Spider-Man

Spider-Man is rated PG-13:

After starring in films likeThe Cider House Rules and Pleasantville, Tobey Maguire takes a decidedly different role as the web-spinning superhero in Spider-Man. Donning form fitting tights and a face-concealing mask, he makes the streets of New York City a safer place to be while sloughing off bad press from local newspaper editor, J. Jonah Jameson (J.K. Simmons).

Peter Parker (Maguire), orphaned as a child, grows up in the care of his aunt and uncle (Rosemary Harris and Chris Robertson). But even their affection can't shield him from the taunting he takes as the high school nerd. Bullied on the bus and hassled in the hallways, he keeps a low profile until a class field trip where he is accidentally bitten by a genetically altered spider. Undergoing a strange metamorphosis, he acquires super strength, agility, and an ESP-like sense that warns him of impending danger -- all the advantages any disregarded geek could want.

But the fun of his newfound powers evaporates when his uncle is killed during a botched robbery that Parker inadvertently assisted. Coming to grips with the responsibility that accompanies his abilities, he adopts the persona of Spider-Man.

Keeping the secret from his friends, Harry (James Franco) and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), the arachnid hero rescues fire victims, stops thieves, and deals with crime. But he soon discovers he's not the only mutant in town. Harry's father (Willem Dafoe), involved in a scientific experiment gone wrong, unleashes the Green Goblin on the unsuspecting citizens and sets Spider-Man's senses a tingling.

A combination of computer wizardry, special effects, and Maguire's exercise-enhanced body makes for plenty of eye-candy appeal in this film. But the clashes between the daring do-gooder and the emerald-colored antagonist become increasingly graphic as the story is spun.

It's not long before Parker realizes that the life of a superhero is often lonely, filled with difficult choices, and frequently unappreciated. A role that parents might relate to when feeling arm-twisted between the film's violence factor and the mass appeal of the comic book champion who weaves a web with the twist of a wrist.

Studio: 2002 Columbia Pictures.

Peter Parker is the brunt of high school bullying. How does he react to the teasing when he discovers his spider skills? What reaction do the students have following the fight in the school hall? Were his actions justified? Did it change how he was treated?

Uncle Ben and Aunt May were concerned about the changes in Peter’s behavior. What did Uncle Ben mean when he cautioned Peter to be careful about the kind of man he became? How did Peter feel about the advice? How did it affect his decisions later? How do the adults in your life express concern for you, and how do you react?

Parents concerned about this live action version may want to check video rental shelves for the animated adventures of this super hero, such as Spider-Man: Spider Slayer. Other comic book heroes that have found fame on the big screen include Superman (1978) and X-Men (2000). Inspector Gadget (about a physically modified security guard) and the animated movie Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero also showcase superheroes of a sort, but have more content issues. Jumanji is an action-packed film for teens and adults about a board game that requires lots of human interaction.