Nemeres
Easy, miss. I've got you.
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2011
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Re: the TASM Peter vs SMH Peter, I think arguments are being taken too far to the extreme for the sake of the point at hand. I did strongly dislike both TASM films and TASM Pete's instances of stealing the ID and undoing his promise in the closing moments of the first film are certainly eyebrow-raising.
But regarding his handling of Flash and the car robber, I think excessive moralizing just gets in the way of appreciating drama and character dynamics. Flash was not a hands-off *****e who at least deserved respect. He was an aggressive a-hole who had bullied Peter mercilessly, face-punching included. Peter toys with him without ever stooping that low himself, but opting to apply some well-deserved humiliation. It's not necessarily commendable, but it IS relatable, which trumps it. It's hubris at play, and it's right at home in a Spidey origin story. You skimp on that, you miss the point of the story and opportunities for characterization and set-up. Under the guideline of that being horribly *****y, moments like these moment would be just as. I compare it to the Man of Steel handling of the truck driver, where Clark can't even bring himself to confront the guy on a personal non-superpowered level and chooses instead to eff up his truck when he's not looking. TASM Peter chooses to confront his bully one-on-one through psychology and personality, and the effect is better.
As for the car thief, it's lesson-teaching. I know my life would be ruined if I had my car stolen, so my level of empathy there ain't high. Peter's on a power trip. Which, again, is also Spider-Man-origin meat and potatoes. It's not supposed to be commendable, and it does help set up what's supposed to be a meaningful moment later on.
SMH Peter is a good boy. He's already sensible. He's way past his "Uncle Ben/not stopping the crook" learning curve. The two Peters are not operating in the same context, so why peg each as the "right" and "wrong" interpretation so resolutely. Both evoke stages seen in the comics, and the fact that those can be so far apart just reflects the inherent richness of the Spidey characterization.
I really liked Homecoming, btw.
But regarding his handling of Flash and the car robber, I think excessive moralizing just gets in the way of appreciating drama and character dynamics. Flash was not a hands-off *****e who at least deserved respect. He was an aggressive a-hole who had bullied Peter mercilessly, face-punching included. Peter toys with him without ever stooping that low himself, but opting to apply some well-deserved humiliation. It's not necessarily commendable, but it IS relatable, which trumps it. It's hubris at play, and it's right at home in a Spidey origin story. You skimp on that, you miss the point of the story and opportunities for characterization and set-up. Under the guideline of that being horribly *****y, moments like these moment would be just as. I compare it to the Man of Steel handling of the truck driver, where Clark can't even bring himself to confront the guy on a personal non-superpowered level and chooses instead to eff up his truck when he's not looking. TASM Peter chooses to confront his bully one-on-one through psychology and personality, and the effect is better.
As for the car thief, it's lesson-teaching. I know my life would be ruined if I had my car stolen, so my level of empathy there ain't high. Peter's on a power trip. Which, again, is also Spider-Man-origin meat and potatoes. It's not supposed to be commendable, and it does help set up what's supposed to be a meaningful moment later on.
SMH Peter is a good boy. He's already sensible. He's way past his "Uncle Ben/not stopping the crook" learning curve. The two Peters are not operating in the same context, so why peg each as the "right" and "wrong" interpretation so resolutely. Both evoke stages seen in the comics, and the fact that those can be so far apart just reflects the inherent richness of the Spidey characterization.
I really liked Homecoming, btw.