Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the Spider-Man movie that finally gets the character right for a modern audience—Peter Parker is an actual teenager dealing with actual teenage problems, not just a superhero who happens to be young.

The film strikes a smart balance: enough action to satisfy Marvel fans, enough heart to make you care, and enough humor to keep things from getting too heavy. Tom Holland's performance is earnest and likable, and the decision to make this a smaller-scale story (no world-ending threat, just a guy trying to prove himself) gives it emotional weight the bigger MCU films sometimes lack.

Parents should know this is still a PG-13 superhero movie with all that entails—action violence, peril, some tense moments. The car scene where Vulture figures out Peter's identity is legitimately suspenseful and might be too intense for sensitive younger kids. But there's no gore, no sexual content beyond innocent crushes, and the overall message about responsibility and humility is genuinely positive.

At 133 minutes it's a bit long, but most kids 8+ who are into superheroes will stay engaged. It's aged well since 2017—still feels fresh and relevant, unlike some earlier Spider-Man iterations that now feel dated.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-15. Younger superhero fans can handle it with some parental guidance during tenser scenes, while teens will appreciate the high school authenticity and coming-of-age themes without feeling talked down to.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Peter Parker's high school life is front and center—navigating friendships, crushes, and the pressures of being a teenager while trying to prove himself. Tony Stark serves as a flawed but caring mentor. The film models perseverance, humility (Peter learns he doesn't need the fancy suit), and doing the right thing even when it's hard. Some teen romance awkwardness and typical superhero violence keep it from being perfect, but the emotional core is healthy and age-appropriate.

Imaginative

82

A fresh, grounded take on Spider-Man that reimagines the superhero origin story by skipping the spider bite and focusing on a teen learning the ropes. The Vulture's tech-scavenger backstory is creative, and the film's DIY hero vibe—Peter using homemade webshooters and working from his bedroom—invites kids to think inventively. The high school setting and Queens neighborhood feel authentic and spark curiosity about everyday heroism.

Safe

75

Standard Marvel action violence: punches, explosions, a building collapse, characters in peril. No blood or gore. One jump-scare moment when the Vulture figures out Peter's identity could be intense for younger viewers. No sexual content beyond innocent teen crushes and a few jokes. Some mild language (nothing worse than 'ass'). The ferry-splitting sequence is tense but resolved without graphic injury. Overall safe for the superhero genre, but younger or more sensitive kids might find certain scenes scary.

Enriching

76

Strong themes of responsibility, self-worth beyond external validation, and the consequences of trying to grow up too fast. Peter's arc—from wanting to be an Avenger to realizing he's most effective as a neighborhood hero—teaches humility and patience. The Vulture is a sympathetic villain with understandable motivations (economic hardship post-Avengers cleanup), offering nuance. Diverse cast and authentic Queens setting provide representation. Entertaining enough to hold attention while delivering meaningful character growth.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Finally, a superhero who actually goes to high school and acts like a teenager—complete with awkward crushes and detention
Strong mentorship dynamic with Tony Stark that explores earning respect vs. demanding it
The Vulture is one of Marvel's most relatable villains—a working-class dad trying to provide for his family
Diverse cast and Queens setting feel authentic and representative
Core message about being a 'friendly neighborhood' hero rather than chasing fame resonates across ages

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What to Watch For

The car ride/reveal scene where Vulture figures out Peter's identity is genuinely tense—might be scary for kids under 9
Ferry-splitting sequence has high stakes and people in danger (though no one dies on-screen)
Typical Marvel action violence: lots of punching, explosions, building collapse—nothing gory but still intense
Some mild language and teen party scenes (nothing inappropriate, just realistic high school stuff)

Conversation Starters

"Peter turns down being an Avenger at the end—why do you think he made that choice?"
"The Vulture isn't just 'evil'—he's trying to support his family. Does that make him more understandable?"
"How does Peter change between the beginning and end of the movie? What does he learn about being a hero?"
"If you had Spider-Man's powers, would you want to be a neighborhood hero or join a big team like the Avengers?"

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