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The Amazing Spider-Man
Movie

The Amazing Spider-Man

2012 • Action, Sci-Fi

Woke Score
2
out of 10

Plot

Peter Parker (Garfield) is an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Overall Series Review

The film centers on the classic superhero journey of a white male protagonist, Peter Parker, who learns the central moral lesson of responsibility after a personal tragedy. The narrative focuses on universal themes of grief, self-discovery, and the choice between selfishness and altruism. Peter is an outcast judged by his character and his decision to rise to heroism, aligning with the principle of meritocracy. The villain is a sympathetic scientist who falls due to his own hubris and eagerness to surpass human limits through technology, not because of a corrupt Western system. The family structure of Aunt May and Uncle Ben is portrayed as a source of steadfast moral guidance and self-sacrificial love. The film introduces a notable 'Girl Boss' element through the character of Gwen Stacy, who is depicted as highly competent, scientifically brilliant, and an independent force who actively challenges the male lead's protective impulses. However, this element is balanced by the main focus remaining on the male hero's moral journey and the traditional, supportive role of Aunt May. Overt sexual or gender ideology is absent, and the core conflict rests upon a clear distinction between good and evil, responsibility and selfishness, with no anti-religious messaging.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics2/10

The movie follows the story of Peter Parker, a traditionally cast white male hero, whose central conflict is personal and moral. The narrative is driven by Peter's struggle to embrace responsibility after a selfish failure, emphasizing character and universal morality over race or identity politics. The film judges characters by their actions and intentions, not by immutable characteristics.

Oikophobia1/10

The film shows gratitude for institutions, particularly the nuclear family unit of Aunt May and Uncle Ben, who provide a moral compass and a shield against chaos. Uncle Ben's sacrifice serves as the ultimate moral catalyst for the hero. There is no deconstruction or demonization of Western heritage or culture; the setting of New York City is presented as the society the hero must protect.

Feminism6/10

Gwen Stacy is intentionally written as a 'more feminist' lead who is academically superior to Peter and actively participates in saving the city, even creating the cure for the villain's affliction. She is highly capable and independent, directly defying Peter's attempts to sideline her for her own protection by asserting, 'Nobody makes my decisions for me.' Aunt May, however, is presented as a pillar of protective, traditional motherhood, which tempers the pure 'Girl Boss' dynamic.

LGBTQ+1/10

The movie focuses on the traditional heterosexual courtship between Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy. There is no presence of alternative sexualities or gender ideology being centered, promoted, or used to deconstruct the nuclear family structure.

Anti-Theism1/10

The core message of 'with great power comes great responsibility' presents a clear, transcendent moral law. The protagonist is on a personal quest for redemption after his selfish act leads to tragedy. The themes of sacrifice, virtue, and good versus evil are central to the narrative, and there is no hostility or antagonism directed toward traditional religion.