In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur discuss one of Tom’s least known films: the religious epic Pilgrimage. Released in 2017 but shot much earlier, the film stars Jon Bernthal, Richard Armitage, John Lynch, and Staley Wbber. Directed by Brendan Muldowney, the film is intense, violent, but perhaps more philosophical than you might think.
Alex and Manish are joined by Girl Culture’s Caroline Siede. The three of them go into the themes, violence, filmmaking, and design of this forgotten movie. Much is made about Jon Bernthal’s unique star power and Tom’s innocence and self-discovery. Pilgrimage may not be the best movie but it is saying something. What that is, we’re not sure.
In two weeks, Alex and Manish return for one of the MCU’s best movies: Avengers: Infinity War! Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur analyze Tom’s breakout hit Spider-Man: Homecoming from 2017. The MCU teen movie was Tom’s first major starring role, and he knocked it out of the park. Co-starring Marisa Tomei, Michael Keaton, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Zendaya, Job Favreau, and Robert Downey Jr., the movie is a landmark movie for the MCU, Tom, Zendaya, and Spider-Man himself.
Alex and Manish dive into the movie, its high school comedy charms, charming cast, and place in th larger MCU. They talk about Tom Holland’s winning performance and where this movie fits into his career as a whole. Alex and Manish discuss Spider-Man movies as a whole, and how this unique take ranks amongst the other movies.
In two weeks, the podcast will take on one of Tom’s least seen movies but one that has some interesting things to say: the religious epic Pilgrimage!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode, hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur delve into the viral Lip Sync Battle moment that solidified Tom Holland's status as an internet icon. They discuss the cultural impact of Holland's fearless and committed performance of Rihanna's 'Umbrella,' exploring how it showcased his unique blend of talent, charisma, and willingness to subvert traditional masculine norms.
The episode also covers memorable moments from the press tours of Spider-Man: Homecoming, highlighting the authenticity and charm that have made Holland an enduring superstar. Additionally, the hosts reflect on various PR moments, critiquing the overuse of certain tropes while celebrating the genuine enthusiasm and relatability Holland brings to his public appearances.
In two weeks, Peter Parker might be so over high school right now, but the podcast is just getting started, as Alex and Manish take a look back at Tom’s first true leading role, 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur analyze the 2016 family thriller Edge of Winter directed by James Gray! This film follows the adventures of Percival Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) as ventures into the Amazon to improve his rank by proving a discovery of an advanced society deep in the rain forest. The film also features scene stealing supporting performances from Sienna Miller and Robert Pattinson and a Young British Performer of the Year Award Nominated performance by Tom Holland as Fawcett’s sensitive and often neglected eldest son.
Joining the pod to break this modern art house classic down, Alex’s former co-host of the Cinema Joes podcast and current host of The Pop Break’s Black Sabbath discography podcast Pod of Doom, Justin Mancini
Justin helps Alex and Manish deep dive on this arthouse favorite. Topics include Sienna Miller’s underappreciated turn as Nina Fawcett, James Gray’s difficulty breaking out of the film twitter bubble of relative popularity and successful, Tom’s growing importance to the film as the story progresses, whether Robert Pattison is better suited to lead or supporting roles, and whether Charlie Hunnam had what it took to transition to lead actor during this period of his career and how that parallel’s Tom’s own journey through Hollywood.
In two weeks, the podcast will be taking a break from Tom Holland’s filmography to celebrate Tom in all his meme-lord glory, as we look back fondly at his 2017 Lip Sync Battle appearance where he performed Rihanna’s Umbrella and stole the internet’s heart forever!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur analyze the 2016 family thriller Edge of Winter directed by Rob Connolly! This film follows a teenage Tom Holland and his younger brother, played by Percy Hynes White, as they are forced to survive a snow storm in the woods with their increasingly unhinged, estranged father (Joel Kinnaman)!
Alex and Manish deep dive on this forgotten Canadian thriller, including how both young performers managed an underdeveloped screenplay and Joel Kinnanman struggled to navigate a tricky performance under the watchful eye of a first time director. They also get into ways in which this film could have been saved and whether or not we should reasonably call this a good use of Tom.
In two weeks, the podcast travel deep into the Amazon rain forest, as Tom Holland once again tackles daddy issues while venturing into the great outdoors, with James Gray’s modern art house classic The Lost City of Z!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur arrive at the MCU with Tom Holland’s first appearance as Peter Parker in Captain America: Civil War. The 2016 film was directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. The cast is massive but includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Bruhl, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Marisa Tomei, Jeremy Renner, William Hurt, Alfre Woodard, and a host of others.
Alex and Manish explore the complex moral and ethical dilemmas in the film, especially as it relates to the controversial Sokovia Accords and the relationship between the Avengers and the government. There is also discussion on how the movie introduces iconic characters, brilliant actors, and emotional subplots all without losing control of the central conflict. Tom Holland's performance and role in the film is also discussed, especially how it sets up his future trilogy.
In two weeks, Alex and Manish return for one of Tom’s lesser known projects The Edge of Winter co-starring Joel Kinnaman, which is streaming on Tubi!
