Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Spider-Man 2

also known as “Spider-Man 2: The IMAX Experience,” “Spider-Man 2.1” (recut version), “El hombre araña 2,” See more »
MPA Rating: PG-13-Rating (MPA) for stylized violence and action.
Moral Rating: Better than Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Teens Adults
Genre: Superhero Sci-Fi Action Adventure Romance
Length: 2 hr. 7 min.
Year of Release: 2004
USA Release: June 30, 2004 (wide)
Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony)
Relevant Issues
Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony)

Obsession—being overally obsessed

Self-sacrifice

Humility versus pride

TRUE LOVE—What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer

Teen Qs™—Christian Answers for teenagers
Teens! Have questions? Find answers in our popular TeenQs section. Get answers to your questions about life, dating and much more.
Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony) Copyright, Columbia Pictures (Sony)
Featuring Tobey MaguireSpider-Man / Peter Parker
Kirsten DunstMary Jane Watson
James FrancoHarry Osborn
Alfred MolinaDoc Ock / Dr. Otto Octavius
J.K. SimmonsJ. Jonah Jameson
Willem DafoeGreen Goblin / Norman Osborn
Elizabeth BanksMiss Brant
Rosemary Harris … May Parker
Cliff RobertsonBen Parker
Bruce CampbellSnooty Usher
Ted Raimi … Hoffman
See all »
Director Sam Raimi
Producer Avi Arad
Lorne Orleans
See all »
Distributor
Distributor: Columbia Pictures. Trademark logo.
Columbia Pictures
, a division of Sony Pictures

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “In Spider-Man 2, the latest installment in the blockbuster Spider-Man® series, based on the classic Marvel Comics hero, Tobey Maguire returns as the mild-mannered Peter Parker, who is juggling the delicate balance of his dual life as a college student and a superhuman crime fighter.

The entertaining adventure escalates and Spider-Man’s life becomes even more complicated when he confronts a new nemesis, the brilliant Otto Octavius, (Alfred Molina) who has been reincarnated as the maniacal and multi-tentacled “Doc Ock.”

To continue the review of the story line, this installment of what promises to be a multi-movie sequel sequence (stories range from three to six total installments), this is a much darker version of Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire). We see and feel the rolling thunder of anguish as Peter continues to struggle with his calling (being a hero that others look up to) and his own selfish desires (marry MJ, be a regular guy). For those that read the comic book, this movie compresses a couple of decade’s worth of “what’s happened to Spidey” into the script.

This movie is a more intense than the previous (a word of caution to those with young children). I attended with my 14 year-old, commenting to him that we were going to hear some crying of frightened children before the end—we were not disappointed. To be blunt, while the action is not bloody (the franchise is cared for well in this film, too), but the intensity level is something to consider with those under the age of 12.

There are a few language problems (two h*ll, one a** by my count, nothing in the profane category), two kissing scenes (one bland, one passionate). There are no drugs or references to same, no revealing costumes, no blood, nothing out of wedlock, etc. For Hollywood this is about as wholesome as an action movie can get.

While the first movie offered a glimpse of God (i.e., Aunt Mae saying the Lord’s Prayer at the dinner table, while the Green Goblin bears down on her), this movie does less in that regard. There is a scene where Aunt Mae kindly thanks an angel (don’t want to spoil any more than that), but when offered the opportunity to counsel Peter Parker, the encouragement is about how we all have a hero inside of us, helping us to do what is right. Obviously, in different hands, this scene could have been a wonderful testimony for Christ.

We see the intense struggle that Peter Parker is going through in this film. The secular reviews talk about how this movie is rife with character development, and they are dead right. Before too long, you begin to ache for Peter as he continues to see what he is missing by heeding his calling. Eventually, this pain breaks the man, causing him to chase what he wants, and not what he has been called to do (we see this same scenario in a number of stories in the Bible, such as Jonah heading the wrong direction from God and ending up as lunch for a whale).

