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Cover of Spider-Man Strikes Back

film

Spider-Man Strikes Back

1978

At the New York State University, one of Peter Parker's tutors has accidentally given three students all the materials they need to create an atomic bomb. While Peter Parker tries to find out what's happened, the police suspect him of the crime, and Peter has to deal with an attractive journalist determined to get an interview with Spider-Man. Then dastardly millionaire Mr. White shows up, and will stop at nothing to get his hands on the atomic bomb. Spider-Man must defeat this scheming villain and stop him blowing up the World Trade Centre.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Superhero action includes fights, kidnapping, radiation poisoning, a suicide attempt, threats to detonate a nuclear bomb, and characters in serious peril, but violence is generally non-graphic and the film is aimed at a family audience. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Standard superhero intellectual property, no overt commercial advertising.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The threat of death is present (suicide attempt, bomb threat), but no main characters die.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No gore or blood is depicted.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

The available passages report no profanity. Based on the family-oriented 1970s TV-movie context, any language is likely mild and infrequent.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Minor romantic undertones with the journalist character Gale Hoffman.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

A suicide attempt, kidnapping, radioactive danger, a bomb threat, and a hero apparently falling from a twelve-story building create sustained peril.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant substance use depicted.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Spider-Man fights henchmen, escapes arrest and kidnapping, and confronts a dangerous villain; action is heightened superhero peril rather than graphic realism.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Spider-Man faces armed henchmen, arrest, kidnapping, a dangerous fall, and a bomb threat while working to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages interest in science and creative problem-solving regarding traps and gadgets.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The available information indicates limited representation of varied backgrounds, abilities, and identities; no well-developed diverse representation is identified.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The plot raises accessible questions about nuclear power, radiation, dangerous experimentation, and the consequences of weaponizing science.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on saving lives and helping others in distress.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports rescuing people, responsible science, opposing terrorism, protecting communities, and preventing catastrophic misuse of weapons.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Spider-Man acts courageously to rescue a distressed person, protect the public, expose wrongdoing, and stop a bomb plot.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Spider-Man Strikes Back would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Spider-Man Strikes Back, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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