Spiderman 3 - Catholic Lessons
Over the weekend, I took my family to watch Spiderman 3. There was a lot of excitement for my 5 year old son, who had been in anticipation for the movie since the trailer began appearing in Yahoo more about 6 months ago. I must say that the movie had several Christian themed lessons to impart and we were discussing some of the lessons during dinner last night. Here are the lessons we learnt from the characters.
- Peter Parker - a person who lives a simple life and is faithful to one woman whom he wishes to marry. He is always fighting evil and doing good. He is seduced by the aura of invincibility brought on by the need for revenge. Eventually he returns to his good self. Forgives Flint Marko joyfully, although Marko doesn’t ask for forgiveness.
- Mary Jane Watson - a woman who loves only one man and feels ashamed and guilty when she allows herself to be seduced inadvertently by her friend. She remains loyal to Peter Parker. Definitely something that is sorely lacking nowadays when we tend to be easily tempted to conclude a relationship when there are problems.
- Gwen Stacy - enamored by Peter Parker’s intelligence. Sensible girl who knows she’s a pawn in Parker’s game to hurt MJ and walks out on Parker.
- Aunt May - disappointed that Spiderman had killed Sandman and not enthused by Parker’s excitement that uncle Ben’s killer has been killed. She understood that one death cannot rectify another’s. Parker learns from this and eventually turns over a new leaf.
- Flint Marko- good hearted man who took the wrong turn in life. Shows remorse for killing uncle Ben and seeks understanding (not forgiveness) from Parker.
- Harry Osborn - seeks to avenge his father’s death by killing Peter Parker. Eventually finds it in his heart to love Parker once again.
One issue that the movie doesn’t remedy is Sandman’s continued life of crime in order to save his daughter’s life. A child watching this movie will require guidance from adults that the means to justify an end is important and that a method that’s wrong cannot justify the end, even if it’s a life being saved.
Although several critics have given the movie a below par rating, we found it a thrill.
May 18th, 2007 at 19:26
Why would you take a 5 year old to a film with this much violence and messages that need to be explained as the film is rolling? During Spiderman II, I was horrified to see little children in the theatre. Let children be children and save thid for when they are older and you can watch it together and really enjoy the message and talk about it on a more adult level. I have a 17 year old and we have enjoyed many films this way.
Respectfully
August 13th, 2007 at 13:20
I have to say, that I could not agree with you in 100% regarding an 3 - Catholic Lessons at The Roman Catholic, but it’s just my opinion, which could be wrong