As with those stories, Peter eventually sees that his calling is in fact who he is. This realization leads to a resurgence in his committeemen and offers a stirring climax.

Spiderman has always been an everyman superhero, the one most attainable to the common man. His struggle with purpose and direction, his passionate (but never realized) love interest, his conflict at wanting a thing but being called to another are all very real struggles that people deal with. It is no wonder this character continues to lead the charts in all things superhero.

I found myself with actual, physical manifestations of Peter Parker’s pain—my shoulders were tight, my stomach in a knot, pleading for a break for this guy—a long road indeed.

This is a much stronger effort than the first movie. It is obvious that those making this film knew the special effects that were so forceful in the first film were not going to carry the day solo this time out. The script is rich with character development, with explanations and furthering from the first film, as well as setting up the next. Be assured that this offering from Hollywood is as good as the summer movie fare is going to get, which is a go-see blockbuster.

Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Mild—For G*d’s sakes (1), h*ll (3), cr*p (2), a** (1) / Sex/Nudity: Mild

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—Didn’t anybody pick up the Christian metaphors and allegory in this film? How about when Spider/Peter saves the train of people. The pose he was in when he saved the train… the abuse he was taking by the people he was trying to save at that moment and the awe and comments about the people when he did save them and was knocked unconscious. Also the messages of sacrifice, following your calling in life, responsibility, duty, and becoming an example for others. This movie was as Christian as it gets people.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Tyler Orden, age 30
Positive—I thought this film was one of the best I have ever seen. It had everything in it; adventure, humor, romance, and a story that touched all of the emotions. The action scenes were not too intense, but I still feel this film will be too much for children under 10. The ending was very satisfying, and the film has prepared us already for the next installment. This was definitely in my top 10 films of all time.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Dave, age 46
Positive—I took my 7 year old son (who is a huge Spider-Man fan!) and my 12 year old cousin to see this film. It was excellent. I was not offended at all by the movie… It is filled with action and very good special effects. It also has a very gripping storyline.You really find yourself rooting for the characters. I will definitely purchase this one when it comes on DVD. My son sat glued to the screen the whole time! The violence is not gory and is able to be tolerated by a child. I heard the little ones squealing and ohing and ahhing. Definitely take the kids if they are into it.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Michelle Emma, age 30
Positive—This is the best movie I have seen in years and one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever seen in my life. I actually cried at the end of it. It tells the strong message that it is not what we have but what we do with it and that it’s not super powers that make a hero but choosing to do the right thing and help your fellow human even when to look the other way is easier.

See this movie. No matter who you are, see this. This is about as good as it gets.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Jeremy Hopkins, age 31
Positive—I can sum up this movie in one word: “Amazing.” I was a big fan of Spider-man when it came out a few years ago, and looked forward to this next installment. After the excitement and high morals of the first film, my hopes were high for the second, and yet they simply were not high enough. I was completely blown away by Spider-man 2. All of the elements that made the first film good, the story, the action, the morality, and the depth of character are all fully present in the second and in many cases they exceed the first film.

The theme of selflessness and responsibility that was central to the first film is fleshed out even more in the second as Peter Parker considers leaving behind his alter-ego in order to live a life that *he* wants to live, a question that mirrors our choice as Christians of either bearing our cross for Christ, or living life for ourselves.

