SPIDER MAN HOMECOMING VID ESSAY

The transcription discusses the deeper meaning behind the movie Spider-Man Homecoming. It explores how the protagonist, Peter Parker, struggles with self-imposed expectations and the desire for validation. The movie contrasts Peter's misunderstanding of heroism with the mentorship of Tony Stark, who is portrayed as flawed and lacking responsibility. Peter's journey involves defying Tony's advice and making reckless decisions, all in an attempt to prove himself as a hero. The influence of Peter's best friend, Ned, further perpetuates the lie about his superhero identity. Ultimately, Peter learns that being a hero is about more than just action and spectacle; it's about courage, responsibility, and everyday commitments. Stories are not just entertainment, but serve as mirrors reflecting the deepest parts of our psyche. However, most action movies or blockbusters are looked at as mindless, turn-your-brain-off media. This is a rather common misconception, and while that seems to be the case recently, let's take a look back at one of the most compelling comic book films ever made, Spider-Man Homecoming. Yeah, it's a summer blockbuster, but it's also a story that parallels the journey within. To reconcile the person we are with the person we believe we should be, through the lens of Spider-Man. Peter Parker in this film is just a teenager caught in the web of self-imposed expectations, and the intoxicating allure of becoming an Avenger. Similar to how in high school, so many young people care about status. Status being how many followers a person has, the amount of people in their click, and it can just be simplified down to popularity. You form these false expectations that you try to live up to you, when being the best version of yourself, truly yourself, is enough. It creates this lie that prevents most from expressing their true self, only a facade that one puts on in order to impress, or fit in. This movie exemplifies this relatable inner conflict, featuring Peter Parker, the most relatable superhero, possibly of all time. As we dissect the layers of Peter's struggle, we'll study the broader theme of resilience, and how it contrasts defiance. His journey from Iron Boy Jr. to Spider-Man, if you will. At the beginning of the film, we see Peter Parker fully invested in this lie, that heroism is synonymous with the status of an Avenger. He's constantly on the lookout for his next mission, eager to prove his worth to Tony Stark. This is evident in the way he approaches his mundane daily routines with a sense of impatience, always itching for the next big break. His self-worth is intricately tied to his perceived value of the Avengers, and Peter is comfortable in this illusion, because it promises a shortcut to greatness. To him, saving cats or helping old ladies isn't enough. He needs to be recognized or do something important in order to reach true hero status. We all know that's not true, but Peter doesn't. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to be a hero, of what it means to be Spider-Man. He's ignorant. His actions are all innocent, but Peter's ignorant to the consequences that follow. The suit and the status it represents is not the source of Peter's heroism. It's merely just an amplification of the courage and moral fiber that he already possesses. Because of this, he defies what he's told to stick to the ground, and instead does the exact opposite of what everyone tells him, namely Tony Stark. Tony Stark plays the role of the mentor to Peter, or in the hero's journey, but he's just an asshole, at least in this movie, point-blank period. His opening car scene is the best example, treating the kid he recruited as an afterthought. He fails to tell Peter how to be responsible as a hero, besides a very vague explanation. Yeah, we the audience know Peter Parker, and who he should be, but what about Tony? As far as I'm concerned, there's no deeper connection between the two at this point. The only understanding he has of Peter is their little interaction in Civil War. Maybe I'm missing the point. Maybe it was to show there was a trust between them. Still, no matter how you slice it, Tony could have gone about this way better. You can justify it by him wanting Peter to learn on his own, or that Peter wouldn't listen to him anyway. But he at least could have explored what he meant by gray areas. While Peter's false idolization of Tony is mostly his own doing, it just makes it worse when you consider all of what happened in Civil War, and how Tony should feel the need to be more responsible in a situation like this. To be nice, I'll throw a bone at him. Tony, at the very least, warned Peter to leave the Vulture alone, showing the least bit of give-a-shit when Peter informs him of it. Yeah, he called the FBI on the theory, but considering the sheer connections this man has, the Vulture should have been packed up in a night. Instead, he deems it as below the Avengers pay grade. And while a funny joke, are you kidding me? Honestly, this line right here shows that