r/Spiderman • u/SHERlockedNloaded • 1d ago
Why Tom Holland Is My Favorite Spider-Man Movies
I grew up on Andrew's Spider-Man and I absolutely loved him. I remember watching his first film and immediately pretending to be a webslinging hero afterwards on the monkey bars. So obviously I was genuinely distraught when I learned that they were doing another Spider-Man reboot and replacing him.
And then I watched Spider-Man: Homecoming, and I immediately changed my mind. I LOVE Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man, but there was always this disconnect because he didn't really feel like a teenager to me--especially when I actually became one.
I grew up alongside Tom Holland's Peter, and I understood him because he was more relatable to me. Nowadays we have a world of resources at our fingertips, and I think it would be plain stupid not to explore that in this universe. So all the "Iron Man Jr." stuff is ridiculous to me. I like that they explore new suits and all that tech, because they do remind us, "Hey, yeah these are really flashy and cool. But they aren't what make Spider-Man." Like that's one of the central themes in the first film; "If you're nothing without this suit, then you shouldn't have it."
Spider-Man was originally self-made. Tom made a sweet first Spidey suit and webs and was out on his own before Tony recruited him. Then he got the new suit, got a taste of being an avenger, and wanted to join. Who wouldn't? Those are his HEROES. He grew up idolizing them. And then he learns that maybe his place is with the little guy (I do wish we got more of Tom and New York interacting. I personally don't love the Tobey Maguire films, but his relationship with the citizens of New York was one of my favorite aspects of it). Anyway, he learns he doesn't need the suit or Stark's help.
In FFH, he thinks that because his mentor died, there needs to be a replacement. The responsibility (which is a huge aspect of Spider-Man's character) threatens to strangle him because how on Earth can he be like his idol? He barely even knew the guy. He finds a new Idol in Mysterio (kids are taught to trust their elders and role models) and is betrayed (adults aren't perfect and can hurt you). Peter learns to trust himself (seen with the learned Spidey-sense) and his intuition instead of what people say and what he sees. He learns to trust himself and be himself as well.
And then his identity gets exposed. Poor Peter; kid just can't catch a break.
Suddenly, his family and friends are being hurt just because they know him. Their opportunities are being withheld, people are throwing rocks through his window, etc etc. Peter goes to Dr. Strange for help (the, like, one superhero mentor he has left) because what's wrong with asking for help? Kids are supposed to have a support system--too bad the universe has it out for Peter. The spell is botched (which btw, why the heck did Dr. Strange not completely debrief Peter on the entire spell and its consequences, etc.? Though I will say, I think Peter should've just kept his mouth shut and retold Aunt May & Co.), bringing in villains, some of whom are going to die. Peter is hesitant because he doesn't think it's his responsibility, but Aunt May convinces him otherwise. At first I was like, "Shut UP Aunt May. They're villains and they honestly kind of deserved it. Their deaths were their fault." But these aren't the Joker (who should definitely be put down, because he's irredeemable). They have actual factors that are making them the way they are and second chances are important. So they try to make cures, things fall apart, and Aunt May and Peter pay the price. After all, "No good deed goes unpunished."
Peter wants to give up the responsibility. He just lost the last living relative, a fifth parent (if you consider Tony a near parent, and if Uncle Ben was an actual person in this universe). But the other Peters, who have suffered too, who have lived different but similar lives and have advice and help to give, step in to help cure their villains because they get a second chance too. Tobey's Peter gets to save Doc Ock and Sandman (and plays a big help in saving Green Goblin), and Andrew gets to save MJ like he couldn't save Gwen, and also save his respective villains (though he did help Curtis Conners already, he played a big part in Electro's fate).
And Peter pays for his small act of selfishness regarding the spell by having the only people he has left in his support system completely forget who he is. They've helped him, supported him, loved him--and they've all been hurt by him. Just because they know him.
So he decides the best course of action is to be totally independent. Everyone who helps him gets hurt. So no more. He's completely on his own, with no support, no records (as far as we can tell), and an entirely clean slate.
A second chance.
You can see the "Never give up" theme shine clearly in the end of the last film. Peter's lost everything. But he still has that glimmer of hope in his eyes when he's looking at his new shoddy apartment. He makes his own suit using the sewing machine from May, combining the suits from the other two Peter's.
We started out with a high school kid given powers in a world where superheroes are prevalent and have been for a while. We skip past the origin story because we already had it twice, why do it again? ((Though eventually, I would really like to know how it was, since there's no Oscorp and there's no actual confirmation that Uncle Ben existed, other than the suitcase in FFH that has his initials)). Peter's youth is excellently explored, and now he's at a spot where the Spider-Man we're more familiar with--the one with more experience, quips, loneliness, independence, and badassery. Plus, now he has a perfectly good reason to withhold his identity (if they choose to go down that route), since he learned that everyone who knows him gets hurt. Though maybe the next lesson in the 4th movie--if there is one--will be that letting people in is important and we don't have always control over bad things that happen.
Anyway, those are my (somewhat jumbled) thoughts on Tom Holland's Spider-Man, and why he's ultimately my favorite in live action.