The violence would probably be frightening to younger children, but I would highly recommend the film for all other audiences.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Christopher Ables, age 22
Positive—My family and I really enjoyed this movie. It was much better than the first one. I agree with the other reviewers that it was funny, touching, and had satisfying conclusions to most of the plotlines. There were no offensive scenes. The special effects were great and the script writing was excellent. This was the best movie I have seen in a long time.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Louis, age 43
Positive—I LOVED this movie so much more than the first one. I do have one comment for the people who complain about Aunt May’s “Hero in all of us” comment. As Christians, don’t we have the Holy Spirit residing inside each and every one of us? Doesn’t the Holy Spirit work through us? We do have a hero in all of us—the Holy Spirit!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Pete in Buffalo, age 25
Positive—I took my wife and a couple of students from my youth group to see this movie. If I had to do it over again I would have taken our whole group. This movie was GREAT! Good story, funny, lots of action, and great CGI work. There are a few scary scenes, so be careful bringing your younger children with you! But a movie this clean, and this well done doesn’t come around very often. Be sure to support this movie!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Jon McCann, age 26
Positive—…great entertainment movie for Christian moviegoer. But, again, the emphasis on the emotional depth of character development is what makes it great entertainment. What I like the most in this movie is actually the veil of deception of who Peter Parker is as Spiderman is lifted. It is not a masked man without emotion anymore, but we can see and identify with who Spiderman is. I love it. As a secular movie goes, this one, I truly love it. Can’t wait to get the DVD.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Chisso Dinata, age 29
Positive—Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is having it rough, most everyone around him is having doubts about him. He’s late for everything, loses jobs, his grades are slipping, and he still can’t love Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) all because he lives a double life as Spider-Man. Meanwhile Dr. Otto Octavius’ (Alfred Molina) fusion projects are being funded by Harry Osborn (James Franco) who has inherited his father’s company. There is an explosion in the lab, which has fused four mechanical arms to Octavius’ back, and he is dubbed “Doctor Octopus,” who will become a formidable foe for the web-slinger.

The orginal cast shines as before, and the addition of Molina serves the film well along with great action and practically zero profanity. “Spider-Man 2” gets a thumbs up!
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Christopher, age 21
Positive—Fun movie: lots of action but also much more character development than the last one. Comic book fans WILL find that the movie really pushes a few events so that the plotlines developed in the 80s and 90s (Harry Osburn’s and Mary Jane’s relations with Peter) are reflected in the film. The villain of “Doc Ock” is wonderfully portrayed by the actor (Morina ?) and, although the mechanical tentacles are menacing, this villain isn’t as scary as Norman Osburn/Green Goblin was in the first film.

Concerns: Aunt May uses a “mild” curse word once and (no surprise, perhaps) Mary Jane’s outfit gets wet and certain anatomical features are quite obvious again (although to the director’s credit (or flaw) she clothes become dry with amazing quickness instead of lasting through several shots).

Overall, a great movie; much of what the first reviewer said is very accurate. I would follow the movie’s rating and be cautious of what age group child I took to the movie.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
B. Bullock, age 33
Positive—Look in the air, on the Web, at your local movie theatre. It’s Spiderman 2. Once again Peter Parker gets in uniform and tries to do good for mankind. Though Peter is in need of time management classes and good decision abilities, he teaches us to use our God-given gifts, to do good when we have the power to do so—to actually save people who need help. Of course, we know how to do that, with the power of Jesus living inside us. Great movie. Great laughs. Great special effects, and a fun time with Spidey. Good versus evil. With Jesus working in us, the true hero shall win.
My Ratings: [Good/4½]
RockinRon, age 41
Positive—There are some reviewers out there who would decry this film because it’s not enough of an “action flick.” I strongly disagree with them. After seeing this movie, I was wonderfully surprised at how in-depth and well-written an action movie can be. The action is very well tempered with plot and character development. By the end, you feel for every character, even the bad guy(s).

The reviewers are correct in saying this is a darker film than the first. The action, while not bloody, is still quite intense. For those taking younger children, beware the hospital scene early on in the movie. This had a number of younger children gasping, crying, etc. This particular scene plays out more like a horror film.

All in all, this film deals with priorities; what’s important to each character. It also deals with personal demons. Everyone in this movie is carrying baggage of some kind. By the end of the movie, some have conquered it, others have been conquered. This would have made for a great Christian story, but they did miss the mark there. Other than that, it’s a great Summer film to watch.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Kevin, age 34
Positive—“Spider-Man 2” was one of the best summer 2004 movies. The movie glorifies repentance, self-sacrifice, and honesty. For the most part, good is called good, and evil is called evil. Mary Jane does leave her fiancé at the altar, but at least she did NOT enter a loveless marriage and go through a divorce. A mayor corrects someone calling his wife a girlfriend, though this is the only subject matter mentioned, so I cannot state anymore than what has been said.