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur analyze the 2015 action adventure film In the Heart of the Sea directed by Ron Howard! Featuring an ensemble cast including Chris Hemsworth, Ben Walker, Cillian Murphy, Ben Whishaw, Tom Holland, Brendan Gleason, and Michelle Fairley, the movie is the origin story of Moby Dick. The Herman Melville stans can rejoice!
Alex and Manish are joined by Ben Miller to dive into this movie, its structure, performances, and visual effects. Though not a well-remembered movie, should it be remembered as a forgotten classic? They also discuss the role the movie played into Tom Holland’s role in the MCU and whether or not Tom’s supporting role was a needed boost for his future.
In two weeks, the podcast will finally get to Tom Holland's biggest task yet: debuting in Hollywood’s biggest franchise as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur analyze the filmed production of the West End musical Billy Elliot! Based on the Oscar winning Stephen Daldry film, Billy Elliot: The Musical premiered in London in 2005 to both critical and commercial success including 4 Olivier awards. The musician transferred to Broadway to further acclaim. In 2014, the production was filmed live which is what this podcast is about.
Tom Holland played the title role in London from 2008 to 2010 before his career on film, and he returns along with all the previous Billys for an extended dance finale. Alex and Manish discuss the musical’s strengths, especially the outstanding musical numbers, heartwarming story, and insightful take on the 1980s Miners’ Strike. They further dive into the changes from movie to musical, and imagine what Tom Holland might have been like in the role.
They will be back in two weeks to discuss the 2015 Ron Howard directed film In The Heart of the Sea starring Chris Hemsworth!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur take a drive with another Tom in the experimental Tom Hardy film Locke.
They explore the film's hook, supporting voice performances, and the central performance from Tom Hardy. They debate the emotional resonance of the film's family drama. The discussion also goes into Tom Holland's supporting performance, how fun it must have been to record with an all-star cast, and whether the movie works in one location. Highlights include discussion of the twists in the movie, including some bizarre directorial choices.
They will be back in two weeks to discuss the 2014 filmed production of Billy Elliot: The Musical Live, currently available on VOD and BroadwayWorld!
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur delve into Tom Holland's second ever film performance in the 2013 film 'How I Live Now,' starring Saoirse Ronan and George MacKay.
They discuss the film's controversial themes, including the problematic cousin romance and the abrupt shift from bucolic life to apocalyptic chaos. The episode covers general thoughts, critical reception, what Zendaya might think, most emotional moments, important collaborators, classic film pairings, and whether Tom Holland's talents were well-used. Highlights include critiques of the film's world-building and narrative coherence, as well as its curious decision-making regarding character dynamics.
They will be back in two weeks to discuss 2014’s Locke, currently streaming on VOD and tubi.
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
In this episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur delve into Tom Holland's breakout film 'The Impossible'.
They explore the film's plot, themes of survival and hope, and the emotional performances, particularly by Holland and Naomi Watts. The discussion also touches on the film's reception, J.A. Bayona's direction, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters during the tsunami disaster. The hosts reflect on their personal connections to the film and its craftsmanship, highlighting the impact of the narrative and performances. The conversation also touches on Tom Holland's breakthrough performance and how it set the stage for his future career, alongside reflections on what Zendaya might think of his work. The episode concludes with discussions on emotional moments in the film, potential film pairings, and a musical reflection that encapsulates the film's themes.
They will be back in two weeks to discuss 2014’s How I Live Now, currently streaming on VOD and Max.
Don't forget to subscribe to It's Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland Podcast on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts, so you don't miss future episodes of the show!
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
The Rundown:
(03:29) 60-Second Plot Synopsis
(05:46) The Heart of the C-inema
(40:21) Oscar Nominations and Industry Recognition
(42:47) Critics' Perspectives and Audience Reception
(49:16) What Did Zendaya Think?
(50:24 )Tom’s Tears Award
(56:09) Naomi Watts Award
(01:00:03) Did You Ever See That Really Old Movie…Award
(01:03:22) Spectacular Spotify Song
(01:05:19) Good Use Of Tom?
In the inaugural episode of the 'It's Tom-plicated: Tom Holland Film Podcast,' hosts Alex Marcus and Manish Mathur introduce their ambitious plan to cover every movie featuring Tom Holland. They explore his journey from 'Billy Elliot' understudy to Hollywood superstar, discuss his unique persona and career choices, and outline their approach for future episodes. With a special focus on his transition from Peter Parker to diversified roles, the podcast promises in-depth analysis, fun segments, and insights into Tom Holland's evolution as an actor. Future episodes will delve into his films, TV appearances, stage performances, and viral moments, beginning with his debut film 'The Impossible.'
Podcast artwork courtesy of Rohitha Brahmandam.
The Rundown:
(00:30) Welcome to the Tom Holland Film Podcast
(00:59) Why We Love Tom Holland
(02:13) Tom Holland's Unique Public Persona
(04:43) Tom Holland's Career Journey
(06:59) Exploring Tom Holland's Filmography
(11:39) Segments and Special Features
(15:24) Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes
Welcome to It’s Tom-plicated: A Tom Holland podcast, where hosts Alex Marcus & Manish Mathur chart the impossible odyssey of their favorite internet boyfriend, Tom Holland, from Billy Elliot understudy to Spectacular Super Star!