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When I decided to watch the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Homecoming, I was curious as to what fresh and exciting twist this film could bring to the table with the titular superhero franchise now in its second reboot. Luckily for Spider-Man lovers, this film easily debuts the most down to Earth and relatable Spider-Man yet, and blends action and teenage romance into a wonderful coming of age tale everyone can enjoy.
The film begins with our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man still riding the wave of excitement from his first mission with the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War. Let’s not forget this is a young Spider-Man wrapped within the throes of adolescence and life as a high school student. He’s eager to prove himself to Tony Stark, join the Avengers, and leave his teenage life behind, but finds the obstacles of being fifteen years old and growing up are keeping him from doing so. Stark allows him to keep the advanced Spider-Man suit as a result of his aid in Civil War, but Stark is adamant that Peter still has a lot to learn and experience before joining the Avengers. So, Peter decides to focus on the issues plaguing his own neighborhood, and eventually uncovers the underground operation overseen by the film’s main antagonist, the Vulture. All this happens in Peter’s backyard, which makes the events in the film feel focused and significantly more personal.
Never before have we seen a Spider-Man that fits the role of an awkward, geeky, and clumsy teenager growing into himself and his abilities so perfectly.
When I watched Tom Holland’s first official Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) appearance in Captain America: Civil War, I wasn’t so sure an incredibly young Spider-Man was the right choice, but clearly I was wrong – his casting was on point, and he owns it throughout the two hour and thirteen minute film. Never before have we seen a Spider-Man that fits the role of an awkward, geeky, and clumsy teenager growing into himself and his abilities so perfectly. Michael Keaton’s take on the Vulture was also fantastic as a blue-collar worker turned vigilante – a position that allows for an unusual amount of sympathy for his character. The actor who played Ned, Peter’s best friend, hit all the right comedic punches and reminded me of what being fifteen years old in high school was like. These terrific casting choices paired with funny, genuine writing and an excellent story arc left a lasting impression.
The approach to telling this story was also perfect for the place this film will make for itself within the MCU. We don’t need to see Spider-Man getting his powers from a radioactive spider for a third time, in fact it’s humorously glossed over during a quick conversation between Peter and Ned. They even go further to address an obvious issue with previous films in regards to Spider-Man’s improbable ability to web swing in areas where there is seemingly nothing for his webs to latch onto, like in the middle of a golf course for example. It’s these small moments that make this film feel very self-aware and entertaining.
The idea that great power comes with great responsibility is a very prominent theme, and you can see Peter weighs this wisdom heavily with every decision he makes – in one scene where Peter is given an opportunity to break into his high school social circle and get closer to his love interest, he gets wind of a potential weapons exchange going down and decides to abandon the party. It’s also nice to see Peter’s intellect shining through each obstacle he encounters, in and out of the Spider-Man suit, from realizing he has the ability to modify his suit’s hardware, to sneaking time in during his science classes to create web-slinging fluid in his desk drawer.
Again, let’s not forget that we are watching this superhero’s third outing in the film world, so it’s impressive we don’t see a familiar path already tread.
The pacing throughout is excellent, and as someone who has seen their fair share of films, I was not able to predict where the story would end up. Again, let’s not forget that we are watching this superhero’s third outing in the film world, so it’s impressive we don’t see a familiar path already tread. The action sequences were well-executed and showcased Spider-Man’s superhuman abilities expertly, with him taking out bad guys with ease and cracking light jokes about the Avengers. As the credits roll, you’re just left with the feeling that you’ve witnessed the most genuine Spider-Man on the silver screen, and it’s impressive to feel that way, especially since we are already so familiar with the superhero and his characteristics.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is an outstanding first entry into the MCU for everyone’s favourite web-slinger that provides an excellent story about an almost ordinary kid being swept up onto a stage he’s not quite ready for. In a world where superhero films saturate the market of films to watch, it’s a feat in itself that Spider-Man: Homecoming feels like an original story and not a reboot of a franchise we’ve seen twice already, and is definitely worth your money to see in theatres.
FINAL REVIEW: 9/10
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