If sexual immorality was the case, it only lasts 5 seconds or so. The violence is “Light vs. dark” for the most part, but Spiderman’s main goal is to convince Dr. Octupus to repent of his egomaniacal scheme, which Spider-man succeeds in, and Octavius sacrifices his life to save New York City. Overall, very good movie.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Good / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Peter, age 22 (USA)
Positive—If I had gone to see a Christian film, I would have been upset if God wasn’t mentioned. But I didn’t go to the theater to see a Christian film; I went to see a Hollywood film. For a Hollywood film, I was truly impressed! There was no blood, although there were deaths the deaths were not necessarily shown (the most dramatic was to see a man’s hand go limp), there was not sex—basically everything that we’ve been decrying Hollywood for have been toned down dramatically. I believe we should commend the producers for this!

As for Peter’s aunt, I was gladdened by her giving thanks to an angel of God saving her life. At least this is the impression I got—God gave her an angel to save her, and she gave thanks. Her “Hero” speech to Peter was very fitting to the theme of the movie, and the last I checked the call to sacrifice was a very Biblical theme. I was not offended at all, but rather was gladdened for the return of a modern movie to distinguish right from wrong, heroism from cowardice, and the call to lay down your life for your friends (OK, not stated as such, but it’s the same message if you think about it). I say two thumbs up and thank-you Hollywood for your efforts at returning goodness and standards to the entertainment industry!
My Ratings: [Good/4½]
Deanna Marquart, age 33
Positive—Spiderman 2 is officially the best movie of the summer. After the incredible success of the first Spiderman, it would have been rather simple for the men in suits to slap together 90 minutes of recycled Hollywood fluff and still made another $500 million easy. Thankfully, Spiderman and Co. took the high road and gave us rare occurance, a sequel better than the original. Anyone can find something wrong with every single movie and so obviously there are going to be people angered by this movie for some little thing, but that is exactly what it will be, little. I can’t remembered a single offensive thing about this movie, all I remember is enjoying myself throughout the entire thing.

I am very pleased to have great summer blockbusters that are not filled with sex and language and bloody violence. This is a movie franchise that I hope continues for a long time and never lowers its standards. GO SPIDERMAN!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Andrew Michels, age 20
Positive—This movie is NOT for small children. Given that caveat, it is a very good film. The characters have depth,and must make choices in a complicated world. The action and effects were outstanding. Even more, there was a morality generally lacking in action films. The importance of doing what is right, even if it means giving up what self wants most was a major theme woven throughout. The extreme damage selfishness can cause was also a point found in the film. Additionally, Peter comes clean and makes a confession to Aunt May that was costly to him to admit. Truth always comes out eventually, and it is always better when an individual who has done wrong comes clean and admits it.

Some viewers have commented on the “New Agey” hero speech given by Aunt May. In the context of the film she was making a specific point to Peter. It seemed to me that she knew his secret identity, and was giving him the go-ahead to be a hero regardless of great personal cost to them both. Coming from modern Hollywood, this was a surprisingly good film.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Laura, age 35
Positive—EXCELLENT. I literally laughed and cried. There is clearly a higher power present in Spider-Man’s life, and he is seen in what appears to be prayer a few times in this movie. There are some very intense scenes and some bystanders are killed, so I would not recommend this movie for very young children, and parents should talk about the violence after with those who do see it. All in all, the best movie I’ve seen all year.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Kat, age 18
Positive—I only gave it 4½ stars because the CGI was awful at times. I like to compare it to the first one where the swinging was realistic at times and the fire scene in the first movie was about as artful as any movie can get. Aside from my hatred of CGI overuse I can say this is the BEST comic adaptation ever and one of the greatest movies I’ve seen in years. Alfred Molina is the villain ever. The movie was a bit slow for the first hour, but it’s all setup for the 2nd half which is just action. Great movie, saw it twice, go see it.
My Ratings: [Good/4½]
Jeremy, age 20
Positive—I Saw the first Spider-man movie. This one is better. I grew up with Spider-man.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Thomas Dickensheets, age 43
Positive—Beautiful film! Our sons (10 and 13) attended this movie with us. Imagine! A movie ALL of us can watch. The storyline is one that any average teenager can relate to. It teaches responsibility and how to use our God-given talents. It teaches character and duty and loyalty and honor and persistence…

