The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Synopsis:
In The Amazing Spider-Man, high school student Peter Parker discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, leading him to his dad's former partner, Dr. Curt Connors. As Peter investigates his parents' disappearance, he gains superpowers after being bitten by a genetically altered spider. Embracing his new abilities, Peter becomes Spider-Man, a masked hero who fights crime in New York City. Meanwhile, Dr. Connors transforms into the Lizard after an experiment goes wrong, threatening the city with his dangerous plans. As Spider-Man, Peter must stop the Lizard while navigating his life as a teenager, dealing with school, friendships, and his growing feelings for Gwen Stacy. The film follows Peter's journey as he balances his dual identity and faces challenges that test his courage and resolve.
Where To Watch: The Amazing Spider-Man
Parental Feedback
The Amazing Spider-Man, released in 2012, is a superhero action film that targets a teen audience with its PG-13 rating. The movie combines elements of action, adventure, and drama, offering a fresh take on the iconic Spider-Man story. Parental reviews are generally positive, appreciating the film's engaging storyline and character development, though some express concerns about its intense action sequences and themes.
Why Teens Should Watch The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man is praised for its engaging storyline and strong character development.
- Promotes themes of responsibility and courage.
- Features a compelling performance by Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker, showcasing his transformation into Spider-Man.
- Offers visually stunning action sequences that captivate teen audiences.
- Includes a relatable coming-of-age story that resonates with teens.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch The Amazing Spider-Man
Some parents express concerns about the film's intense action and darker themes.
- Explores themes of loss and revenge that may be emotionally challenging.
- Contains scenes of violence that might be unsettling for some viewers.
- Includes complex plot elements that could be confusing for younger teens.
Verdict: Teen-Approved
Verdict: Teen-Approved
Most parents say this one is a safe and smart choice for teens because it handles the theme of responsibility with a mature and engaging tone.
What Parents Should Know About The Amazing Spider-Man
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film explores themes of loss, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions, often through intense dialogue and dramatic scenes. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Peter Parker's initial misuse of his powers is addressed critically, showing the importance of using abilities responsibly. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Peter Parker evolves from a reckless teenager to a responsible hero, learning the importance of his powers through various challenges. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | The film portrays supportive family dynamics and a strong female character in Gwen Stacy, who is portrayed as intelligent and independent. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film's exploration of responsibility and the impact of choices can lead to meaningful discussions about personal growth and ethics. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Amazing Spider-Man is widely appreciated for its engaging plot and strong character arcs, making it a popular choice for teens. While some parents note the intensity of certain scenes, the film's positive messages about responsibility and growth are well-received. Parental guidance can enhance the viewing experience by facilitating discussions on the film's themes. For those seeking similar content, the original Spider-Man trilogy or other Marvel superhero films may also be enjoyable options.
Official The Amazing Spider-Man Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man's most common core values include Responsibility, Courage, and Self-discovery. Teens can see how important responsibility is when Peter Parker becomes Spider-Man and decides to use his powers for good. He learns that with great power comes great responsibility, a lesson many kids face daily as they grow up. Courage is another value that stands out, as Peter has to face a dangerous villain, even when he's scared. This shows kids that Being brave often means doing what's right, even if it's tough. Lastly, self-discovery is a key part of Peter's journey. As he balances school life with his secret identity, he learns who he really is and what he stands for.
Responsibility, courage, and self-discovery are shown in exciting ways. One moment that highlights responsibility is when Peter realizes he has to protect the city from harm. It's not just about his own life but the lives of others, too. Courage takes center stage when Peter confronts Dr. Connors as the Lizard, knowing how dangerous it could be. Teens see that true bravery is when you do something scary but necessary. As for self-discovery, Peter's evolving relationship with Gwen Stacy helps him understand himself better and what kind of person he wants to be.
Other Core Values Explored: Perseverance | Honesty | Family love | Standing up for what's right | Helping others | Respect | Loyalty | Bravery
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Amazing Spider-Man
Accepting Your Identity: Peter Parker's journey to becoming Spider-Man is a powerful exploration of accepting who you are. By embracing his new superpowers, Peter learns to own his unique abilities and the responsibilities that come with them.
Using Talents Responsibly: The film emphasizes that extraordinary talents should be used for the greater good. Peter exemplifies this by using his spider-like abilities to protect his city rather than for personal gain.
Doing What’s Right: Despite personal risks, Peter repeatedly chooses to do the right thing, such as fighting the Lizard to save New York City. This shows that integrity often means making tough choices even when they’re inconvenient.
Finding Courage: Throughout the movie, Peter demonstrates great courage by facing dangerous situations, including battling formidable foes like Dr. Connors. This teaches kids that bravery is often about facing fears head-on.
Believing in Yourself: Peter's evolution into Spider-Man is rooted in self-confidence. As he grows into his role, he learns to believe in his own capabilities, inspiring kids to trust in their strengths when faced with adversity.
Other Lessons Learned: Being True to Yourself | Choosing Right Over Easy | Learning from Mistakes | Never Giving Up | Owning Your Mistakes | Supporting Your Friends | Trusting Intuition
Why Kids Love The Amazing Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man swings into action with a whirlwind of excitement that teens can’t resist. From high-flying web-slinging adventures to secret missions in the heart of New York City, the movie is packed with cool superpowers and clever gadgets that capture imaginations. Teen viewers love watching Peter Parker navigate the highs and lows of high school life, all while taking on the daring persona of Spider-Man. The thrilling chase scenes and epic battles against formidable foes deliver heart-pounding action that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats. With every narrow escape and daring stunt, the quest to save the city becomes a rollercoaster of excitement and surprises.
The lure of cool gadgets and secret hideouts adds an irresistible layer of allure and mystery. Teens can't help but marvel at Spider-Man's impressive web shooters and nimble acrobatics. Each confrontation with the villain promises intense moments filled with crashing and near misses, turning every corner into a potential adventure. In the bustling city landscape, races against time and cunning strategies add to the exhilarating atmosphere. With layers of action, madcap moments, and rapid-fire sequences, The Amazing Spider-Man offers a unique blend of heroics and humor that appeals to teens eager to experience the thrill of being a superhero in a world where anything can happen.