Spider-Man: Homecoming is the latest Spider-Man movie, this time it’s directed by Jon Watts with a screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein and Francis Daley, Watts and Christopher Ford, and Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. The film stars Tom Holland (reprising his role from Captain America: Civil War), Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Maris Tomei and Robert Downey Jr.
This time around Peter Parker tries to balance his life as a superhero, high school, and a new villain in the form of the Vulture.
The good; it’s not an origin story! Hurray! We don’t get to see Uncle Ben die again. Uncle Ben’s death is like seeing the Waynes getting gunned down in Crime Alley, we’ve seen this event too many time that it’s lost its impact.
Coming off of the heels of all of the other events in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was a brilliant way to open the film with. It brings us up to speed with the world we’re in as well as where Peter is in his life. The movie is rewarding us for watching the other movies in the universe, very much like a comic book’s continuity and an Editor’s note to see “issue #15.”
The tone and the heart of what Spider-Man is captured wonderfully here. He’s a kid in high school, tackling the social hierarchy of the lunch room, homework, and school dances, then at the same time keeping his neighborhood safe.
This is the essence of a hero, striving to do the right thing but not being credited, this aspect of humility is something that’s been lost in the genre for quite some time. It’s why the superhero has a secret identity or wears a mask. Bravo for capturing this aspect.
Speaking to the tone, the child-like wonder and for that matter, banter, is at the core of Spider-Man. At times things may seem too goofy and comedic, what with all the doom/gloom and brooding of late, having this injection of humor and fun is a much welcomed change.
The orchestral rendition of the 1960s theme song was ingenious, Michael Giacchino knocks it out of the park again.
The bad; the movie ended, I wanted to watch it again as soon as it ended. Such a fun ride with accompanying laughs, I didn’t want it to end.
Overall, this is one to be seen on the big screen. Tom Holland fits perfectly into the blue and red suit as our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The filmmakers were able to craft a character arc by not having it be an origin story. Taking the inexperienced naivete of a high schooler wanting to be an adult and pitting him up against life threatening situations was a very smart choice in the narrative formula. I’ll be seeing this one again in the theatres.
PS. Hannibal Buress is the gym teacher at the school, one of my favorite comedians!