"my dad wasn't around much, but when he was...he was around" incredible writing 10/10

BRUH, I CAN'T BELIEVE SOME 10-YEAR-OLD SPENT 5 YEARS COLLECTING DMS OF ONE GUY JUST FOR REVENGE. THAT'S SOME ARCH-NEMESIS LORE RIGHT THERE.

Seeing Spiderman go "I can't do this!" and freak out /trauma dump at what is basically a make-a-wish event is so funny to me. That is literally something I would expect to see on robot chicken.

"You saved people." "And how many others died because of it?" Well, at least he acknowledges his use of human shields

Having MJ say to Peter "nobody wants to go out with me" while standing over Peters GFs grave is fucking wild 💀💀💀

The kid who held onto the DMs FOR YEARS to get revenge for the guy no longer being his friend is crazy. He's literally a real life Syndrome LMAO

In terms of depicting how Spider-Man deals with death, Marvel's Spider-Man PS4 has always hit home for me. I may be biased, since it came to me shortly after the passing of a loved one, but Peter's line, "Do what you think is right, even if it hurts like hell," followed by his final interaction, "I don't know what to do." "Yes, you do", with Aunt May before having to let her die has always been one of my favorite depictions of Peter's character. He knows what's right, and will put himself through hell and back to do it.

The scene of Peter shouting at MJ over Gwen's grave really felt like some incel fantasy of shouting at a woman

The problem with hardcore Spider-Man fans is that their love for watching Spider-Man struggles has devolved into a fetishization of his pain in stories. Therefore, they think that if a story primarily focuses on his pain and sacrifices is the peak of his character. It’s not. What’s so compelling about the character is that despite his pain, he still stays dedicated, kind and good.

Finding out that all the drama was exposed because someone felt wronged at 10 years old is the craziest part of this whole saga to me

Ive never watched buffy before but your segment struck me so hard. I lost my mom in 2020 and her delusions of them saving her mother and everything fixing itself is the most realistic bit of grieving ive seen in tv.

18:43 fun fact actual no joke. When my tv is on sleep mode, this is the exact city drone shot that plays.

The story about the kid who felt spited by the production is a better story than the movie itself

To be fair, few things are more comic book accurate than taking a beloved story arc from decades ago and running it into the ground.

In my opinion, being comic accurate should be about taking the original spirit and aesthetic of your chosen era of comics and then using them to tell an original story. Too many fans think that comic accuracy should be about ripping whole stories out of the comics and then just doing a panel-for-panel remake.

the moment of "Buffy Time" actually reflected to me, i just lost my grandma and it's too hard to think about how can i carry on

I loved when miles showed up and lotus said "you could never be Spider-Man"

I love the inclusion of the "COSMONAUT QUICKIEEEEEE!" intro for a near 40 minute video.

For someone who claims to love Spider-Man 2 so much, you can tell he never got Spider-Man 2. That film was made with heart and love. A movie made from spite could never capture that

A few notes on the depiction of Spider-Man here just like from a writing perspective 1. Spider-Man is def the type of character who when faced with grief internalizes it and blames himself, not someone who lashes out at everyone around him. He takes responsibility even when its not his fault, thats the whole idea 2. When it comes to the kid he would, without question, try to be normal and quippy and stuff but without putting his heart in it and when it gets too much to take, like the kid asks too many things or brings up too many bad memories, he would either excuse himself or just bounce when he's not looking. He'd beat himself up over that decision later, but thats what he'd do. 3. Peter ain't cool. He's got a good social circle and I could see people being amazed that he gets the attention of a few popular girls, but I don't think folk would naturally find themselves being jealous of him or wishing they had what he had. Frankly the most accurate version of showing Peter hanging out with his friends would be like him DMing a DND session at his house with like at most Harry, MJ, and whatever the extremely nerdy friend du jour is. The reason Peter has charisma is because he has a mask to hide behind, in his day to day life people probably just see him as a quiet geeky kid. Also just like general notes is because people process grief in different ways it would be good to show that? Like MJ would probably be very openly sad, Harry would probably get mad, and Peter would probably wall himself off. Play in that space and see how these three different coping methods interact and intersect with one another and the strain it puts on their relationship and for gods sake show us what normal looks like before then

He really asked himself “If I could make my dream Spiderman movie, what would it be?” and decided on Peter Parker moping around for 2 hours

I’m impressed that this guy found a way to include actual loading screens from like a video game into the movie.

