Common Sense Media Review
Fun superhero movie may be too intense for younger kids.
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Spider-Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 78 parent reviews
Parents say the movie delivers an engaging introduction to the superhero genre, making it a great option for family viewing, though some caution is advised due to its intense action and mild language. While many recommend it for children 10 and up, there are mixed opinions regarding its appropriateness for younger kids, with some finding the violence and themes more suitable for older audiences.
- family-friendly
- intense action
- mild language
- suitable for tweens
- mixed reviews on violence
Summarized with AI
Based on 252 kid reviews
Kids say this superhero movie has a mix of exciting action and intense moments, delivering a classic origin story that highlights themes of responsibility and bravery. However, many reviews caution that the violence and some suggestive scenes may not be suitable for younger audiences, emphasizing the film's mixed messages about maturity and appropriateness for kids.
- intense moments
- positive role models
- suggestive content
- violence levels
- great origin story
- family movie
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SPIDER-MAN, Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) is a brilliant, sensitive high school student who's so deeply in love with his next-door neighbor, Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), that he can barely bring himself to say hello to her. On a school field trip, he's bitten by a genetically engineered spider; the next morning he wakes up with some distinctly arachnid-like qualities: He can see without his glasses, climb walls, eject webbing with the swinging power of rope and the strength of steel, and anticipate danger. Peter plays around with his newfound superpowers but quickly learns that power comes with great responsibility. Great risk comes as well: Everyone Peter cares about is put in danger because of the growing fame of his hero alter-ego, Spider-Man. Meanwhile, Peter's best friend's father, industrialist Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe), has decided to try out his company's new product on himself. He, too, develops extraordinary power—and a mad fury. His new persona is dubbed the Green Goblin, but he doesn't seem to want to use his powers for good.
Is It Any Good?
Maguire is perfect as Peter, the supporting cast is great, and the script is excellent, striking just the right note of respect and affection for the source material. Spider-Man has a contemporary feel without being showily post-modern or ironic. The special effects are thrilling. New York City is brilliantly stylized. Peter's relationship with MJ is sweetly romantic. The movie's weakest point is that it fails in the single most important requirement for a comic book-based movie: The villain isn't larger-than-life. Dafoe is a brilliant actor, but the part of Osborn/Green just isn't interesting enough to be truly scary.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Uncle Ben's influence on Peter Parker in Spider-Man. What role does he play in Peter's life? Would you consider Uncle Ben a role model? What about Peter? Why, or why not?
What does "with great power comes great responsibility" mean? Can you think of other superhero movies that tackle that theme?
How do you think this live-action film compares with Spider-Man comics or other Spider-Man films?
How do the characters in Spider-Man demonstrate self-control, integrity, and empathy? What about perseverance and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Spider-Man takes the law into his own hands and deals out vigilante justice. How do you feel about this? Do you think it's warranted in the movie? Is skirting the law sometimes warranted in real life? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 3, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : November 1, 2002
- Cast : Kirsten Dunst , Tobey Maguire , Willem Dafoe
- Director : Sam Raimi
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 121 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : July 24, 2026
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