Adam Scottmight have the most thankless part inMadame Web.
He flashed Peter a few paternal smiles and then died off-page.
Veteran actor Cliff Robertson made Uncle Ben into a believably gruff but loving figure.
Hes worried about how to care for his family and takes interest in his young nephews life.
Instead he takes the time to talk with Peter, calling out his lack of responsibility.
His low growl softens as he lets the words fall from his crooked mouth.
That exchange gives real weight to Ben Parker, something missing from all other versions.
But this exchange, especially Robertsons acting, reverses the meaning of the line.
Because of that exchange Spider-Man, and especiallySpider-Man 2, avoids being a basic power fantasy.
Its not about a picked on guy who gets to make everyone sorry because hes the tough one now.
Similarly, for all their faultsThe Amazing Spider-Manmovies found a fine successor to Robertson in Martin Sheen.
This is all the more striking since the MCU movies have made the strange decision to avoid Ben altogether.
Also in place of Uncle Ben, the MCU has posited Tony Stark as Peters best mentor.
However, its a disastrous decision for Peter.
His story is figuring out how to use it.
But traditionally, Peter comes from lack of power, and not just in terms of physical strength.
Recall Bens first scene inSpider-Man.
When the plants senior electrician is laid off after 35 years, what else would you call it?
he asks May, an equally wonderful Rosemary Harris.
I am on my ass.
Adam Scott doesnt get any lines to match those given to Cliff Robertson.
But at least hes present in the movie and, by extension,in Peter Parkers life.
The fact a supervillain complicates these dramatic but everyday concerns is part for the course.
Is the inclusion of Uncle Ben enough to makeMadame Weba worthy addition to the Spider-Man mythos?
It is a terrible nothing of a movie, worse than any MCU movie in almost every other regard.
But it does have Uncle Ben and not a rich mentor, something the MCU Spider-Man desperately needs.
Madame Web is now streaming on Netflix.