My only complaint (with my local theatre anyway), is the commercials they ran before the movie. They included a provocative Close Up toothpaste commercial where the actors were disrobing for an intimate encounter, and a TrimSpa commercial with airhead Anna Nicole Smith. Parents, we need to voice our concern on this, too!
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Debbie Stockdale, age 44
Neutral
Neutral—My wife will tell you, I am about as big a Spider-Man fan as you can get without crossing the line into idolatry… one of my first comic book subscriptions as a child was for Amazing Spider-Man, and I have identified with the Peter Parker character since childhood. There is no question that this movie far outdoes the first one, which focused so much on exposition that it lacked a lot of the depth and feeling of this sequel. Even the special effects were 100% better: much more “comic-book,” more “Spidey,” than the first, while still visually stunning by ANY standard!

Essentially, even though I’d like to give it a higher rating based on all its other merits, the reason I have to give this movie an “average” is my agreement with the above review on the scene with Aunt May discussing “the hero in all of us.” Given the HUGE audience this film is sure to attract, IMAGINE the good that could have been done by Aunt May’s telling Peter how leaning on God has helped her deal with being attacked not once, but TWICE by maniacal super-villains. What Aunt May says instead is far too New-Agey, far too secular, far too humanist to even be consistent with the woman of prayer we saw in the first movie. We might even go so far as to assume that, due to these traumas, she’s given up on praying to God; instead embracing the feel-good “hero-inside-us-all.”See all »
My Ratings: [Average/5]
Brian C. Stone, age 27
Neutral—Stilted language, great visual effects. Story line tended to be a little off. By some of the reviews I was expecting a much better movie. Disappointed.
My Ratings: [Good/3]
Stan Edington
Comments from young people
Positive—I can’t decide whether to give this movie a four and a half or five. It was awesome! I thought it was better than the first Spider-man. The character of Peter Parker was really well written. I really really wanted him to be happy. It had lots of laughs and good action. I would warn people with little kids because there are several pretty scary scenes. There are a couple cuss words, but nothing really bad. There’s one pretty passionate kiss. This movie was otherwise really clean. I think it’s the best movie of the summer so far!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Brittney, age 13
Positive—I just went to go see this movie yesterday with my dad, my brother, and his friend, and we all thought it was an awesome movie! It was well done, with nothing offensive that I could see (unless someone doesn’t like watching a little violence) It was much better than the first one, and the graphics were much better than the first, the fighting really cool, and you are on the edge of your seat the entire time. The ending was also awesome. I can’t wait to see the next one! Everyone should go see this movie!
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Sarah, age 17
Positive—This is one of the best films I’ve ever seen! Very clean, at least compared to most movies these days. Peter Parker’s conflict within himself is very intriguing and acted out well.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Christina, age 15
Positive—This movie was everything it was hyped up to be! It had everything… action, a good plot, romance. I would recommend this movie to any age as long as they can handle mild violence.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Eric, age 14
Positive—I can only say one word to sum up what I think of this movie, and it’s something that Mary Jane said in the first movie, “Wow.” There was not as much bad language as I expected, and M.J.’s costumes were not as revealing as in the first film. Spider Man 2 completely pulls the audience into the development of the characters and holds it for the full length of the movie. You feel for Peter as he struggles with his love for Mary Jane, remaining the hero everyone depends on, keeping up with college classes, and trying to defeat the villain.

