Spider-Man: No Way Home - 2021

Movie Info
Rating: PG-13
Age-appropriateness: moderate sci-fi action, some language and violence
Overview: With Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
Themes: superheroes, identity, death/grieving, friendship, optimism, teamwork, sin nature, fate, redemption, legacy, selflessness
The Quick 3
Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.
1. Identity. Do you ever get nervous that people will figure out who you really are? Do you think your life would be ruined if people knew your true identity?
When Mysterio revealed Spider-Man’s identity, Peter says his life was ruined. When people knew who he really was, Peter felt like everything got really messy. Your identity is the truest, deepest part of who we are.
Check out this article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Identity.
2. Sin nature. When do you feel like your destructive, sinful side comes out? In what ways does sin control your life?
Norman Osborn explained that there was another side to him. It was an evil, destructive side that sometimes took control of him. Norman considered it his “darker half”. We all have a sinful side of ourselves that makes us feel like we are out of control and that we do things that we know are wrong. Romans 6:12 says, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.”
3. Redemption. Has someone ever given you a second chance? Did you realize that God offers a second chance to anyone, no matter what they’ve done?
Peter Parker tries to redeem all of the villains, including Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Electro, and more. While Doctor Strange was willing to let them die, Peter wanted to give them a second chance. God loves everyone and is willing to forgive anyone’s sins in order to give them a second chance and a “new life”. Isaiah 44:22 says, “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
After The Movie Discussion Guide
Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.
1. Check out this article on the Strengths and weaknesses of all of the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2. When Mysterio revealed Spider-Man’s identity, Peter says his life was ruined. When people knew who he really was, Peter felt like everything got really messy. Your identity is the truest, deepest part of who we are. Do you ever get nervous that people will figure out who you really are? Do you think your life would be ruined if people knew your true identity?
Check out this article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Their Identity.
3. Peter Parker tries to redeem all of the villains, including Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Electro, and more. While Doctor Strange was willing to let them die, Peter wanted to give them a second chance. God loves everyone and is willing to forgive anyone’s sins in order to give them a second chance and a “new life”. Isaiah 44:22 says, “I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Has someone ever given you a second chance? Did you realize that God offers a second chance to anyone, no matter what they’ve done?
4. Norman Osborn explained that there was another side to him. It was an evil, destructive side that sometimes took control of him. Norman considered it his “darker half”. We all have a sinful side of ourselves that makes us feel like we are out of control and that we do things that we know are wrong. Romans 6:12 says, “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.” When do you feel like your destructive, sinful side comes out? In what ways does sin control your life?
5. The two Peter Parkers from other universes explain how, when bad things happened to them, they became full of rage and anger. They sought revenge and it took them to a dark place. They tell Peter that revenge and rage didn’t make things better. After Aunt May dies, Peter wants to get revenge and kill the man that was responsible. 1 Peter 3:9 says, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” When was a time you were full of rage and wanted to get revenge on someone for hurting you? Why do you think the Bible tells us to not repay evil for evil?
6. People wrongly believe that Spider-Man is a bad guy and that he killed Mysterio. The news told lies about Peter and many people believe what they heard. They mistreat and insult Peter, questioning his integrity. Do you ever feel like other people believe lies told about you? Why is that so hurtful?
Here's an article on How to Talk to Your Kids About Bullying.
7. MJ said, “if you expect disappointment, you’ll never be disappointed.” She is protecting herself, choosing to not get her hopes up in case bad things happen. She’s not very optimistic. Optimism is having a positive attitude and seeing opportunities for good. Do you like MJ’s outlook? How optimistic would you describe yourself?
Minute By Minute Guide
Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.
:10 Peter and MJ talk on the phone. Peter shares what he loves most about MJ. He also says that his life only feels “normal” when he’s with her. When do you feel most “normal”? What are the things you love most about your closest friend?
:17 When Peter returns to school, all eyes are on him. Other students are staring at and judging him. Meanwhile, colleges unfairly denied Peter and his friends because they are associated with Spider-Man. Have you ever felt like people judged you or treated you unfairly because of something you did? What happened?
:25 Doctor Strange casts a spell that will make everyone forget the true identity of Spider-Man. Do you ever wish that people would forget things about you? Do you ever wish you could live two different lives?
:38 Peter, MJ, and Ned work together in the undercroft. MJ encourages Peter to work as a team, thinking that they can accomplish more together than they can accomplish alone. What’s the best team you’ve ever been on? Why do you think more can be accomplished when you’re on a team?
:53 Sandman explains how Norman Osborn, Doc Ock, and the others that they already died. In real life, only God has the ability to bring people back to life. John 11:25 says, “Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” What does this verse teach you about God? What does it teach you about humans?
1:00 The Lizard tells Peter, “when you try to fix people, there are always consequences.” Have you ever tried to fix someone else? What were the results?
1:11 The Green Goblin convinces Electro and Sandman that their powers are not curses, but they are “gifts”. He calls himself a “god”, saying that “gods don’t have to choose. We take.” Galatians 6:3 warns against people thinking they are more important than they really are. It says, “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Do you ever wrongfully consider yourself to be better than you really are? Do you ever confuse your sin to be a “gift”?
1:21 Aunt May tells Peter that “with great power must also come great responsibility.” Shortly thereafter, she dies due to her injuries. What do you think she means with this final piece of advice she gives to Peter? What do you think Peter is feeling in this moment?
Here's an article on How to Talk to Your Kids About Death/Grieving.
1:29 MJ and Ned meet new Peter Parkers. They both ask if the other Peter Parker has a safe place where he can get away from everything. A quiet place where he can process his emotions and to be in distracted. Where is your safe place that you go when you are experiencing deep emotions? How do you process your feelings in that environment?
1:42 The three Peter Parkers relate to one another and get to know each other better. Who are some of your closest friends? What do you have in common, and what makes you different?
1:52 One by one, the villains are healed and cured. God has the ability to heal every broken part of us. Jeremiah 30:17a says, “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,” says the Lord.” What are the broken parts of you that you would like to see God healed? How would your life be different if you had that cure?
1:59 Peter 2 prevents Peter 1 from killing the Green Goblin. When he has another chance, Peter 1 chooses to heal the Green Goblin instead of destroying him. Are you surprised by the actions of the Peters here? Would you have done something different?
2:07 Peter sacrifices himself in order to save the world, allowing everyone to forget who he really is. He prevents more villains from invading earth by allowing everyone he loves to forget that he ever existed. Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us, giving up His life so that we would all be saved. Only because of Jesus, we can have new life and can be with God forever. Why do you think Jesus would sacrifice Himself for you? Knowing that your life is saved, only because of Jesus, what is your response to that amazing news?
2:12 Peter and Happy chat at Aunt May’s grave. Happy says, “It hurts because they’re gone and then it hurts all over because of all they stood for - you wonder, is all of that gone, too?” Have you ever wondered this about someone who died? How can “all that they stood for” live on?