Tony is indeed not the person Peter should idolize. Spider-Man is a hero that will intervene no matter the scale of the problem. That's just who he is, a man who does the right thing. Peter's defiance to Tony highlights his lack of responsibility as well. He's convinced that the grander the action, the more heroic it is, and in turn makes him ignore Iron Man's advice to stay local. Ironically, it's through this defiance that Peter believes he can prove himself, a blatant contradiction of what he's trying to accomplish, a paradox. It's as if the person he longs to be, needs to be, is in a constant battle with the person he should be. Frustrated after Happy disregards the ATM robbery and tells him to stay out of anything dangerous, Peter's defiance just grows, and he starts to actively disobey Tony. The suit becomes a mask, not just for Peter Parker, but for his insecurities and his need for validations. As Peter, he's an awkward timid teen who wears his emotions on his sleeve. As Spider-Man, he tries to appear funny, cool, and confident. This contrast signifies the difference between who he is versus who he wants to be. The film isn't afraid to show these insecurities too. Think back to the ATM battle where he poses as nonchalant and cool to appear confident, or that he thinks Liz has a crush on Spider-Man, not Peter Parker. Oddly enough, Liz literally says that she would love the man under the mask, even if he was seriously burned, because she knows he's a good person no matter what. Of course, Peter's oblivious, still believing Spider-Man as the better, more important version of himself, the persona he's desperate to embody full-time. From here, his disillusionment and defiance only leads to consecutive reckless decisions. Plus, Peter Parker's life is gradually taking more of a backseat, more so than it was before, when he was already abandoning his responsibilities for the Stark internship, which just equates to him using Spider-Man as an escape, not a responsibility. We get a quick glimpse, however, at what little sense of responsibility Peter does carry. While flawed, it's verbalized to the audience when Peter says Spider-Man isn't just a party trick. He knows that being a hero is more than that, but still has the wrong idea. It's further shown whenever he's constantly telling Ned that he just can't reveal himself. However, it's not because villains will find out who he is or that people he cares about will be in danger. It's because he's afraid the world will see Spider-Man to be this loser, nerdy kid. Maybe. I don't know. That's just an assumption. Speaking of Ned, he actually plays an impactful part in perpetuating Peter's lie about his superhero identity, though not intentionally. As Peter's best friend and the only one who knows his secret, Ned becomes an accomplice in keeping Spider-Man's true identity hidden. His excitement and insistence on being the guy in the chair inadvertently pressures Peter to engage in more superhero activities, further entrenching the lie. Ned's involvement adds a layer of normalcy to the deception, making it seem like a shared adventure rather than a solitary burden, which can make it harder for Peter to step away from the lie and embrace the full truth of his identity. It illustrates the line between ignorance and innocence, which I briefly mentioned applies to Peter as well. His innocence is shown through his genuine enthusiasm and awe for Peter's superhero life. He doesn't fully grasp the dangers and responsibilities that come with it. On the other hand, his ignorance is highlighted by his naivety, regarding the consequences of Peter's actions both as Spider-Man and in his personal life. Ned sees this as a game or a cool secret to share, not fully understanding the weight of the responsibility that Peter carries. However, he's more aware that Peter is of how irresponsible he is being. Ned argues against hacking the suit or ditching the Spanish quiz, backing up Tony that Peter is, in fact, just a kid. The psychological aspect of Peter's misunderstanding of a hero is deeply rooted in his desire for validation and recognition. He equates heroism with action and spectacle rather than courage and responsibility. For example, after being welcomed back to the Decathlon, Peter immediately abandons them. He knew the Vulture's crew were going to be in Maryland. His only motive for returning was to hunt them down. He disregards his classmates and Ned, yet again, to go be Spider-Man. Of course, it wasn't an intentional decision, but Peter knew the risk and only saw the Decathlon as a second priority. He'd rather chase down the Vulture, highlighting his misunderstanding of what it means to be responsible. He's so focused on proving himself as a hero that he overlooks the responsibilities he already has to his friends and teammates. It's a classic case of learning that being a hero isn't just about the big battles or traveling the world, but also about the small, everyday commitments. It sets up the conflict between his intentions and the consequences of his actions, which is a key part of his journey towards truly understanding responsibility. He's punished by failing, for the second time, to stop one of Vulture's heists, resulting in a well-deserved crisis with him trapped in a vault, unconscious. When he wakes, the audience is actually allowed some alone time with Peter, featuring Suit Lady, and a line of dialogue that essentially captures the lie Peter is comfortable with. When asked why he won't reveal his identity to Liz, it's not out of protecting her or a sense of responsibility, no. It's out of fear that revealing Spider-Man, the hero, the Avenger, is Peter Parker, the loser, the nobody. To him, the mask makes the man. Now there's the Washington, D.C. scene, and although this scene occurs in the middle of the film, it's not the structural midpoint of the story. The midpoint in storytelling doesn't always fall precisely in the center of the film. It's more about a significant turning point that shifts the narrative in a new direction. I've seen people go as far to say this sequence serves no purpose, so let's discuss. I think I've figured out the purpose, but feel free to correct me. It's subtle, but I'll explain. While not directly said or addressed, it's clear that Peter's actions are not out of defiance or to prove himself to Tony. It's his resilience and responsibility to right his wrongs. Yeah, sure, he has no other choice. What, was he going to let all of his friends die in an elevator? Still, with all odds against him, he manages to save everyone in a remarkable fashion. That's resilience. Peter Parker has a significant, albeit minor, victory. This increases his arrogance that what he did was the right thing when it was so clearly not. Okay, yeah, he did the right thing, but that's not what Peter takes away from this. Instead, it only boosts his image as a hero and garners some media attention, feeding into Peter's misguided view of what it means to be a hero. Rather focusing on the fact that what he did was important and saved lives, he's enthralled with the notoriety, craving the spotlight or validation that comes with being recognized as a superhero. The school even makes a big deal about it, rightfully so. It reinforces the lie that being a hero is about the grand gestures and public acclaim. The reality is that true heroism is often found in the quieter moments and the responsible use of power, not just in the moments that make the evening news. If Peter Parker's life was taking a back seat, now it's in the trunk. With all of this fame, his drive to become what he thinks is a hero just spikes, causing him to completely abandon his personal responsibilities. The very incident compounds Peter's misguided belief. His third attempt to take down the Vulture's arm dealers goes awry, endangering countless lives and resulting in the near destruction of the Ferry. It's a stark reminder that his actions have real and potentially catastrophic consequences, part of what comes with being a hero. This culminates in Tony Stark confiscating his suit, which serves as the ultimate punishment for Peter's belief in the lie. His whole drive was to gain Tony's approval, and now he's received the exact opposite. He's back to being Peter Parker only, and the boring, mundane life that comes with it. It's the first of many moments that forces Peter to confront the reality that the hero isn't the suit, but the person inside it, that the man makes the mask. These events in Act 2, leading to the climax, are crucial for Peter's character development, obviously. As they strip away the external validation he's been seeking and challenge him to rediscover what being a hero truly means. There's no longer anyone to defy, and he finally gives in to the idea that he's failed, or that he's not ready, and he's not. His worth as a hero has to come from his actions and choices, not a piece of technology. That piece of technology, the Stark suit, represents Peter's irresponsibility and dependence. Hell, when he dons the suit, it's not to protect others or coming from a sense of responsibility. Instead, it is the conception of himself that Peter wants to be, an escape from his other, boring identity. Sure, he's helping others, but I believe your intentions are what truly matters, especially in the case of Spider-Man. He returns back to school life, except now he isn't counting the minutes until he can go be Spider-Man, or looking at videos of Spider-Man. He hangs out with Ned, attends detention, gradually learning that his responsibilities as Peter Parker are just as important as those of Spider-Man. Finally, he's rewarded with a false victory, which is Liz agreeing to go to homecoming with him. While Liz likes Peter because of who he is, Peter inverts this by liking her for what she has. Peter's crush on Liz isn't a result of her personality. He doesn't even know her all too well. It's her looks. He's drawn to what she represents, popularity and acceptance, status. It's like he's trying to fit into this ideal image of who he should be, both as Peter Parker and Spider-Man. His pursuit