The Amazing Spider-Man Movie Review for Parents

Last night Todd and I went to a screening of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man‘. I knew this was going to be a popular movie but had no idea just how popular until we arrived at the theater. There was a line around the building and people who had obviously been camping out for hours and hours just to see a screening. Crazy!

On top of that craziness, just as the movie was about to begin, they started throwing spider-man t-shirts into the audience and giving away posters. No, I didn’t snag either. *sad face*.

We saw the movie in 3D IMAX, which made this entire movie viewing experience even better. It had been awhile since I’d been to an IMAX and the 3D picture and sound quality were stunning.

*This review is for parents who are trying to decide if they want to take their kids to see this movie or not. We hope this helps you in your decision making process.*

To start off my review, let me just say that yes, this is a retelling of sorts of the 2002 Spider-Man film story. But don’t let that scare you. Although, if you can’t get over the fact that it’s telling the same story, you probably won’t enjoy the movie. But those of you who don’t care, get ready for one great Spider-Man movie.

The Amazing Spider-Man Synopsis

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

–

*SPOILERS*

What I liked about the movie:

The technology is much more superior compared to the 2002 version
The picture quality, action scenes and special effects were phenomenal
The acting is better. Casting Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone was a brilliant choice
I enjoyed where the story began with Peter Parker as a child, discovering his dad’s office had been broken into. His parents rush him to his aunt and uncle’s house, leave after telling Peter to ‘be good’ and they’re never heard from again
The chemistry between Garfield and Stone was definitely real, given the fact they’re dating in real life. Although I didn’t know that until after I saw the movie.

What I didn’t like:

It seemed to take a while to really get to the meat of the story. The first 30 minutes to an hour might be a little boring for kids who are just there for some Spidey action
I didn’t enjoy the scene where Peter Parker discovers his Spider-Man abilities. It was on a subway and was a tad bit goofy. He rips off a woman’s shirt with his sticky hands. Really?
All of Sally Field’s (who plays Peter Parker’s aunt) scenes were of her worrying about something. She was a fretting mess, but I still love her anyway.

What parents need to be aware of:

There is a lot of violence, from fighting scenes with a bully to the expected super hero voilence
There is one scene on the subway where Spider-Man rips off a woman’s shirt and she’s in a bright pink bra
There’s obviously romance and some kissing – nothing too bad
There is blood from some action scenes
The movie is intense, edge of your seat action
The film is PG-13 and may be too much for younger kids