“We’re going to make the most comic-accurate spiderman to date” *proceeds to film two hours of people crying in the rain*

It always bugged me when people complained that MCU spider man was so different. That felt like the point. This was spider man if he was iron man's apprentice. Not in a bad way just a new way. Why does every version of spider man have to be normal spider man?? Why not explore different versions of the character and see how differently they develop?

That kid that waited 5 years to get back at Gavin is such an insane story man. That’s some level of petty shit I LOVE.

“My dad wasn’t around much but when he was….he was around” 10/10 writing

That Buffy the vampire slayer “The Body” sidebar in the video is so beautifully put together to explain how grief can be portrayed in a realistic way is sublime! Kudos my guy ❤

I once had to write a 6 page paper about a certain kind of cheese in culinary school and could only find half a page of info. This review has that same energy 😂. Well done.

Decent special effects, bad lighting, needlessly pissed off actors, terrible people behind the camera... I think this guy has a future making Netflix movies!

The goblin laugh over "the actor was a pedo....and he was racist" really took me out.

I will now call this film "Spider-Man : Homeschooling". Can't wait to see this version in the next Spider-Verse.

Man, just hearing you describe The Body reminded me of how I found my own mothers body. That empty feeling at her not being there, the dread thinking about how my family will go on, not looking at where the paramedics are trying to resuscitate her. I don’t think I’ll watch that episode, or the rest of Buffy, but I don’t think I’ll need to. Not the feel’s I thought I’d get from a spider man video

I actually got so invested in Marcus' analysis of 'The Body' that I forgot it was in the middle of Spider-Man Lotus... What a harsh snap back to reality that was.

11:09 Peter isn’t supposed to be a sarcastic bully, he’s supposed to be cheesy “It’s my shocker suit.” “I got a shocker for you. The next suit you’ll be wearing is a prison jumpsuit.”

ironically this fan film makes me love and appreciate MCU Spidey even more that I already have.

They really wrote in a scene in which a high school bully professes his unrequited admiration for his victim like he was asking someone out, and thought we wouldn't notice huh? I wonder if the writer's bully has seen it.

"Most brown haired white boys love spider man." As a 22 year old brown haired white male who loves spider-man, I approve of Marcus's commentary

This whole film is ironically inspirational. It tells young filmmakers "hey. This shit got made. I can probably do something better, if not easier."

Best quote: "Spider-Man is always going to be sad that someone is dead. It is a weight that he carries with him. That is the POINT of the character!"

Fun fact about The Body Thats Willow and Terra's first kiss on screen. A lesbian kiss was such a radical idea, that the only way they could make it not the point was to sneak it in. One of the only moments of real warmth and affection in the whole episode. Its so easy to forget it was the first because it feels so normal

As a person named Gavin who also enjoys Spider-Man and wanted to one day make or work on something Spider-Man related, this whole situation feels like the darkest timeline of that

I remember emailing Gavin about what it's like being a film director for a college essay and he told me how "it's important to stay humble and not get carried away with all the power" he really should have taken his own words to heart💀

Your breakdown of Buffy in this video is so underrated. I have watched your content for almost 5 years now and I like it, but seriously that section is your best work hands down. You portrayed it perfectly and without any comedy or jokes, just you talking about what works in Buddy and I have to give it to you, that was absolutely beautiful.

I recently rewatched Buffy and I knew The Body was coming but this rewatch occurred a couple years after losing my Dad. It broke me in a way it didn’t before, because it captured that feeling of hopelessness and how the world continues with its mundane things like people getting a parking ticket, having to clean something up or your favourite top going missing. But you’re trying come to terms with this huge thing and it feels like the world doesn’t acknowledge it. My only criticism of the episode was it was the first on screen kiss for Willow and Tara and I wish that it hadn’t been a part of an episode dealing with loss

Say what you want about TASM2, but the one 15 second cut of Peter in front of Gwen's grave over the course of the seasons has more nuance, maturity and subtlety in handling her death than this entire two hour fan film.

even the fans won’t let Spider-Man be happy. even the people that say “just let Spider-Man be happy” won’t let it happen.

I really appreciate you including the part from Buffy. I was literally crying the entire time, and while writing this. What a good episode. I was not expecting that. The rest of your vid was moot compared to this. So beautiful. I'm not even going to mention the name of the rest of your vid in respect to how good that episode was

Spiderman to the dying kid: How can I make this about me????

Movies like this really go to show that being loyal to the source material doesn’t mean squat if you can’t back it up with good performances, writing, camerawork and editing

Last year my family dealt with a tragedy basically the same as in Buffy. The feelings were spot on. Especially the cold routine of the paramedics. Never knew that episode even existed and certainly didn't expect it in a Spiderman Lotus review. Talk about emotional whiplash

"You can't handle not being the center of attention just for a second." YOU ARE LITERALLY SPIDER-MAN...

