing powers to become the superhero known as Spider-Man.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Rooftop brawls, a Thanksgiving attack, and the Goblin's pumpkin bombs k…
Rooftop brawls, a Thanksgiving attack, and the Goblin's pumpkin bombs keep the action coming. People get punched, thrown, and threatened, and a robbery turns deadly. It is punchy superhero combat with only flashes of blood
Language Swearing stays light: hell, crap, and the odd p-word-off line in robber…
Swearing stays light: hell, crap, and the odd p-word-off line in robberies and fights. Nothing stronger turns up in a noticeable way. Sensitive ears will barely blink
Sex / nudity Peter's crush on Mary Jane runs through the story, and their famous ups…
Peter's crush on Mary Jane runs through the story, and their famous upside-down kiss in the rain is the big romantic beat. There is teen longing and a little awkward undress for the suit, but nothing explicit
Frightening Norman's Goblin persona is mean and unpredictable, with a creepy mask a…
Norman's Goblin persona is mean and unpredictable, with a creepy mask and sudden attacks on people Peter loves. A bridge standoff and the Goblin's maniac laughter can rattle younger viewers. The tone is earnest, so the menace lands
Child peril / abuse High-school-age Peter is beaten up, chased, and put in real danger as S…
High-school-age Peter is beaten up, chased, and put in real danger as Spider-Man, and Mary Jane is kidnapped and threatened. The peril is part of the hero story and they survive, but teens in danger may worry younger kids
Bullying / discrimination Flash and his mates shove and mock nerdy Peter in the cafeteria and hal…
Flash and his mates shove and mock nerdy Peter in the cafeteria and halls, the classic school pecking order. It stings more than it lasts. Easy springboard for a chat about standing up for someone
Gore / death / weapons Pumpkin bombs, blades, and a wrestling ring bring weapons into view, an…
Pumpkin bombs, blades, and a wrestling ring bring weapons into view, and a few injuries show blood and sweat. Deaths happen, but the camera does not linger on wounds
Grief / bereavement A beloved guardian is murdered early on, and Peter's guilt and sadness…
A beloved guardian is murdered early on, and Peter's guilt and sadness shape almost every choice he makes after. Aunt May's quiet grief is hard to miss too. Families may want a pause for that loss
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Uncle Ben's lesson about power and responsibility shapes Peter. What does that idea mean in ordinary life?
- Peter hides his identity from people he loves. When is keeping a secret protective, and when does it hurt?
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