Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Action-packed series reboot has lots to offer Spidey fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Amazing Spider-Man
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 61 parent reviews
Parents say this reboot of the Spider-Man franchise features impressive visuals and action, with many praising Andrew Garfield's portrayal and the film's darker themes, while some found the violence and language excessive for younger viewers. Despite mixed opinions on the writing and character development, many felt it struck a balance between engaging younger audiences and maintaining a serious tone.
- impressive visuals
- excessive violence
- darker themes
- mixed character development
- engaging younger audiences
- strong performances
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 212 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie offers an exciting mix of action, emotional depth, and character development, particularly praising Andrew Garfield's portrayal of Spider-Man and the relationship dynamics presented. However, some find it overly dark and violent, with mixed opinions on the handling of certain characters and plot elements, resulting in a perception of it not living up to expectations compared to previous adaptations.
- action-packed
- emotional depth
- character development
- mixed reviews
- dark themes
- strong lead
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, young Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) watches his parents rush off in a hurry after parking him with his Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). They never returned, dying in a crash. It's a wound that Peter revisits from time to time, despite a pretty happy childhood overall (though he's not exactly -- or even remotely -- popular). Then, on a visit to Oscorp, the lab where his father once worked, a trip spurred by the discovery of secret files in his father's long-lost portfolio, Peter meets his dad's former colleague, Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans), and is fatefully bitten by a spider. Not just any spider: one that somehow transfers its strengths to a teenage Peter. His life will no longer be his own as he struggles to merge his Peter Parker self and his new alter-ego, one who will soon find a dangerous nemesis set to destroy Manhattan.
Is It Any Good?
Director Marc Webb brings a realism to the proceedings that's hard not to like in this superhero reboot. He lingers on the teen romance, which is delightful, and serves up thrilling action sequences without the show-off-y quality that too many superhero movies rely on. One gripe worth airing is about Spider-Man's nemesis: The Lizard seems scary enough, but not so scary as to be a worthy opponent. This Spidey wants to show off, as a teen encountering new powers would, and he deserved a proper fight.
Let's be honest, though: The Spider-Man franchise didn't really need a reboot. Sure, the third film of the last set, which featured the wonderful Tobey Maguire in the titular role, was a bit disappointing, but overall the series was a crowd-pleaser in many ways. So is there any reason to love this new outing, which treads over much of the same backstory as previous films did? Well, yes. Garfield brings a different but equally fantastic energy to the role; his Peter has a skater-on-the-fringes angst that's not emo and not super-boyish (like Maguire) but still perfect for a teenage superhero. He's antsy and curious and very charming. And it helps differentiate The Amazing Spider-Man from previous movies that Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), not Mary Jane Watson, is Peter/Spidey's love interest here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Spider-Man franchise. How is The Amazing Spider-Man different from the 2002 version with Tobey Maguire in the title role? Did this series need a remake of Spidey's origin tale? What do you think the main motivating factor was to make one? The story, or the money to be made?
It's hard to imagine a superhero film without plenty of action, including explosions, fights, and gunfire. How does the impact of the violence in movies like this one compare to that of other action or horror films?
Is Peter a role model before he becomes Spider-Man? After?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 3, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2012
- Cast : Andrew Garfield , Emma Stone , Rhys Ifans
- Director : Marc Webb
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , School ( High School )
- Run time : 138 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of action and violence
- Last updated : February 14, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate