Amazing Spider-Man, The

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Entertainment: +4

Content: +2

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans. Action/adventure/fantasy. Directed by Marc Webb.

FILM SYNOPSIS: This new take on the Spider-Man comic character has Peter Parker’s super-powers discovery taking place in high school. Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father's former partner. These wacky scientists, they always inject themselves with a serum that’s meant to help mankind, but never does. Instead, it unleashes some grizzly fiend.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Andrew Garfield isn’t a buffed-up Thor-like superhero. In fact, he’s kind of nerdy looking. At first, that was kind of off-putting. I prefer my superheroes to be confident, not awkward. But I have to tell you, once I got into the story, I became immersed in his characterization. The kid can act. Of course, it helps to be surrounded by the proven talents of Sally Field (as his aunt), Martin Sheen (as the uncle) and Emma Stone as his girl, Gwen.

If you’re going to see one film about a spider-guy, this is the one (so far). In IMAX and 3D, with a satisfying script that pays homage to Stan Lee’s comic book creation, plus a depth of character and all the trappings of this genre done to perfection, well, it makes for a fun movie-going adventure. It has humor, tenderness, life lessons (don’t be a bully, don’t seek revenge, use your abilities for others) and of course, lots and lots of cool combat.

Warning: while the film avoids most crudity or obscenity, there is a near constant barrage of thunderous combat in the Third Act between Spidy and a guy who has morphed into a giant talking lizard with attitude. But if you just can’t get enough of comic book heroes being thrown through every conceivable surface, well, as I said, this is the one to see. Oh, and there’s an added scene after the ending credits.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment

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: I've been corrected: there are a couple of minor crudities, but generally the film avoids crude talk.

Obscene Language: None

Profanity: None

Violence: Lots and lots of comic book violence, combined with the surround-sound loudness and the inescapable gigantic screen; Peter’s beloved uncle gets shot in the stomach and dies. Some blood.

Sex: True love develops between Gwen and Peter, but no sexual situations other than a few tender kisses.

Nudity: None

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: None

Drugs: Only the kind that turns you into a giant talking lizard with attitude.

Other: The tumult and death of parental figures, plus the scary visual of a man turning into a giant talking lizard with attitude is unsuitable for little kids.

Running Time: 136 minutes
Intended Audience: Teens and Up

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