Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare sequels that's even better than the original—and Into the Spider-Verse won an Oscar. The animation alone is worth the watch; it's genuinely groundbreaking and will inspire kids to pick up a pencil or tablet.

But let's be real: this is INTENSE. It's 140 minutes of sustained action, emotional weight, and a protagonist being hunted by hundreds of heroes. The themes are sophisticated—questioning authority, wrestling with determinism, choosing your own path even when everyone says you're wrong. Miles' journey is powerful, but younger kids may struggle with the moral complexity and the very dark places the story goes.

The cliffhanger ending is brutal. Like, Empire Strikes Back level of 'wait, THAT'S where we're stopping?' Your kid will immediately want to watch Part 2, which doesn't exist yet.

For families with kids 10+, this is spectacular—entertaining, thought-provoking, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant. Just prep them for the cliffhanger and maybe have a conversation ready about those heavy canon event themes. It's not just a superhero movie; it's a meditation on free will wrapped in the most gorgeous animation you've ever seen.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-17. The intense action, frightening moments, and complex themes about fate and sacrifice make this too much for most kids under 9. Teens will appreciate the philosophical depth and stunning artistry, though even 17-year-olds who loved Into the Spider-Verse will be all-in.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Strong themes of family bonds, responsibility, and standing up for what's right even when it's difficult. Miles' relationship with his parents is central and emotionally healthy. The film models determination and moral courage. However, there's significant interpersonal conflict and tension between heroes, plus some darker emotional moments around sacrifice and loss that may be heavy for younger viewers. Pacing is intense throughout the 140-minute runtime.

Imaginative

96

Absolutely stunning visual creativity with multiple distinct animation styles representing different universes. The multiverse concept invites expansive thinking about infinite possibilities. Groundbreaking animation techniques that push boundaries of the medium. The Spider Society introduces dozens of creative character designs. The film celebrates artistic expression and thinking outside established rules. This is peak imaginative filmmaking.

Safe

72

Typical superhero action violence—punching, web-slinging combat, explosions—but no gore or graphic content. The Spot villain can be visually unsettling with his body horror aesthetic. Intense chase sequences and some genuinely scary moments when the Spider Society turns against Miles. Thematic weight around canon events (people dying as 'necessary') could be disturbing. No sexual content or inappropriate language. This is a PG-13 Marvel movie that earns its rating with sustained intensity and some frightening imagery, but nothing shocking or inappropriate for the superhero genre.

Enriching

85

Explores complex themes: destiny vs. free will, questioning authority, the cost of heroism, and whether some tragedies are 'necessary.' Miles' journey challenges determinism and champions individual agency. Strong representation with Afro-Latino protagonist and diverse Spider-People. Thoughtful examination of what it means to be a hero when the 'rules' conflict with your values. The parent-teen relationship dynamics are nuanced and realistic. Highly entertaining while offering genuine philosophical depth about choice, sacrifice, and breaking cycles.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely revolutionary animation that'll make kids (and adults) want to create art—every frame is a masterpiece with distinct visual styles
Miles' relationship with his parents is genuinely moving and models healthy family communication, even through conflict
Tackles big philosophical questions about choice vs. destiny in ways that respect young viewers' intelligence
Outstanding representation with an Afro-Latino hero whose cultural identity is integral, not tokenized
Shows that being a hero sometimes means questioning authority and thinking for yourself, even when everyone says you're wrong

⚠

What to Watch For

This is PART ONE—it ends on a massive cliffhanger that will leave younger kids frustrated and anxious until Part 2
Sustained intensity for 140 minutes; the pacing rarely lets up and some chase sequences are genuinely frightening
The Spot villain has a body-horror aesthetic (holes through his body) that can be unsettling
Heavy themes about 'canon events' (people having to die) and sacrifice that require emotional maturity to process
Miles is hunted by hundreds of Spider-People, which subverts the 'heroes are always good' expectation in intense ways

Conversation Starters

"If you could choose between saving one person you love or following a rule that everyone says is necessary, what would you do?"
"Miles decides to trust his own judgment even when all the other Spider-People disagree. When is it okay to break rules?"
"The movie shows lots of different animation styles for different universes. Which universe looked the coolest to you?"
"Miles' parents don't know he's Spider-Man and he keeps lying to them. Should he tell them the truth?"
"The Spot starts as kind of a joke villain but becomes really dangerous. Have you ever underestimated someone?"

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