Spider-Man: Homecoming is the newest superhero film to be released by Marvel as of late. It stars newcomer Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, and the veteran actor Michael Keaton playing the big baddie in this film, The Vulture/Adrian Toomes (Which, I think is a bit funny considering he just starred in a film called Birdman about a bird themed super hero, after playing Batman as well a few decades ago). I personally believe this is the best representation of Spider-Man to be shown on film at this point in time. I think Sam Raimi's first two Spider-Man films were good, but not an accurate portrayal of the comic book character himself like this film. This is the second movie to have Holland star as Spider-Man, the first being the Marvel movie Civil War.
This film really delves deep into Peter being a 15 year old, showcasing his awkwardness in being a nerdy, unpopular highschool sophomore, while also showing him trying to develop his abilities and see just what he's actually capable of while trying to balance his real life in there too. We see this throughout the film, as he sacrifices his social life time after time to put on the suit. It does change a few things from the classic Spider-Man story, such as Uncle Ben's death fueling his motive for being a superhero, instead replacing it with Tony Stark shunning him while also being a father type figure.
The film starts off 8 years prior to the events which happened in Civil War, taking place right after the New York invasion. We see Adrian Toomes along with his salvage team cleaning up an area in the city which they have been contracted to do. Toomes is showing a drawing of The Avengers to a coworker that his 10 year old child drew.
In the midst of doing this, their operation is suddenly taken over by Tony Stark's US Department of Damage Control. Much to Toomes dismay, his complaints go unheard and he and his men are moved off site. Instead of handing over the alien technology that they already scavenged, they take it to create advanced weapons to use and sell.
8 years later, we come to Peter being recruited by Tony for the events in Captain America Civil War. Afterwards, he's told they'll call him if they need him, and to return to his high school life. Stark's longtime friend, driver, and bodyguard Happy Hogan is left in charge of him for daily reports on his superhero activities.
We're quickly introduced to the rest of the major cast of the film such as Parker's best friend, Ned, who is very curious about his internship with Stark's company. We're also shown the High School Academic Decathlon team who's captain, Liz, happens to be Peters big crush. And, finally, his Aunt May with who'm he must hide his secret of being Spider-Man.
The film's screenplay which was written by 6 writers, including the director Jon Watts, brings us closer to the comic book Spider-Man who was fairly humorous and filled with banter, which I feel the past iterations lacked. This movie is not dark, glum, or gritty. It's the complete opposite, being very colorful, bright, and hilarious. I think this is a good thing, and I can honestly say this movie could be seen as a comedy film in some ways besides just being a superhero flick.
Another aspect of this film that I really love is that the villain of this movie isn't out for conquering the world, or destroying the Avengers, or anything epic, really. He's just a thief, who wants to stay in the shadows while making some money for himself and his screw, while staying off the radar of anyone who could pose a threat. I was happily surprised in a way that the writers kind of cut out the things we've seen multiple times before, such as an origin story flashback, Uncle Ben getting shot, or any radioactive spiders biting Peter.
They've kept everything pretty fresh, and even made a joke out of some trope like things we've gotten used to with Spider-Man, like him swinging from giant towers. There's a part in the film that shows us how effective his powers really are when he's in the suburbs having to run through backyards (As a homage to Ferris Bueller it seems) bumbling around to chase after some bad guys.
There are a lot of clever gags in this film, such as Captain America being on Public Service Announcements shown in the school, a teacher saying "I'm pretty sure this guys a war criminal now." in reference the PSA, and things like girls playing F**K, Marry, Kill with the Avengers. Though I do have to say at times it ramps up the tension and suspense quite a bit too in the later 2nd act and 3rd act. It has some good action sequences, and interesting character designs, as well as some gorgeous cinematography throughout the film. There's a very unsuspecting twist towards the end of the movie, that ups the stakes and make the film more complex as well.
With the wonderful performances with the whole cast, excellent cameos, witty and humorous gags and references, and upbeat colorful film style, I honestly think this movie is just absolutely great. Michael Keaton kills it as The Vulture, and provides the best Marvel movie villain since Loki. Holland does a perfect job as Peter Parker, and gives us the perfect friendly neighborhood Spider-Man at the same time.
In my honest opinion, Spider-Man homecoming is a good film for anyone, even if you're not super up to the happenings in the MCU movies. It's both a hilarious comedy, as well as a coming of age superhero flick. It's set up this series so well, that you're left with anticipation of what's to come. In short, I really recommend anyone interested in giving it a watch!
I really hope you've enjoyed my review on this newest Spider-Man film! If you did enjoy it, please feel free to upvote, follow me, and resteem the post! I'd greatly appreciate it and could use the support! Thanks for taking a look! (Also, this is a repost. The first post didn't get much attention, and I messed up my grammar in a few spots and thought I'd just rewrite a few parts and fix my errors!)