In the original comic, when Peter snaps at MJ, what he says is really harsh, but he says it in two panels of dialogue, and it happens right after his fight with the goblin when his feelings of grief and anger are at their peak. It isn’t true but it hits a nerve because it’s the kind of thing people say about MJ all the time. It clearly hurts her and she almost leaves, but she decides to stay because she really does care about Gwen and wants to be there for Peter now that she’s gone. It’s a beautiful scene that develops the characters and their friendship really thoughtfully In the movie, Peter rants and raves for like a solid thirty seconds, several days if not weeks after Gwen’s death, right after MJ complains that no one will go out with her - as if she really is the selfish party girl who wants to be the center of attention - and she doesn’t even get offended. She just gets defensive and tries to brush the criticism off. It’s like Gavin read the original comic and really thought “yeah, Peter! You show that bitch what’s what!” What a terrible take on that moment

First responder for seven years. Been to many houses for “The Body” calls. I can confirm most of the time the way Buffy acted from start to finish is 100% accurate.

The fact that the director really shit talked his actors in a group chat, putting the blame all on them instead of his amateur directing skills is crazy. No one will ever wanna work with this guy. I can only imagine the notes he gave them and how rehearsals went. If there even were rehearsals…

Here's a few things that would make it a better story. Peter is still sad over Gwen's death BUT he has to still do spider-man duties. Fighting super villains like Shocker, Vulture and so on. As movie progress Peter's relationship with his friends decline and he's getting mentally and physically exhausted. Peter is about to give everything up but MJ sends him a message and we as the audiences don't see it. Sick kid scece happens and Peter is ready to be Spider-man still and MJ herself helps Peter with sadness over Gwen's death. Both Peter and Spider-man are getting saved by two different people. Plus Harry and Rhino have 30 minutes long sex scene. Perfect movie.

The establishing shoot are like old video loading screens lmaoo

The greatest achievement that Gavin will get is that his movie, which was meant to show everyone in the MCU how it's done, has its own video in the Worst Superhero Movies Ever Made series.

the analysis and explanation of ‘the body’ is some really excellent stuff and one of my favourite things marcus has ever done

The best part was "The Body" segment, I've never even heard of the BTVS show and didn't know of its existence, however your description of the episode really moved me as someone who has gone trough a similar experience, they did an amazing job capturing the grief and emptyness after a loved one dies, like, I can tell that only someone who experienced that could portray it so accurately. Even though I would like to watch the episode I feel like I would crumble into pieces if I tried to do so, I'm not ready and I'm not sure I ever will. Great video man, who would have thought a review of spiderman lotus would have me in tears. (Also excuse me if I made any mistakes in my grammar, english is not my main language lol)

it was such a pleasant surprise for you to bring up that buffy episode, buffy is one of my favorite shows but that episode specifically has stuck with me all these years, i think about it all the time.

Astartes was a masterpiece in fan made art.

I just can't believe their "terminally ill" child looks so good. Like, no IVs, no loss of hair to easily shoe cancer, not even someone who's a little thin. Hilarious.

The whole point of Peter lashing out at MJ in the comic was to show that MJ wouldn't leave him alone, which planted the seeds of their eventual iconic romance. But nah, fuck that, just let him be a dick with no development for MJ.

I thought this said born from sprite and I was so excited to welcome a lemon lime zest themed take on spidey

My god that closing statement of “you should not produce your dream project as your first project” was something I’ve needed to hear. For so long I’ve been wanting to start a career in film and I’ve wanted to do it by producing my dream project to showcase my vision at its purest, but your this video and it’s conclusion have helped me see that is not the path I should start on. Thank you, I needed to hear that so badly.

one of my friends and i got drunk and watched it about a week ago, and they said something along the lines of "if people donated $1k more it would've been 30 minutes longer" and i completely believe and agree with them. such a self indulgent film that doesnt know when to stop

Your use of clips and memes from the other Spider-Man movies was genius. Also...I literally had no idea this movie existed until today.

28:47 I haven’t watched Buffy, but Deference for Darkness popping in right there still gave me the feels. Beautiful edit Markus, thank you

The only reason Spider-Man Lotus didn’t show up in Spider-Verse is because he kept calling the spider-people slurs.

Spider-Man Lotus has really shown how unhealthy a lot of fans are in terms of engaging with Spider-Man media. It's perfectly fine to not like the MCU Spider-Man films (or any Spider-Man adaptation, for that matter), but when that hatred is used as fuel to make a movie to spite something you don't personally like, then it no longer feels sincere or honest. A fan-made piece of media should feel like a labor of love, not a way to one-up random KZfaqrs and directors.

