Spider-Man 2
MPAA Rating: PG-13
|
Entertainment: +4
|
Content: +2
|
|
|
|
|
Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) continues to thrill New Yorkers by thwarting criminals with his superhuman powers. But beneath the Spider-Man suit, nerdy Peter Parkers personal life is in shambles: his newspaper boss (J.K. Simmons) demands more photos of the mysterious Spider-Man; the bank is about to foreclose on the house of Peters beloved Aunt May (Rosemary Harris); his landlord is hounding him for past-due rent; and hes still too insecure to declare his love for Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). His best friend, Harry (James Franco), introduces Peter to Dr. Otto Octavius (Alfred Molina), an eccentric scientist who has invented a futuristic mechanical monster that attaches to his body. During a demonstration, a miscalculation results in the octopuslike mechanism taking control of the man, and a new villain emerges. The solid story, special effects, nonstop action, humor and heartfelt sympathy for Peters character make Spider-Man 2 an entertainment experience that leaves us hoping for Spider-Man 3.
Spider-Man never forgets his commitment to use his power for good, unlike his adversary, Dr. Octavius, whose energy-generating invention begins as a noble attempt to conserve natural resources. The movies clear definition of good and evil has no gray areas. The terrorizing monster may frighten children as it wreaks havoc, grabbing innocent bystanders and throwing them from buildings and generating electrical shocks that wreck trains. And there are other intense scenes, including one in a hospital operating room. Aunt May and Mary Jane, in the clutches of Dr. Octavius, dangle from tall buildings facing certain death until Spider-Man jumps onto the scene. The very action that offers viewers fun escapism may be difficult to watch for anyone still suffering from the 9-11 terrorist attack on New York City with intense images of destruction constantly flashing on the screen. With only a few foul words and no sexual content, Preview recommends Spider-Man 2 for teenagers and older and issues a warning for younger viewers concerning the comic-book violence and frightening scenes.
Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Columbia
|
Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: Few (2) times mild (hell 1); strong (ass 1)
Obscene Language: Few (2) times moderate (crap 2)
Profanity: None
Violence: Many times moderate (comic-book action violence throughout; futuristic mechanical monster attacks people and terrorizes public; heroic character knocked unconscious, faces danger in rescue attempts of victims and risks life in fire to rescue child; women kidnapped and dangled from high buildings; explosions and electrical shocks)
Sex: None
Nudity: None
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None
Drugs: None
Other: Importance of honesty in relationships and using intelligence for good, theme that we all need heroes and that theres a hero in all of us
Running Time: 128 minutes
Intended Audience: 12 and Older
Click HERE for a PRINTER-FRIENDLY version of this review.
|