The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2014

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spider-Man swings through an overstuffed sequel that ends with a genuinely sad gut-punch—probably not the Spidey movie you want to start with.

6.6/10

51%

6.5

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The Amazing Spider-Man 2

movie

PG-13, 2014

48%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Spider-Man swings through an overstuffed sequel that ends with a genuinely sad gut-punch—probably not the Spidey movie you want to start with.

6.6

51%

6.5

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6.6/10

51%

6.5

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing about The Amazing Spider-Man 2: it's kind of a mess. Too many villains, too many subplots, too long, and it killed off Gwen Stacy in a scene that still makes grown adults cry. If your kid is a Spider-Man completist, sure, they can watch it—but this isn't the fun, quippy Spidey experience most families are looking for.

The movie tries to do too much: Peter's parents' mystery, three different villains, high school graduation, romance drama, and oh yeah, superhero stuff. It's exhausting. And then it ends with genuine tragedy that's played for emotional weight, not comic book bounce-back.

If you're introducing Spider-Man to your kids, start literally anywhere else—the MCU Tom Holland films, Into the Spider-Verse, even the Tobey Maguire originals hold up better. This one's for older tweens and teens who can handle the emotional heaviness and won't get bored during the bloated middle hour. It's not unwatchable, but it's definitely skippable.

Age Fit

Best for kids 11+ who can handle a major character death and emotional complexity. The death scene and heavy themes make this a tough watch for younger Spider-Man fans who'd be better off with the MCU films or Into the Spider-Verse.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Peter Parker models responsibility and heroism, but the film is emotionally heavy with Gwen Stacy's death scene, parental abandonment themes, and Harry's transformation into a vengeful villain. The romance between Peter and Gwen shows genuine affection, but the darker emotional beats and multiple villain arcs create a more chaotic, less balanced tone than ideal for younger viewers.

Imaginative

Visually inventive web-slinging sequences and Electro's electric powers offer some creative spectacle, but the film is criticized for being overstuffed with plotlines (three villains, Peter's parents mystery, romance drama). It's more about consuming CGI action than inspiring creative thinking or exploration. The superhero premise has imaginative elements, but execution feels derivative and cluttered.

Safe

Standard superhero violence with fights, explosions, and destruction. The major safety concern is Gwen Stacy's sudden, traumatic death—she falls during a fight and dies in Peter's arms, which is emotionally intense and potentially upsetting for younger viewers. No gore or sexual content, but the death scene and themes of loss, abandonment, and revenge push this into territory that requires parental awareness. Typical PG-13 Marvel-style action otherwise.

Enriching

Touches on themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and dealing with loss, but the convoluted plot and focus on spectacle over substance limit meaningful takeaways. The film tries to explore grief and Peter's identity, but it's buried under too many subplots. Entertainment value is middling—at 141 minutes, it drags, and the TMDB rating of 6.5 suggests even audiences found it underwhelming. Not particularly memorable or thought-provoking.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Peter Parker models heroism and taking responsibility even when it's hard
The romance between Peter and Gwen is sweet and shows healthy communication about their relationship challenges
Visually impressive web-slinging action sequences that showcase Spider-Man's abilities
Tackles themes of loss, grief, and moving forward after tragedy (though heavy for younger kids)

⚠

What to Watch For

Gwen Stacy's death scene is sudden and emotionally intense—she falls and dies in Peter's arms, which can be traumatic for younger or sensitive viewers
Themes of parental abandonment and Peter uncovering dark family secrets may hit hard
At 141 minutes, it's long and drags with too many villains and subplots competing for attention
Generally considered one of the weaker Spider-Man films—kids may find it boring compared to more recent MCU entries

Conversation Starters

"What do you think about Peter's promise to stay away from Gwen? Was it fair for her dad to ask that?"
"How do you think Peter will deal with losing someone he loves? What helps people cope with grief?"
"Harry felt betrayed by Peter when he wouldn't help him. Have you ever felt like a friend let you down? How did you handle it?"
"Why do you think villains like Electro and Harry made the choices they did? Could things have gone differently?"

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The Amazing Spider-Man 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise