SPIDER-MAN HOMECOMING REVIEW: A re-boot too far?

The one where Marvel got the rights back…

Tobey McGuire first introduced the character to the big screen in 2002. Andrew Garfield re-imagined the wall crawler again five years ago, In ‘The Amazing Spider-man’. But the web-head, owned by Sony, has come swinging back to Marvel in 2017's Spider-man: Homecoming.

Potential Spoilers

Did Marvel add that secret sauce and herald in a triumphant return? Or is this a re-boot too far? Spider-man: Homecoming is fresh AF. Welcoming Spider-man into the MCU and modern audiences. Marvel is noted for its realism, Fleshing out fantastic fantasies into relatable stories. Homecoming has a sense of chill with its character portrayals. Yes, Peter Parker has radioactive blood. But, he still stutters through his prom date proposal. Homecoming is modern and smart. Spider-man is obviously a YouTube sensation, Fighting bad guys and taking selfies; but still needs a tutorial for his necktie. It’s this reality that Marvel does best. Spidey has come home! 

Don’t be shocked; But Spider-man himself is not the victor of this movie. The director, Jon Watts, finally gets the most important character right; Peter Parker, as Spidey Before the razor sharp whit and confidence, Pubescent Peter is the real star. The awkward teen stereotype gets a heavy dose of relate-ability. Peter has always been an integral part of the wall-crawlers charm, but never before has he been as scene stealing without the scarlet spandex. Spider-man says himself: “This is the chance to prove myself”. And he certainly does! Previous movies have skimmed past the high school melodrama and skipped straight to adulthood. But the real gold is in Peters clumsy coming of age. Seeing a nerdy high-school kid coming to grips with great power… but not yet understanding great responsibility, is unique to Spider-man: Homecoming.    

Tom Holland’s casting is crazy-perfect, he himself is only twenty-one and his freshness shines through. Contrasting the naivety of Parker’s newfound power to Holland’s newfound fame, makes for an energetic and relatable Peter Parker. I’m the sure the geek-ed out response to Spidey’s super-suit was mirrored off set, as Holland relished in being cast as the web-head. Holland beautifully captures the not-so-sure cockiness of high school.

The diversity of the high-school dwellers in Homecoming elevates Holland’s portrayal. The supporting cast breathes further freshness into the high-school halls. Peters buddy, Ned is totally believable as the cool-conscious high schooler. Ned is desperate to be accepted. Either through adopting a snazzy hat for confidence, or being the ‘man in the chair’ to his super powered pal. Is Ned selfish? Yes, what teen isn’t. The rest of the gang at Parkers school is as identifiably stereotyped, but with a refreshing twist. Flash Thompson swaps jock-hood for douche-bag DJ. Liz is digestibly dim as the ‘regulation hottie’ and there’s even a brief whiff of gay-teen added to the group. The whole younger cast adds modern cool-layers and makes me want more high-school based hijinks in the sequel!

  

Zendaya is the press-princess, gaining a lot of attention for a small role. But when she is on screen she shines bright, even without a flick of make-up. Michelle is interesting, smart and funny. She leaves you wanting to know why the mysterious bookworm looks at Peter under a hooded brow. Zendaya adds intrigue and intelligence in very short bites. The same can be said for ‘Hot Aunt May’, Played earnestly by Marissa Tomei. Unaware of her sexy status she flirts her way through every scene, far removed from the hapless granny seen before. May and Happy Hogan, New Marvel power couple? Jon Favreau is bumbling, sour and sarcastic, Jon Favreu complementing Iron Man himself. Robert Downey Jr un-shockingly steals scenes like a pro with Stark-Snarkiness. Iron Man 4 please?

Homecoming also packs a mean punch with action and acrobatics. The fights are noticeably smaller scale, compared to some Marvel outings. However, the subtle stakes and close knit combat works for the plot. Spider-man takes down street level bad guys, suped up with alien technology. Remember, Spider-man is still growing into his powers and is not as refined as some heroes. But watching him train and use natural instinct adds humor, where spectacle is lacking. Spidey’s acrobatic flair brings suspense as he fights air-born against the villainous Vulture. Marvel re-vamps the ageing Adrian Toomes into a menacing low-level arms dealer: Picking and packaging the bones of super-battles. Michael Keaton is intimidating and intriguing and sells the character. His ultimatum to Peter at prom is cartoonish-ly charismatic and chilling. Vulture is a fantastic first nemesis to explore the wall-crawlers coming of power story.    

Speaking of villains, Marvel knows how to tease; this movie is infested with Easter Eggs. Nods to the larger cinematic universe weave Spider-man effortlessly into the MCU. Easing any naysayers that the MCU is overcrowded. The inclusion of evil Easter eggs (Shocker, Scorpion…) adds fan-boy fun and sequel egg-citement. Sinister-Six anybody?

Tony explicates to Spider-man: “there’s a little grey area where you operate” and he does it so beautifully. Allowing us a true ground-level perspective to super-heroism. The mass appeal of Spidey is his accessible nature, swinging above a streetlamp near you. Not in some high tech facility, space ship or far off planet. But in NYC, eating a Churro. Spiderman-Homecoming is a Marvel master-class in handling characters of realistic charm, charisma and kick-assery.

Marvel undeniably has worked their magic. finally we have gotten our ‘Friendly neighourhood Spider-man’ and I can’t wait to see what’s next…

When it comes to Spider-man…  

Spiderman: Homecoming 

Swinging into theatres now!