Spider-Man’s Thanksgiving Scene Is Actually the Key to the Entire Movie

As a long-time comic book enthusiast who’s had the privilege of witnessing Spider-Man’s evolution through various iterations, I can confidently say that Sam Raimi’s 2002 masterpiece is a must-watch this Thanksgiving. While it may not be a traditional Thanksgiving tale, the film’s climax beautifully encapsulates the essence of the holiday – family, conflict, and the unforeseen consequences of our actions.

If you’re searching for a film to enjoy with your family this Thanksgiving weekend, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002) could be an excellent choice. Although the movie doesn’t delve into American history or express gratitude as such, the narrative revolves significantly around a Thanksgiving dinner scene. This film’s plot aligns perfectly with the superhero, making Spider-Man an ideal match for your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Note: Contains plot details! In a movie filled with various character journeys, Spider-Man adheres quite closely to the three-act structure. Initially, both Peter Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) and Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe) gain superpowers – Peter in an accidental turn of events, while Norman through arrogance during a premature self-experimentation. As they learn to control their newfound abilities, both struggle with how best to use them. While Peter is influenced by his family, Norman seems to be affected by a new persona, seemingly as a consequence of the experiment. In the second act, Spider-Man and the Green Goblin emerge into public view, their actions becoming self-explanatory.

The crucial Thanksgiving dinner scene serves as both the climax of the film and the transition between Act Two and Act Three. This moment is filled with suspense for the audience, who are aware of all the ongoing conflicts but the characters are not. Both Peter and Norman arrive late to dinner following their recent argument, and Norman struggles to conceal his escalating aggression. Shortly after taking their seats, Norman spots the wound on Peter’s arm and figures out that he is Spider-Man. However, Peter remains unaware of Norman’s true identity as the Green Goblin, causing him to storm out in a fit of anger.

In this movie, although there are no spider webs or aerial shots of the Green Goblin, this scene serves as its crux because it significantly impacts Peter’s and Norman’s conflict as superhero and supervillain. Recognizing his adversary empowers the Green Goblin, propelling him to take decisive actions, while simultaneously providing Peter with a fresh challenge to overcome. This is also when Peter learns that every action he takes carries consequences, even if his intentions are noble. As a result of this realization, Norman targets Aunt May and later Mary Jane.

In this pivotal scene of the movie, we witness a turning point in the subplot – the love triangle involving Peter, MJ, and Harry Osborn (played by James Franco). Harry is tense as he prepares to introduce his girlfriend to his father for the first time, feeling exasperated when things don’t go smoothly. Norman, in a cruel manner, suggests that MJ is with Harry only for his wealth, a comment that everyone hears. This dinner leaves Peter in an uncomfortable predicament – not only does he struggle to hide his feelings for MJ, but he also tries to resist using her vulnerabilities against her in their relationship. After this disastrous dinner, MJ finds herself longing for Spider-Man, and Harry is consumed by jealousy. Unknowingly, he sets the stage for the climactic confrontation by inciting his father against both his girlfriend and his best friend.

[RELATED: Robert Downey Jr. Credits Tobey Maguire With Getting Him Into Marvel Movies]

What Makes This Scene Great

One significant factor contributing to the enduring popularity of this film is the skillful interweaving of its dual narratives by screenwriter David Koepp. This technique elevates an ordinary Thanksgiving dinner into the climax of a high-octane superhero adventure. By setting up these characters’ encounter at a seemingly casual dinner, it heightens the anticipation for the action that follows, making their subsequent encounters all the more impactful.

Absolutely, no film is flawless, and you might have good reasons to avoid showing this one during Thanksgiving, such as Peter’s use of canned cranberry sauce instead of the homemade version. However, if you’re looking for a movie that appeals to people of all ages without causing undue stress to the children, Spider-Man could be an ideal pick. It reminds us of an era when superhero movies were portrayed differently, not confined by a single franchise. What makes it even more appealing is that it might be the first time young viewers get to witness Maguire’s Spider-Man origin story, offering them fresh perspectives on a movie like No Way Home.

As a hardcore gamer, I’m stoked to share that the epic Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy is now streaming live on Disney+ in the US! Plus, you can find Andrew Garfield’s Amazing Spider-Man movies and the first two films featuring Tom Holland. However, if you’re looking for the latest adventure – Spider-Man: No Way Home – it’s currently available for rent or purchase on PVOD stores such as Prime Video and Apple TV.

2024-11-26 23:10

What Makes This Scene Great

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