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u/mixtapetyun 1d ago
what’s with the comments downvoting OP just stated he liked Tom’s spidey just like how one can make posts liking tobey’s or Andrew’s etc.. 😭 but agreed with everything you said
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u/usernamalreadytaken0 1d ago
I appreciate your analysis on who often seems like a more underrated character in the MCU, but is nonetheless also one of my favorites.
Take the upvote.
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u/renan_alvim_ 1d ago
I was in highschool when his first movie came out and I really liked it. But I can't stand FFH. It's nice people like you see some value in it. I personally wish they went through a very different route.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
Oh no, I 100% understand that. That's definitely my least favorite of his trilogy.
I get secondhand embarrassment really easily, so that movie gets to me a lot of the time. But I ultimately can find a lot of good things they did with it. Mysterio was a very fun villain choice and I loved the effects, the way they toyed with the audience. I knew Mysterio was bad going in, but with all the multiverse talk, I almost fell for his act too. He was very charming and Peter was in so much stress and once again didn't really want the responsibility so he handed it off to someone else he thought he could trust.
A lot of people kind of hate on him for that, but why would he have any reason to suspect that Mysterio is bad? Nick Fury and Maria Hill (or actually the Skrulls, but Peter doesn't know that) trust him, so why shouldn't Peter? Not to mention the fact that Fury keeps saying that he's not really fit and blah blah blah. I understand a lot of his actions, even if they make me cringe because of how often things go wrong.
I think it's really cool that a lot of the themes in that film center around trust. Peter doesn't trust in himself or his senses, so he trusts others. It's never failed him before. Then it fails him, horrifically, and he has to learn how to trust in his abilities (Spidey-sense) and intelligence (making his suit--even if it is using stark's tech).
I'm not sure what route I would take for the film. All I know is that I wish that we could get to see more of Tom's Spider-Man in New York. They seemed to avoid the cool city swings in Homecoming because it's done so often in Maguire's and Garfield's, and I enjoyed seeing that play out. I guess we do get one at the end of FFH, and the beginning and end of NWH, but there's not much else that really screams Spider-Man in New York. This Spider-Man for being the "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man" does seem to move around a lot. Heck, he even went to SPACE. And Germany. And Europe for the trip. Virginia.
But I'm hoping that as (or if) they continue with Tom's films, they'll stick to him being a New York defender (though that's pretty unlikely, as they'll probably have Spider-Man play a big role in the Young Avengers or whatever. He's the only staple character they have left in Marvel, so they'll probably milk him for all he's worth).
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u/renan_alvim_ 1d ago
Mysterio was a very fun villain choice and I loved the effects, the way they toyed with the audience
Me too, honestly Mysterio is the best part of the movie.
I'm not sure what route I would take for the film.
Three things I would change with this movie to make it much better is 1) much less SHIELD, if possible even get rid of it and focus more on the school people and their lil drama. 2) Aunt May not being treated as a joke. 3) Get rid of the heavy Stark related part of the plot (this one is harder because the core of the movie relies on it)
He's the only staple character they have left in Marvel
Fantastic 4 and the X-Men are coming, hopefully this will help to ground the character again.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
Yeah, I didn't love the SHIELD aspects of the film, but I guess they're trying to address how that was affected by the snap/blip. But I think they used it as a way to make us believe in Mysterio too because Nick Fury is pretty famously known for being paranoid so if he gives his stamp of approval, why shouldn't we?
I do agree with the Aunt May thing, though I think they did a pretty good job at making her a great mother figure even with all the comedic choices. She works to raise money for those displaced by the blip, messes with Peter fondly, and makes sure he's prepared by packing his suit for him even as she acknowledges that he does need the vacation. She's subtly reinforcing that he still has responsibility to help others.
As for your 3rd change, I disagree. I understand how people may use it to reinforce the "Iron Man Jr." thing, but I think it would be an odd choice to not acknowledge it this heavily, when the reason that Endgame even happened in the first place was because Tony wanted to bring Peter back. Also to go from Homecoming to Far From Home and not have Peter very obviously grieving from the loss of his mentor figure an they're also addressing, "Well, who IS going to be the next Iron Man?" Tony was Peter's mentor, made him an Avenger, and the other Avengers aren't as close to Iron Man and aren't going to be him. I think it's a great choice for Peter to feel like it's his responsibility to step in as Tony, but he doesn't want to because he's scared he'll fail. That way, the moral is being/trusting in himself; being his own hero, not Tony Stark's legacy.
I would LOVE to see Spider-Man interacting with the Fantastic Four.
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u/Alleggsander 1d ago
While I disagree with you, it’s really cool to hear a story about how Andrew Spidey made some kid become a fan.
I don’t really like his movies, but despite that, it makes me happy to hear that a generation of kids became fans because of them.
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u/Blue_Beetle_IV 1d ago
I just can't stand his goddamn voice.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
Aw, really? I love his voice.
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u/Blue_Beetle_IV 1d ago
I hate it and it absolutely ruins the movies for me lol. I'm not the biggest fan of his acting in general, but the voice he puts on for Peter makes me want to jump in front of a train.