of Liz symbolizes his desire for a certain status and normalcy that he believes is expected of him. It's part of the mask he wears, not just as Spider-Man, but as Peter, too. He's trying to live up to this idea of a cool, successful guy, but it goes against his more authentic self that genuinely wants to help people and do the right thing. It's a classic case of trying to be someone you're not, and it resonates with the lie Peter believes. Now, after this false victory, he's all excited, and side note, the montage with Aunt May is adorable. He learns how to tie a tie, he dances with Aunt May, and it's just so genuine and so reflective of their comic relationship. The tone switches, however, when he goes to pick up Liz, and boom, plot twist. The interaction between Peter and Adrian at Liz's house is tense as hell and pivotal. It's like a chess game, where Peter realizes who he's actually dealing with. This scene is crucial, because it flips the script on Peter's understanding of his enemy. Villains aren't all just evil mustache-twillers, sometimes they're just normal people with a flawed worldview. In this case, it's his crush's dad. He's hit with the realization that this isn't just about stopping Vulture's schemes, but protecting others from people like him, specifically Liz. Speaking of Adrian, like Peter, he too is very defiant, and lacks responsibility. They both have complex views of Tony Stark that impact their actions. Adrian sees Tony as the wealthy elite who profits from the little guy, which fuels his turn to crime as the Vulture. He believes that by taking what he believes is owed to him, he is leveling the playing field, but he's actually perpetuating the cycle of crime and retaliation. His justification is that two wrongs make it right, since Adrian is the man Tony Stark used to be. Peter, as you know by now, idolizes Tony and believes that being a hero means having the tech and approval of someone like Stark, or the status of someone like Stark. He's chasing this image of heroism that's tied up in his legacy, thinking that's the benchmark he has to meet. It's their combined ignorance that causes them to act irresponsibly. Both characters are chasing lies of what they think Stark represents. Adrian believes Stark's success is a lie that hides in corruption and injustice, leading to his own corruption and defiance to justice. Peter believes the lie that Stark's heroism comes from his fame and adventures, leading to him chasing fame and exciting missions. Both must confront these misconceptions. Adrian's downfall is a result of his inability to see beyond his grudge against Stark, while Peter's growth comes from realizing that he doesn't need Stark's approval or gadgets to be a hero. He learns that heroism comes from within, from his choices and his actions, not from living up to a false idea of what a hero looks like. It's brilliant, and I always give brownie points that the antagonist mirrors the protagonist, Daredevil being my favorite example. But back to Spider-Man. The car ride is super charged with tension, because Peter is sitting there with the Vulture, but neither has revealed their cards yet. Adrian's casual interrogation and Peter's nervous responses show how Peter's still trying to fit into this hero mold he's built up in his head, but he's failing miserably. Adrian's probing questions and the way he pieces together Spider-Man's identity show Peter that his secret life does in fact have real-world implications. It's this moment that the weight of being a hero truly lands on Peter's shoulders. He has realized that it's not about the glory or being somebody in the superhero world, it's about the responsibility that comes with his powers and the impact of his actions on others. We draw closer to his turning point, because when Adrian threatens him, Peter's choice becomes clear. People have pointed this out, but he left his phone in Adrian's car before entering the dance, meaning his decision was sealed from the start. He dishes the chance at a normal high school life, the last chance, and embraces his role as Spider-Man, not because he wants to be a hero in the eyes of others, but because he understands the stakes and his responsibility. Also, note the specific detail of Adrian's green traffic light turning red just as he realizes Peter is Spider-Man. It is a brilliant visual cue. Amazing. It signifies Peter's stop to pretend and the go-ahead to embracing his calling, regardless of the personal cost. Okay, that one might be a reach. But this decision is what being a hero is all about. It's not the suit or the powers, it's the choices that he makes when it counts. It's a defining moment for him, where he steps out of the shadow of wanting to be like other heroes, especially Tony Stark, and starts to define what kind of hero he wants to be on his own terms. He dons the homemade suit, contrasting the Stark suit by representing independence and responsibility. Now, he's defying what he's been told by Adrian, to never mess with his business again. It's not just his defiance that stays