25:58 this was my exact comeplaint with Snyder's Batman. The audience is SUPPOSED to be shocked rhat Batman has becomed so hardened and even now uses guns, but he never showed us that his Batman was ever against such things.

Idk why this kid felt the need to fake DMs, it’s not like he didn’t have enough ammo without them LMAO

A Spider-Man movie where Flash Thompson is the best character. Masterpiece.

Across the spiderverse really blessed us all by creating apology video Miles.

It's kind of funny that one of the likely "flaws" the guy thought the MCU Spidey films had were what people think the dialogue in the MCU is like, and then he immediately makes dialogue that is way worse than that. It's like the pot calling the pan black, but the pan is actually one of those colorful ceramic pans.

By the time the Buffy analysis was over, I forgot I was watching a review of a Spider-Man fan film. Make more Buffy videos please lmao.

As someone who literally walked into a room to find his mom just lying there, dead, that part with The Body hit hard, and hit home.

I gotta say that the Buffy segment was unironically extremely well written and edited. It felt like how I imagine it felt in the show; an abrupt and jarring change in atmosphere that just sticks with you, after all the jokes that came before it. Great work!

I can’t express how happy I am to see you talk about Buffy

Video made me realize that it’s ok I took a break to write my fantasy novel and focus on short stories and other writing pieces And I honestly I’m glad I’ve done that I’ve become a better writer

It honestly reminds me of Bill Hadar's writing advice. If someone says something feels wrong about your story, they're probably right, there might be something off. Then, whatever they say they would do instead, it's 100% going to be awful. Take the criticism, but ignore the advice. Lotus seems like ultimate proof of this considering why this movie was made.

I wasn’t expecting a mini-essay on The Body but god it’s so well-deserved

Literally the only unbiased, straight to the point, objective, not spiteful review if this movie ive seen Good shit

They had a good VFX team and costume/prop designers that they put into a trailer and people ate up. I would never trust some random student guy with such pretentious comments to helm the entire production without any experience or industry professionals involved and the fact people gave them money before the film was made makes my head spin. Seeing the scenes inside the warehouse or shipping container or whatever it is is hilarious and the goblin fight oh jesus. Totally agree with the lighting comments too haha

Using Miles’ apology video when mentioning the director and actor’s apology is genius!!!

Remember kids, just because you read the source material and watch a couple of movies - it doesn’t automatically mean you can do better

This is probably my favourite video. Not Cosmonaut video, but video in general

20:15 I fucking hate this scene, Flash didn't hate Peter Parker because of jealousy, if they where actually comic book accurate, They would would made the reason why he bullies peter be because of his dad, he only was a Bully because his dad was abusive to him, so he wanted to feel superior to others, then after a while he realizes that he was being dumb doing that, then they became friends, then he went to war, lost his legs, became agent venom, Agent Anti-Venom, etc, etc, etc But it wasnt because of jealousy, Flash literally was with black cat and had like, 90 different girls fawning over him, like why would he be jealous of Peter having two girls liking him?

The fact that even Cosmonaut made a video about Spider-Man Lotus being bad is wild 💀

buffy going out the back door and hearing the world around her is when the episode got me. Just the sound of the world continuing on, like everything is normal - everyone who has lost someone close to them has had that moment. The moment of realizing that the universe doesn't give a rat's ass that this is the worst day of your life

Wtf 😂that clip of Raphael scream caught me off guard

Thank you for making a video about this film project!

The “Gwen Stacy freak out” was simultaneously completely justified and appeared out of fucking nowhere

Lighting seems to be the hardest thing to get right in micro budget movie. It’s straight up what makes a movie seems like a POS or a real motion picture

Ahh yes the Spider-Man that didn’t need a symbiote to make it into the “Bully” club

I swear I got so invested into the Buffy part that I completely forgot this video was about Spider-Man: Lotus, I actually want to watch Buffy now

You know, that part where Cosmonaut said that "young film students don't know how to cut stuff from their films" actually spoke to me, when I was in college I had a classmate that was told to cut some stuff out of her short and she said that she didn't know what to cut out when her short was like 44 MINUTES LONG, lmfao

Holy fuck the way you went through the Buffy scene was such a great example of a good scene dealing with shock and grief. Good shit dude

You made a lot of excellent points! Great video!

The fact this was put out 2 months after Across the Spider-Verse must’ve been really embarrassing for them.