Parents' Guide to

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Uneven Spider-Man sequel mixes action, romance.

Movie PG-13 2014 142 minutes
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 34 parent reviews

loki45
loki45 Parent of 9, 14, 15 and 18-year-old
December 4, 2022
age 10+
Trent Kenig
Trent Kenig Adult
January 3, 2022
age 10+

This movie isn't as bad as you think.

Ok look, this movie has gotten a lot of hate over the years and has been known as the worse Spider-Man film EVER, but I disagree with that the film was entertaining and fun and I believe it is a extremely underrated film. sure it does have some classic movie tropes or down right cringe parts, but it redeems itself with a good plot that tugs at your heart strings, it has interesting villain's and makes you feel sympathy for them. the designs where a little off and I feel like they missed the vibe and look they where going for but if you look pass that they're interesting and well developed villain's, but the character green goblin could've been worked little more. Overall this movie was a fun and exiting film and it might not be a masterpiece but I feel its worth your time!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 34 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 starts off with the real back story of how Peter Parker's parents died. Then we fast forward to the day of Peter (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy's (Emma Stone) graduation from high school. As Spider-Man, Peter is off saving New Yorkers and nearly misses receiving his diploma. He can't stop imagining Gwen's dead dad, pleading with him not to involve Gwen in his dangerous superhero endeavors. So Peter uncharacteristically (for this Spidey) finds himself brooding about his relationship with Gwen and wondering about the circumstances surrounding his father's death, while living with his stressed and widowed Aunt May (Sally Field). On top of his emotional turmoil, Peter also has to deal with old friend Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), who's returned to Manhattan to inherit Oscorp, as well as super villain Electro (Jamie Foxx), who's powered by electricity and wants to destroy Spider-Man. Peter just wants to learn the truth about his parents and be with Gwen, but there are too many complications, threats, and people to protect.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (34):
Kids say (124):

With the exception of Garfield's humor and his chemistry with Stone, this sequel doesn't hold a web string to Spider-Man 2. Many off-screen couples can't translate their personal relationship into on-screen chemistry, but real-life sweethearts Garfield and Stone are sizzling on camera, making the romantic subplot of this Spider-Man sequel the best reason to see the movie. That may sound heretical to some loyal superhero-movie fans, particularly tween boys, who -- like Fred Savage in The Princess Bride -- would rather skip all the kissing parts. But the truth is that this wise-cracking, canonical Spider-Man is at his most lovable when he's with the women he loves: clever girlfriend Gwen and devoted Aunt May. There are a few scenes between Peter and these supportive, loving women that are so evocative and touching that viewers may even get teary eyed.

But audiences watching The Amazing Spider-Man 2 for action, adventure, and intrigue may be less impressed. The multiple villain issue isn't new, but the plot is a clunky mess between the Oscorp conspiracy the senior Parkers were part of, the shallow hatred of Electro (who's more of a needy introvert with new powers than a maniacal evil genius), and the whole sick Harry subplots. Garfield is a decidedly funnier and more confident Spider-Man than his predecessor Tobey Maguire, though.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the amount of violence in superhero movies like The Amazing Spider-Man 2. How does the fact that much of it is larger than life affect its impact? How is it different watching super villains get hurt than regular people?

  • How does this film compare to other superhero stories? Do you prefer hero movies with just one star, or do you like bigger groups (a la The Avengers)?

  • Compare the movie to the comic books. Is it faithful to the story as depicted in the comics? Were you surprised about certain developments?

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