true here, but his indomitable will and resilience shine, pointed out by the villain himself. Plus, he attempts to do the right thing by asking Ned to call Happy, making the responsible choice to alert Tony about the Vulture's last scheme. When that fails, it's up to him alone, a test of responsibility and independence. And the final showdown between the two is that test. It's a culmination of Peter's journey from believing the lie to embracing the truth. When Peter confronts the Vulture on his own terms, it's a powerful moment, because he's no longer trying to be someone he's not. It's just Peter, using his wits and his powers to take down the Vulture. When you think about it, that's what he's been doing this entire time. If he wasn't constantly going after the Vulture, or looking for the next big mission, it would have flown right under the Avengers' radar. While, yes, he was doing it for all of the wrong reasons, he essentially rises over his idols by doing something they never would. Shit, the Vulture was able to operate for eight years without any trouble from the Avengers, and then all of a sudden some kid from Queens uncovers it within the span of weeks. This falls into the category of class identity, which is a whole other topic on its own. Something vital to the character of Spider-Man. That he, Peter Parker, has to stay local, and has to look out for the little guy, or there would be no one else to do so. Well, until Marvel introduces their other street-level heroes, of course. But here's the real kicker. When the Rubble falls on Peter and he's trapped, it's like a physical representation of the weight he's been carrying throughout the movie, along with the weight of being a hero. It's almost symbolic of the lies he's believed, and the false sense of identity he's been clinging to. When Peter sees his reflection, with the mask on one half, and his face on the other, we get imagery of his internal struggle, and the duality he has been grappling with. In that moment, Peter comes face-to-face with himself. Both as the everyday Peter Parker, and the superhero Spider-Man. It's like he's looking into a mirror, and seeing that the mask doesn't define him, but rather, it's a part of who he is. He realizes that he doesn't have to choose between being Peter, or being Spider-Man. Both are just as important. The puddle imagery also highlights the theme of self-acceptance, and embracing all aspects of oneself. Not just trying to be someone you're not. Peter Parker has been trying to keep his two identities separate, believing he needs to hide his true self behind that mask. But in that moment, he understands that he can't truly be whole, until he accepts and embraces all parts of himself. That his powers and responsibilities are an extension of who he is as Peter Parker. So when Peter pushes that rubble off of him, it's like an act of shredding the burden of the lie. He's breaking free from the constraints that he has placed on himself, and embracing his true power and purpose. He saves himself from the trap of believing the lie, from the paradox it has created. Peter saves not only himself, but the Vulture, running into literal flames to retrieve him. It's a powerful act of compassion and forgiveness, important traits that all heroes must have. Peter recognizes that the Vulture is just a man, who was driven to do bad things because of his own struggles and circumstances. So, in the end, when Peter rejects the Avengers position, he finally comes to realize that he had been believing a lie. Thinking that he needed external validation, or a prestigious title to prove his worth as a hero. But now, he's learned the truth, and has grown stronger from it. On top of that, he learns the sacrifice that comes with this sort of life. Liz is forced to move, a family broken because Peter had to do the right thing. It's just part of the job, man. By doing this, he also demonstrates his resilience by choosing to stand on his own and forge his own path. He no longer needs to rely on others or the mask to define his identity or measure his success. There needs to be a Spider-Man, one that stays close to the ground and helps those that the Avengers can't, that they never have. He never needed Stark's approval, only his own. It was his own defiance and eventual resilience that Peter Parker became Spider-Man. He only needed to find it within himself, not through the looking glass of Tony or Adrian. The mask of himself, the conception of himself he strived to be, was, in fact, his true face. And there you have it. The whole point of this film is for Peter to learn what it means to be a hero, what it means to be Spider-Man. It isn't about being a part of something bigger or becoming someone important. Anyone can be important, not just those with extraordinary power. It doesn't take status or recognition to be a hero. It requires integrity, among many other things. There's a hero in all of us. You just need to unlock it. And, if by chance you are granted with great power, you must learn to use it with great responsibility.