 | 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. |
The Spectacular Spider-Man
- CW, Disney XD
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Web-slinger's early years lots of fun for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Peter Parker (aka Spider-Man) may be the teenage son that every parent wishes for. He's loving, family oriented, respectful, responsible (though he sometimes gets home after curfew), and does well in school. Even when he's beating up bad guys -- which happens pretty frequently, this being a superhero cartoon -- his constant quips make it seem more like a game than a dangerous battle. All of this makes him a pretty good role model for young kids. That said, the show may seem a bit one-dimensional to older Spidey fans.
What's the story?
Just getting through high school is hard enough for most teenagers, but in addition to homework, a part-time job, avoiding school bullies, and building up the nerve to ask a girl out on date, Peter Parker (voiced by Josh Keaton) also has to battle supervillains and protect his secret identity as the city's newest protector, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN. This version of the Spidey saga focuses on his early years, picking up at the start of his junior year, shortly after he's developed his amazing powers. The city and its resident bad guys are still getting used to having the web-slinger around, and he's still getting used to his new role.
Is it any good?
One of the show's executive producers is comic legend/Spidey creator Stan Lee, so the story stays pretty close to the Spider-Man legend. All of Peter's pals, as well as Spidey's supervillain foes, make appearances. That said, the series is clearly aimed at a young crowd, and it glosses over many of the more complicated -- and more mature -- themes that have made Spider-Man so popular. Even during fight scenes, Spidey keeps up such a running patter of quips and one-liners that the cartoon seems more like a comedy than a drama.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. Many of the most successful comic adaptations in recent years have played up the dark side of these often-tormented heroes, notably Batman Begins, which focused on the Caped Crusader's anguish and need for revenge after seeing his parents murdered, and the X-Men films, which center on the brooding Wolverine character. But comics are also for kids, and this entry in the Spidey franchise will offer plenty of fun for young people until they're old enough to learn more about Peter Parker's inner demons.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about responsibility. Between school, work, helping Aunt May, and his secret Spidey duties, Peter has a busy life -- but he never seems to even consider shirking any of his tasks. Why do Spider-Man, and so many other superheroes, seem to instinctively realize that they have a duty to use their abilities to protect society? Do you believe that with power comes responsibility? If you had a secret power, what would it be, and what would you do with it? Also, what does this version of Spider-Man have in common with other shows and movies? How is it different?
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- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Good show, but some problems
I love it, although I am a little biased because I love Spider-Man. Pros: Good role models on Peter, his Aunt May, and even a few of the villains. Good messages of responsibility, honesty, and of course, helping without reward. Cons: Show takes place at a high school, so plenty of superficial teen "love". At one point during season 1, Harry takes a formula that is addicting, drives him insane, and turns him into the Green Goblin. Other than that, really good.
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AGE
Really improved and modern super-hero cartoon
Spiderman rocks! Kids will love this t.v. show featuring thier favorite web-slinger. Some girlfriend-boyfriend content and violence between Spidey and villains are the only things parents might have a slight issue with. And hey, if you have a little one who wants to see a super hero movie, and you don't want them to hear the profanity and view sexual situations, The spectacular Spiderman is a good choice
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Kid, 12 years old
February 7, 2011
AGE
Great show. Not to much violence. There is no laungege or sex but there is a lot of toys out there for it though. Spiderman is a good hero while his villans are cruel and will do anything to get what they want.
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AGE
Really great show the story arcs are fantastic and it really brings the comics to life in a realistic fashion (you can trust me on that). One of the reviews said that "violence immediately caught my attention" which is ridiculus. Peter sacrifises most of his personal life to help save lives. I haven't seen any die. As with most of the Spider-Man franchize it teachs a powerful message that with Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.
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AGE
Alot of Action
My 4 year old loves spider-man.
He loves this show, but I find it quite violent...
Yes of course, there is no blood of anything like that, but my son really get waaaaaay to much exited after watching this...
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AGE
Cool show...
Now that The Batman has ended, this will be the main show that I'll watch on Kids WB.
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AGE
I like movie watch on tv
thankyou
signed elizabeth hassell
christina.hassell@yahoo*
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AGE
Medicine for hyperactive little brothers :)
A great show, I have seen every episode. It is has a decent plotline, good characters, so-so fight scenes, etc...
Bad? Not much; a couple of weird comments.......
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AGE
Perfect for all ages.
This show is an amazing family favorite.
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| Topics: | superheroes, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Networks: | CW, Disney XD |
| Cast: | Daran Norris, Josh Keaton, Lacey Chabert |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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