From Mary Jane, we see that we usually have two choices in life: move on with our lives, OR, hold out for what we really want. We learn the need to forgive through Harry and Aunt May, for we can cause more harm than good if we do not.

…this film did not disappoint my expectations. It leaves you waiting anxiously for the conclusion due out in two years, yet gives you some closure. Just for the record, I saw this movie with my parents, and I was not embarrassed that I had brought them to see it (they really liked it, too)!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Carolyn Kimberly, age 18
Positive—WOW! If you’ve wondered where all those great “instant classic” films have gone-look no further than Spider-Man 2! Even better then the 1st, Spidey spins an excellent, compelling and deep web of greatness. There was only a few words of profanity (surprising indeed for a movie!!) and some of the girls’ clothes were a little revealing, but those were really the only objectionable things I saw. Again, WOW, this film has awesome special effects, a few tear-up moments, and, well, pretty much everything else! I love this film! One more word of warning though, there is intense violence, so the PG-13 rating is well deserved!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4]
Noelle, age 16
Positive—Spider-Man 2 was the best movie that I’ve seen since “The Return of the King.” The storyline is more intriguing than the first Spider-Man and the special FX are spectacular. As far as ungodly content goes, there is a fair amount of intense violence, but it’s not bloody or gory. The only “sexual” content was two open-mouthed kissing scenes that were dragged out for a little too long. Also, in keeping with Spiderman 1, MJ’s dress gets wet and torn up the side. There was very little language, maybe four mild profanities. All in all, I would recommend this movie to kids 8 and up depending on what they are allowed to see and what they can handle. I definitely got my money’s worth.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Krystal, age 15
Positive—I’ve seen this film twice so far and just wanted to let everybody know how GOOD it is—It’s rare that I go to a PG-13 movie and not be disgusted with some type of sexual content. The comment Aunt Mae makes may be not “Christian” enough for some, but I personally don’t the movie industry will ever put true Christianity in a summer blockbuster. This movie actually has a moral, and that’s good enough for me.

