Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Related: Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Much of what was said of the first Spider-Man movie applies here as well. This movie should be avoided because it involves and/or promotes profanity (at least 6 instances, including a profane oath), blasphemy (God's name is taken in vain at least 3 times), immodesty, infidelity, drunkenness, deceit, and necromancy. Since its hero and his allies practice sin, this movie conditions viewers to substitute evil for good and good for evil (Isa. 5:20) by praising evildoers who ought to be despised (Ps. 15:4; Pro. 28:4).

This movie presents Spider-Man as a hero, worthy of praise, admiration, and emulation. Aunt May does so explicitly:

Courageous, self-sacrificing people setting examples for all of us. Everybody loves a hero. People line up for them. Cheer them. Scream their names. And years later, they'll tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who taught them to hold on a second longer. I believe there's a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to die with pride. Even though sometimes we have to be steady, and give up the thing we want the most. Even our dreams. Spider-Man did that for Henry and he wonders where he's gone. He needs him.

Yet, the one so praised is selfish and self-seeking. When things don't go his way, he complains, "Am I not supposed to have what I want? What I need?" He's an unrepentant liar who carelessly makes and then breaks promises, a vigilante who defies authority, one who tries to manipulate and steal a man's fiancee, and who has no qualms about touching and kissing a woman to whom he is not married. Such are the traits of one whom the Bible condemns, and would have men despise and avoid; this film, however, teaches us to admire him, cheer him, and scream his name.

Violations of God's Law

Defiance against God

This movie violates the First Commandment.

• Necromancy: there are two instances of characters communicating with the dead. Peter's uncle Ben and Harry's father Norman both died in the first film, yet they appear in this film, offering guidance. These instances are not merely flashbacks, because both speak about things presently happening in the film. Uncle Ben tells Peter, "All the things you've been thinking about, Peter, make me sad." He encourages Peter to continue on as Spider-Man, repeating his clever line that Peter has adopted as his life motto: "You've been given a gift, Peter. With great power comes great responsibility. Take my hand, son." When Norman appears in a mirror, Harry says, "I thought you were [dead]"—interrupted by Norman: "No. I'm alive in you, Harry. Now it's your turn. You swore to make Spider-Man pay. Now make him pay. … I'm your father. … Be strong, Harry. Avenge me."
• This film esteems the Roman Catholic Church, which officially condemns the Protestant faith. The church Mary Jane is to be married in appears to be a Catholic Church, with a Catholic priest officiating the ceremony.
• At least three appeals to luck

Blasphemy and Profanity

This movie violates the Third Commandment. God has warned that he will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain (Ex. 20:7). God requires oaths to be sworn by his name (Deut. 6:13).

• Peter's aunt May takes God's name in vain at least 2 times
• A train conductor takes God's name in vain at least once
• Harry is urged by his dead father to make good on his profanely sworn oath to destroy Spider-Man
• Profane references: hell (3), among others

Disdain for Authority

This movie promotes violations of the Fifth Commandment. Those who despise government are likened to brute beasts who will be condemned (2Pe. 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10).

• Vigilantism: as a self-appointed masked vigilante, Spider-Man defies civil authority

Abuse, Violence, and Murder

This movie promotes violations of the Sixth Commandment. The Bible warns that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (1Co. 6:9-10).

• Harry is shown drinking to excess while coping with loss. "Might wanna take it easy, buddy," Peter tells him. Harry responds, "Why? It's a party. Wouldn't you be drinking if you lost a bundle on some crackpot who you thought was gonna take you with him to fame and fortune?" He appears drunk a little while later, when he angrily assaults Peter.

Immodesty and Sexual Immorality

This movie violates the Seventh Commandment. The Bible warns that those who do not repent of sexual immorality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1Co. 6:9-10), but will be judged by God (Heb. 13:4). We are commanded to "flee fornication" (1Co. 6:18).

• John (Daniel Gillies, unmarried) and Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst, unmarried) are repeatedly shown kissing
• Peter (Tobey Maguire, unmarried) and Mary Jane are shown kissing
• Spider-Man's love interest Mary Jane's nipples are seen through a thin, tight shirt with no bra
• Women are shown exposing breast cleavage, abdomen, thighs
• Spider-Man dons an immodest skin-tight costume, where he is gazed upon by lustful women (as the first film demonstrates). There's a scene in which he describes just how tight his costume is, saying, "It gets kind of itchy. And it rides up in the crotch a little bit too."
• Men are shown shirtless
• Peter's landlord runs out without pants, in his boxers, in a scene designed to provoke laughter

Deceit

This movie promotes violations of the Ninth Commandment. The Bible warns that all liars, whom God hates (Pro. 6:16-19; 12:22), shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8). Peter Parker continues to maintain his masquerade with a consistent pattern of lying, remaining an unabashed, unrepentant liar as he was depicted in the first film.

Sinful Content in Spider-Man 2

Warning! The following table contains direct quotations from the film, which include instances of blasphemy, profanity, and other vices.