 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Spider-Man 3
- Review Date: October 29, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Kids will be dazzled, but the story falls short of No. 2.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that, like its two predecessors, this comic book-based movie features lots of action and superhero-style violence. In this installment, a mysterious black goo makes Peter/Spider-Man significantly more aggressive, arrogant, and combative -- even toward his friends -- which could confuse little kids who have clear ideas about their hero. His negative behavior culminates in him physically harming two people he loves (naturally, he redeems himself by the end). Thanks to the enormous amount of Spidey merchandise and marketing, younger children may want to see this movie -- but know that the action might be too intense for the early-elementary set. (Spoiler Alert: Two characters die during the climactic battle sequence.)
What's the story?
In SPIDER-MAN 3, Peter (Tobey Maguire) and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst) are finally together, and things seem idyllic until Harry (James Franco) attacks Spider-Man in an impressive airborne fight. Harry is nearly felled; when he regains consciousness, he can't remember that Peter is his archenemy. But Spidey's problems are far from over. Parasitic black ooze attaches itself to Peter and creates a black Spider-Man suit that exaggerates the webcrawler's aggressiveness, hostility, and even attraction to the opposite sex. His ego swells and he flirts with smitten classmate Gwen (Bryce Dallas Howard) to make MJ jealous. Peter's newly discovered dark side drives Mary Jane away and inspires self-absorbed Daily Bugle photographer Eddie Brock (Topher Grace) to capture Spidey's bad behavior on camera. When the steroid-like goo lands on Eddie, he transforms into Venom, the film's second super-nemesis. The third villain this time around is prison escapee Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), who morphs into the Sandman in a technically remarkable scene. Sandman, unlike Venom, has a heart. He just wants money to save his sick little girl -- if only Spidey would get out of his way. An alliance between Sandman and Venom leads to a climactic four-way battle scene set along the Manhattan skyline.
Is it any good?
People who see superhero movies just for thrills and chills will find plenty of reasons to love Spider-Man 3, but fans seeking Spider-Man 2's unforgettable combination of action, story, and heart will be disappointed in the franchise's third installment.
There's now no doubt that Spider-Man 2's emotional depth must have been prolific author/comic-book lover Michael Chabon's contribution to the screenplay. The latest script -- co-written by director Sam Raimi, his brother Ivan Raimi, and Alvin Sargent -- just doesn't match its predecessor's level of excitement and romance. But while the action is striking, with all the sand blowing, web flinging, and characters flying, all the CGI wonders can't save Spider-Man 3's overlong, underdeveloped story from falling a bit short of super.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about the Spider-Man movie series. Which of these larger-than-life films do you consider the best? What's more important in superhero movies -- the action or the story?
Families can also discuss the movie's major themes: character transformation, revenge, and redemption. Which characters experience the biggest changes? Do they change for better or for worse? How can you tell?
How does seeking revenge prove futile for both Harry and Peter?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
September 5, 2010
AGE
this movie is awesome!
What other families should know:
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Kid, 11 years old
August 20, 2010
AGE
terrible
acting is bad script is bad plot is bad terrible movie
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Teen, 14 years old
February 14, 2011
AGE
Surprisingly violent and sensual.
Suggested MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for intense violence, sexual content, some language, and alcohol use.
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Parent of 13 year old
August 6, 2010
AGE
more violent and dark than 1 & 2
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Kid, 11 years old
June 23, 2010
AGE
Great movie for teens
This is a good movie to watch when your bored. But parents beware, this movie contains a lot of violence, drinking and very scary images. There also a few bad words. I think teens will enjoy this movie more than adults and children of course.
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Adult
January 18, 2009
AGE
A Great Film.
Sexual Content: Peter and M.J. Kiss. M.J. and Harry kiss. Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy kiss. When MJ breaks off the relationship Peter makes MJ jealous by dancing suggestively with Gwen Stacy. Pause.
Language: Mild for PG-13. A few A-s, d-mn, God's name is misused, h-ll. Pause.
Violence: Lots. Mostly action. Little if no blood. The most voilent/frightening part is Venom. Venom jumps out without warning and will scare younger or sensitive kids. Pause.
Social Content: Peter struggles with revenge and wanting to kill the Sandman for killing his uncle. But in the end there is only one character who remains selfish and is killed for it. Appropiate.
Drug: Harry drinks. A lot. After all he is an unhappy millionaire due to the death of his father. Some mild drinking at a bar. Pause.
As I said, if your child is sensitive or can't stand watching someone (Peter) get stabbed or a scary creature jump out at them, don't let them watch. But for teens or older tweens it's a good film.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Pretty mild for a PG-13. But still a little too dark for a lower rating.
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Kid, 10 years old
January 16, 2011
AGE
Great action but terrible dialogue make Spidey mediocre at best
Spider-man becomes the ultimate jerk in so and so superhero flick. The action scenes are good but the movie is very depressing at points. I have to say while it is a decent film it does have questionable dialogue and some of the most uneccessary scenes I've ever scene. I do think they handled Venom in the worst way possible but it was still a good movie.
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Parent of 12 year old
May 7, 2011
AGE
Still An Awesome Movie
Its As Awesome As The First And The Second
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Parent of 10 and 13 year old
September 7, 2011
AGE
Better than the first two..........
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, superheroes, adventures, book characters, great boy role models, misfits and underdogs, science and nature |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Sam Raimi |
| Cast: | James Franco, Kirsten Dunst, Tobey Maguire |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 140 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 3, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | October 30, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of intense action violence. |
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