Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is an animated superhero film that introduces Miles Morales, an Afro-Latino teenager who becomes the new Spider-Man after being bitten by a radioactive spider. He soon discovers a multiverse and teams up with various alternate-dimension Spider-People, including an older, jaded Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker, and Spider-Ham, to save all realities from the villainous Kingpin. The film is celebrated for its groundbreaking animation style, dynamic storytelling, and diverse cast of characters. It explores themes of identity, responsibility, family, and taking a leap of faith, making it a compelling narrative for a broad audience. While rated PG, it contains action violence and intense sequences typical of superhero adventures, balancing its thrilling moments with heartwarming emotional beats and a positive moral worldview.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe movie features frequent, cartoon-style action violence with heroes and villains engaging in physical confrontations, falls, and attacks using various methods. While generally lacking graphic blood or gore, there are impactful scenes involving character deaths, which can be intense.
Kingpin delivers a powerful blow to Peter Parker (the original Spider-Man of Miles's dimension), leading to his violent-but-bloodless death early in the film, a significant and intense event for Miles. Later, Miles's Uncle Aaron, who operates as the Prowler, is shot dead by Kingpin. This scene depicts a character on the brink of redemption being fatally shot by another.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains several intense and potentially frightening scenes, particularly for younger viewers. This includes loud noises, flashing lights, threatening villains, and the emotional weight of character deaths.
The character of Prowler, Miles's uncle, is depicted as a frightening antagonist during chase and attack sequences, often accompanied by loud and tense music, which could be disturbing for children aged 5-8 years. Kingpin is presented as a 'menacing, violent and monstrously large man,' whose imposing physical presence and actions, such as causing Peter Parker's death, contribute to the film's intense atmosphere and could be scary for young audiences.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile the film does not feature explicitly LGBTQ+ characters or relationships for its main protagonists, some interpretations suggest allegorical queer themes within Miles Morales's journey of self-discovery and embracing his 'otherness.' One source also subtly implies that Aunt May may have been married to a woman at one point, though this is not explicitly stated. Discussions around explicit transgender themes (e.g., 'Protect Trans Kids' posters) are associated with the sequel, 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,' and not the 2018 film.
The narrative arc of Miles Morales learning to embrace his unique identity and finding a community that accepts his 'otherness' has been interpreted as an allegory for the LGBTQA+ experience of coming out and finding solidarity. Additionally, there is a subtle, non-explicit implication that Aunt May may have been married to a woman at some point in her past, which is not elaborated upon in the film.
Profanity
MediumThe film contains mild language, consistent with its PG rating. While some parental reviews state no profanity was noted, the official MPAA rating includes 'mild language' as a content descriptor, indicating the presence of some non-strong curse words.
The MPAA rated the film PG for 'mild language,' suggesting the inclusion of some non-explicit curse words or exclamations that are common in PG-rated films. Although specific quotes are not widely cited in reviews, the overall tone of the dialogue is generally considered clean by some Christian reviewers, indicating that any mild language is infrequent and not central to the script.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film features instances of mild rebellion, primarily through Miles Morales's actions of sneaking out and his uncle's rebellious nature. These actions often lead to consequences or are part of a larger character arc about finding one's identity and purpose.
Miles Morales disobeys his father, Jefferson Davis, by sneaking out of his boarding school dorm at night to go graffiti painting with his Uncle Aaron. Miles's Uncle Aaron is portrayed as a rebellious figure who is looked down upon by Jefferson, Miles's father, due to his lifestyle choices and secret activities as the Prowler.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic content in the film is mild and limited. Miles Morales develops a crush on Gwen Stacy, but their relationship remains platonic, with Gwen rejecting his romantic advances. There is no explicit sexual content or suggestive imagery present.
Miles Morales shows clear romantic interest in Gwen Stacy, even attempting to flirt with her, but Gwen consistently maintains a platonic relationship, rejecting his advances throughout the film. Peter B. Parker is shown as being married to Mary Jane 'MJ' Watson in his original reality, a healthy and established adult relationship, without any explicit romantic or sexual scenes depicted.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe film does not contain any elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or supernatural spells. The concepts of alternate dimensions and superpowers are rooted in science fiction rather than occult themes.
The narrative relies on scientific concepts, such as a super collider opening portals to parallel universes, to explain the existence of multiple Spider-People and their powers, rather than any magical or occult means. There are no characters engaging in spellcasting, summoning, or any practices associated with witchcraft or the occult throughout the movie.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction of drug use, alcohol consumption, or smoking by characters in the film. Reviewers specifically noted an absence of such content.
Parent Previews explicitly stated 'None noted' for alcohol/drug use in their content review of 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'. No instances of characters consuming alcohol, smoking, or using illegal substances are shown or referenced throughout the movie.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain any anti-Christian themes. Instead, it is noted for promoting positive Christian and moral values such as sacrifice, forgiveness, family bonds, and the importance of doing the right thing. There are contextual references to Christian settings.
Movieguide highlights the film's 'very strong, pro-family Christian, moral worldview,' with themes promoting love, sacrifice, and doing the right thing. A scene is set near a church and a Christian cemetery, providing a respectful backdrop to character interactions without any derogatory implications.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 8+ with parental guidance for children under 13, due to animated action violence, some intense thematic elements including death, and mild language.
Additional Notes
The visual style, which mimics comic book aesthetics, can be very fast-paced with flashing lights and quick cuts, potentially overwhelming for very young or sensitive viewers. The film's themes of loss and dealing with grief, particularly around the deaths of Peter Parker and Uncle Aaron, are handled with emotional depth and may require discussion with children.
Related Reviews
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