I also think the main issue with the movies is how worthless the supporting cast is. We go three movies with Peter in highschool and like, none of them have any lasting presence outside of MJ and Ned. Aunt May had like 30 minutes of screentime the entire trilogy and her relationship with Happy wasn't going anywhere either.
When Peter lost everyone in his life I honestly felt like nothing changed. None of them mattered anyway.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
I think his voice is fun and I especially love how squeaky it is in Homecoming. I like the vibe he portrays when he's acting as Peter.
I understand that. I do think they could've toned down the comedic vibes they were going for at times and showed the deeper aspects of the supporting characters. But you can see the May's character/care for Peter sprinkled throughout the films, like when she tells him to trust his instincts, encourages him to have fun at Liz's party, calls him on his BS after the ferry incident, and later helps him get ready for homecoming. Then raises money for those displaced by the snap/blip and works for the Salvation Army, packs Peter's suit for him as a subtle reminder that he still has a responsibility just in case something happens in Europe (though that's not directly said, that's just how I interpreted it). Then in NWH obviously she works for FEAST and drives in their moral responsibility to help those in need. I don't love the Happy/May relationship either, though. It felt kind of random (also she should be with me).
I disagree. He lost his whole support system. Everyone. He loved them and they loved him, and even if they sometimes got in the way or messed up, they were enough. Now they're gone. It gets me every time.
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u/sorryitslexi Spider-Man (TASM) 1d ago
Tom is fantastic. he nails the nerdy awkwardness of Peter and the quirky quipping comedy of Spider-Man. he's also arguably overcome the most odds out of all 3 Spider-Men. Andrew will always be my favorite, but I'm happy I live in a time where Tom Holland is Spider-Man.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
Ugh I love that last sentence so much.
And I 100% agree that he's overcome the most odds. He's been through a LOT in only his boyhood. I mean, losing his parents, then his uncle (if that happened in this universe), then freaking DIED for 5 years, only to come back to his mentor/almost father figure's death. Then his aunt, and then everyone else who ever knew him. Parker luck in this universe is no joke.
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u/sorryitslexi Spider-Man (TASM) 1d ago
aww thank you:) they do say I have a way with words, haha
you're so right, though, because, like with all of that in mind, he's easily the Spider-Man I feel the most sympathy for. Spider-Man is a character that's supposed to have some of the shittiest luck imaginable - and don't get me wrong, Maguire and Garfield have that shitty Parker luck as well, but one of the things that makes Tom the most comic accurate is the fact that he literally just CANNOT get a win no matter what he tries. yeah, he stops the bad guys, but at what cost, y'know? like you said, he lost everything in the end anyway.
what makes you feel even worse for him is when you remember that he's literally a young child and he's going through all this shit. the MCU definitely made Spider-Man great again.
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u/JOGRANNY04 1d ago
I'll be honest Tobey (imo) had the best Peter Parker, Andrew had the best Spider-Man and Tom was like a healthy mix of both
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u/Based-Prime 1d ago
If I had a million dollars every time I’ve heard this…then I would have millions of dollars
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago edited 1d ago
I can see that. Personally I had a really hard time watching the Tobey Maguire films because I found them corny but I can see why people like his Peter (I did buy all 8 Spider-Man films for a Spideython so I'll give him another chance, though). Andrew's Spidey is hilarious and the perfect amount of quippy.
I hope that we can see more of Tom's Spidey. I liked his quips in the first film, but I feel like they kind of had Spider-Man step back in favor of Peter (if that makes sense).
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u/GreatParker_ 1d ago
No hate towards you, but I hate this statement lol. Everyone says it and it’s inaccurate
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
I think it's kind of odd to call an opinion inaccurate, but I do dislike the statement as well--strictly because it's somewhat overused.
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u/Alleggsander 1d ago
But a Jack-of-all trades is still master of none.
I will always prefer Tobey because the Peter Parker aspect is what really sells Spider-Man. A quippy dude in a suit isn’t what is relatable, it’s the dude behind the mask that we fall in love with.
Until I see Andrew/Tom arguing with his landlord over rent or rushing into a burning building with no powers, Tobey will always be #1 in my heart.
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u/Akeno_DxD Spider-Man (TASM2) 1d ago
Tom Holland should never be anyone's favorite Spider-Man. Just terrible.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
Wow, what an insightful comment! I'll be sure to disregard it completely.
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u/wave-tree 1d ago
TLDR Iron Boy
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 1d ago
TLDR = automatically your opinion doesn't matter because you didn't even listen.
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u/Present-Dog-2641 6h ago
Answer: Because you are retarded... oh, what you said? "It wasn't a question"?... well... Then i missed the part where that's my problem.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 5h ago
bro what 💀
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u/Present-Dog-2641 5h ago
I disagree with you.
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u/SHERlockedNloaded 5h ago
I can see that. But I don’t rly see why I should care when you’re being a bit bratty about it. You can have a different opinion and that’s okay. No need to put mine down because you have a different one.
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u/BlackbirdKos 1d ago
I missed the part where that's my problem