The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Discussion Guide

Parent/Teen Movie Night
This film can help trigger meaningful dialogue on doing the right thing, even when it is hard, and can also spark some philosophical discussions about meaning in life.

Questions:

1. Peter promised Gwen’s dad before he died in the last movie that he would leave Gwen alone. In this second movie, we see that Peter has broken his promise. Do you think he is right to break his promise? What does the Bible say about promises? (Read James 5:12.) 
2. Peter reaches out to his old friend, Harry, to show him love and support. Do you think he is doing the right thing—even though it costs him dearly later? (Read Proverbs 17:17.)
3. What motivates Peter to keep fighting in the end? What is his source of hope? Where do the people of New York look for hope? What is the Christian’s source of hope?
4. In her speech, Gwen says, “Time is luck.” What is your view of time or life? Think about the rest of Gwen’s speech. What sort of worldview does her speech promote? Does it give you hope? How does it compare to the Christian Worldview?

Answers:

1. We need to be careful about the promises we make, making sure that we mean “yes” when we say “yes” and mean “no” when we say “no.” According to the Bible, Peter is sinning by breaking his promise, and he obviously feels guilty about it—even though keeping the promise feels wrong to him too.
2. The Bible says that a true friend “loves at all times.” Even though it causes problems later, Peter does the right thing in reaching out to Harry. Sometimes “right decisions” don’t always bring about the results that we would like. 
3. Gwen’s speech motivates him and reminds him that he has to persevere even when life seems hopeless. Answers may vary, but the source of hope for both Peter and the people of New York seems to be Spider-Man. The Christian’s source of hope is Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-58).
4. The worldview of Gwen’s speech is somewhat existential, suggesting that every individual gives his own life meaning. While this gives viewers some hope, the hope is limited because it rests completely on us and what we do in life. After we die, there is nothing more to existence. In the Christian worldview, time is a gift from God, and God gives meaning to our lives. We cannot give ourselves meaning, but we can fulfill our purpose for existence by glorifying God. If we are Christians, we can continue glorifying him in heaven after we die.