Super Heroes, Week 2 Worksheet

Here's a look at the worksheet for tomorrow night's lesson on "Spider-Man." Hope to see you all there!



Title: “Spider-Man” (2002)

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and Willem Dafoe

Synopsis: Spider-Man is largely regarded as the crown jewel in the cannon of Marvel Comic properties. The wily web-slinger made his way to the big screen in 2002 with a film directed by Sam Raimi and starring Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The film was a big hit, spawning two sequels in 2004 and 2007. Five years later, with Maguire and Raimi retired, Spider-Man got new cinematic life in “The Amazing Spider-Man” with Andrew Garfield in the lead role and Marc Webb directing. Once again Spider-Man made a boatload at the Box Office, proving that society still hasn’t gotten enough of Spider-Man stories. And there’s a reason for that — it’s a character, story and a principle that we can all relate with.

Peter Parker isn’t a born hero. He’s a high school student whose good at science, not that popular and harboring a crush on his neighbor. We can all relate to Peter. When he gets bitten by a science experiment gone wrong, it endows him with super powers, but he’s still the same geeky kid. Peter is forced to decide how to handle those powers and how to live his life. It is an inspiring story that sees the best of humanity, and as we go along for the ride we are invited to consider how we would respond in a similar circumstance. The popularity of the character has often been rooted in that relatable aspect — whether it be kids, teens, college age, young adults or mature adults. There is something familiar about the character, his challenges and the ethical choices he faces.

What’s fascinating about the film “Spider-Man” is the way Peter Parker faces these choices in our modern culture. The modern culture and all the pressure it puts on young people to make different choices is a major theme in the film, and one worth considering for all of us who have to deal with cultural pressure while trying to stay true to Biblical values.

Questions for Discussion:
1. In what ways do you identify with Peter Parker?

2. A key supposition in the film is “With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.” How is that true in our lives and our society?

3. The Green Goblin pressures Peter to choose between the sacrifice of being a hero and using his power to set his own path. How would you respond to that choice and why?