Definitely more violence, mostly the scene in the operating room. No blood/gore though. GREAT MOVIE!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Lindsey, age 17
Positive—Awesome, Awesome, Awesome! Best movie I’ve ever seen! Clean as well.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Ileana Ortiz, age 12
Positive—I really enjoyed this movie!!!… It is much better then the first and not as scary as the first one. One objection is one part in the movie that is VERY disgusting. The nice thing is Aunt Mae being a Christian and talking to Peter of how much of a hero he is. It had a great and happy ending. There were three cuss words but everything else is clean and awesome. I think 10 and up would be alright seeing it. GO SEE IT!!
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Carolyn, age 11
Positive—My family went to go see this movie the day after it came out. I was a little worried about it being scary, but it wasn’t scary at all. It had a great moral and wasn’t fully focused on a romance. There was one scene that was tear-jerkng. Everyone in my family loved it. I found nothing offensive about it and was very pleased that I went to see it.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Adison, age 15
Positive—This is literally a movie that leaves you speechless. If you want one of the best times in a long time… go see this movie with a friend. It’s funny and clean. Just GO SEE IT! This is such a fun movie.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Dave Demeusy, age 15
Positive—I have been looking forward to this movie since the first Spider-Man came out!! I wasn’t disappointed! I did hear three or four words, and the violence, though not gory, is too much for younger children. With all of the trash that is in theaters I was so glad that this was a movie I could see AND feel good about recommending!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Katie, age 16
Positive—…a fun film with a satisfying ending that promises to bring us more of the web slinging hero. There is a lot of romance, but all clean, the most being a kissing scene. Peter Parker struggles between the desire to have what he wants, and doing what is right…
My Ratings: [Good/4½]
Jon Burgess, age 15
Positive—I absolutely loved this movie. I wouldn’t really recommend this to younger kids who get scared a lot, because there are some jumpy scenes. There were NO cuss words, and there was no sexuality at all. This was much better than the first one. I would DEFINITELY recommend teens and/or adults to watch it. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat, and though being an action movie, it has tons of funny things about it. GREAT movie1!!! I would go see it again.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Emily Reynolds, age 15
Positive—I thought this movie was really good. I agree with the editor about not having some kind of christian thing in it like the first one with the Lord’s Prayer, but other than that I thought it was fairly clean. It wasn’t bad like a lot of movies out there. I really recommend this movie for teens and adults. I think kids can see it with adults, maybe.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Andrew, age 15
Negative—…never want to see it again. Too much of a romance. First one better.
My Ratings: [2]
matt, age 9
Positive—…a great movie, because it teaches children and adults about choices. For example, Spider Man was going to give up his true calling, but then he realized that people needed him. In conclusion, everybody will have the choice to keep or give up something, but always follow your heart.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Aaron Cotton, age 13
Positive—A great film, throws the first one out the window. Takes everything the first Spider-Man was, and adds something the first one was lacking-character development. While the younger audience (7-11) could fall in love with the first one, there’s little they will see in this one.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Dylan, age 13
Positive—This is such a great movie. Many were disappointed with the scene where Peter’s aunt gives him a speech, thinking that God should have been the main idea of her words. While God’s name would have made it so much more powerful, simply talking about heroes to inspire people kind of stuck to the whole comic book kind of theme. We need heroes. For many of us, our hero is Christ, but for a little boy, that hero might just be a guy like Spiderman. If children have great heroes as kids, they just might choose an even greater one, Christ, when they are older. I think that Tobey McGuire’s performance as Spiderman was very impressive. He does provide a moral hero who makes mistakes, but also tries to make the world a better place. This movie is great.
My Ratings: [Good/4½]
Mariette, age 14
PositiveTobey Maguire really proved his worth in “Spider-Man 2.” In the first one, I’d never expected him to be the right guy for Spidey, but he was definitely right for the job. Your adrenaline will be pumping! You’ll be on the edge of your seat! This an extremely excellent movie. The story is right-on! Spiderman/Peter Parker has to deal with the HUGE responsibilities and choices involving love, pain, death, and even his own identity (this meaning whether or not he should remain Spiderman to deal with the problems of reality that are pretty much “clawing” him in the mask).

There is a strong line between good and evil so the audience isn’t confused about who is really the good guys(or gals)and who is the bad guys(or gals). Generally, the movie contains no cussing and no sexual intimacy. The only main reason it’s rated PG-13 is because of the extreme butt-kicking action between Spiderman and Doc. Octavius. Personally,I liked Doc Ock because he’s a charming yet cool villain (enough to like him and yet hate him). The best part is when he basically repents in the end by overcoming his claws (which during the majority of the film overtook him because of the fusion explosion, thus making him insanely crazy) and sacrificing himself for the sake Peter Parker/Spiderman and his girlfriend, Mary Jane.

It’s an overall twenty on the scale of my individual opinion of which others have graciously decided to listen to.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Caroline, age 15
Positive—…a great story… I was worried that it would have another wet t-shirt scene but they kept this film very clean. The action and story have evolved from the original movie. All in all, I thought this was a great movie and recommend it for teenagers to adults.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
Matthew Merkel, age 15
Positive—One word “Excellent.” This movie beats the original by a long shot. The effects were awesome and very well done. Best movie of the summer if not the year. Take the family for this one unless younger kids would be scared of the violence.
My Ratings: [Excellent!/5]
David Hermann, age 14
Positive— “Spider-Man 2” is one of my fav movies. I loved the first one, and the second one was just as good. If you are thinking of a movie to rent get “Spider-Man 2”! Though really young children (2 to 7) might be a little frightened by it or if they are sensitive you might want to preview it before hand. If I could I would give it a 10 the same with the first one. …
My Ratings: Excellent! / 5
Adrianne, age 14

PLEASE share your observations and insights to be posted here.