Spider-Man: Homecoming
Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jacob Batalon, Zendaya, Robert Downey Jr.
Directed by: Jon Watts
Rated: PG-13
15 years ago, I walked into a theater to see my first superhero movie ever: Spider-Man starring Tobey Maguire. There was crying, of course, because the Green Goblin is freaking petrifying to a seven-year-old. But I left the theater thinking the movie was awesome. I had never seen anything so action packed and unique at that point in my life. (Only downside was the whole Green Goblin fear that came along with it.)
5 years ago, I walked into a theater on a rainy Fourth of July to see The Amazing Spider-Man. I wondered why the iconic hero needed a reboot after such a short amount of time, but didn't question it too much because of my strong love for Andrew Garfield. Plus, everyone needed something good after Spider-Man 3. I left the theater hoping I could see Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker for several movies to come .....that didn't happen
This weekend, I walked into a theater ready to see yet another actor take on the role of Spider-Man. (The 3rd in 15 years.) I was feeling really skeptical. This story has been done so. many. times. How could Marvel possibly make it feel new? What could Tom Holland bring to the role? Would we have to sit through Uncle Ben's death again? I left the theater feeling genuinely surprised.
Homecoming picks up where Civil War left off, Tony Stark has gifted Peter Parker with the Spider-Man suit, but hasn't given him a mission. So Peter waits and focuses on being a good neighborhood Spider-Man. While he's not helping people, he's in high school with his best friend Ned (a very funny Jacob Batalon), his crush Liz (Laura Harrier), and the witty Michelle (Zendaya in a small, but memorable role.) As Peter tries to balance high school and Spider-Man, he finds a threat that could endanger everyone he cares about. Can he learn how to use his power and stop it?
Homecoming may be the most fun Spider-Man yet. It's got major charm as a John Hughes-esque teen comedy (Including a very clever Ferris Bueller nod) and engaging action as a Spider-Man flick. Director Jon Watts' sets up Peter Parker's high school sequences with energy and humor. There's relatability in these sequences as Peter and his friends deal with realistic high school scenarios like crushes, tests, and Homecoming, of course. The movie balances the superhero aspect quite well. Gifted with the Spidey suit from Tony Stark (if you've seen Captain America: Civil War, you're up to date), he wants to be a good superhero more than anything. But he's still got a lot of learning to do. This is the youngest portrayal of Peter Parker on screen. He doesn't just do a couple of practice swings and get the hang of being Spider-Man. Just as Peter Parker is still trying to understand high school through all of its awkwardness, he's trying to understand his powers as Spider-Man in the best way possible.
One of the biggest reasons Homecoming works so well is Tom Holland. He is such a great casting choice for Peter Parker/Spider-Man. His first scene is a video diary recapping Peter Parker's time with the Avenger's in Civil War. Holland brings so much energy and joy in that scene, you immediately know you're in for a great portrayal. This characterization of Peter Parker feels like a breath of fresh air. There's no unnecessary backstory that we've all heard before. He already has his powers and it's just quickly mentioned in passing. Peter is witty and very Holland's version of the hero is probably the most persistent Spidey we've seen on screen. Although his plight to help others out as Spider-Man starts out rocky (and he often ends up in trying situations) his dedication is admirable. He will not give up even when the cards are stacked against him.
Michael Keaton plays Adrian Tooms, the owner of a salvage yard who begins selling advanced weapons built from the Chiutari attack in the Avengers. While dealing weapons, he becomes the Vulture. What I'm saying is Michael Keaton gets to play a Birdman so he's right at home here. Keaton is always an entertaining actor to watch and Homecoming is no exception. He brings some big surprises to the film. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that there's only one villain in this movie. I am so tired of superhero movies having multiple villains. PLEASE stick to one.
If you're a Marvel fan, chances are you will have a great time with Spider-Man: Homecoming. There are a few appearances from some big characters like Iron-Man and Happy Hogan. I will admit, the appearance of Jon Favreau's Happy annoyed me at times. I usually don't mind the character, but it seemed like he was only present to completely ignore or chastise Peter the entire movie. You can't yell at someone after you've completely ignored everything they've tried to tell you. There are a few other fan favorites that show up in the film who I won't mention to keep the surprise alive. As usual, there are hints dropped to past and future films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So keep your eyes and ears peeled when you take your seat for this one!
Spider-Man: Homecoming is a fun superhero film with just the right amount of action and comedy for a great summer blockbuster.
My Rating: 7/10