Why did Marvel decide to make a sixth Spider Man movie in 15 years? The web-slinger is one of their most popular characters and, after they deal they made with Sony, they finally had a chance to insert him as a player in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even though this is the third try at a major Spider Man franchise and the third actor to don Spidey’s tights, it was a good move. Spider Man Homecoming was well-paced, clever, and very entertaining. It not only pushed forwards parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it also holds up as its own standalone movie. (Think; a John Hughes-esque teen comedy turned action movie, that happens to be about Peter Parker.)
It follows Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) attempt to adjust to becoming a superhero, falling in love with a girl (Laura Harrier), and stopping the evil plan of the Vulture (Michael Keaton). It sounds simple, but it allows for a lot of character development for Parker, as well as for the Vulture, who come across as very believable (As believable as man with a a flying metal bird-suit can be.)
and even relatable. He actually might be one of the better villains they’ve created in the cinematic universe as they wrote his backstory so that the Vulture is actually a product of what has happened in previous Marvel movies and his motives a very real and make you have some compassion towards him. (The twist that comes with his backstory…so simple, but very effective.)
It seems that Marvel decided to focus less on explosions and drawn out action scenes for character development and a solid story with brilliant one liners. Peter’s best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon), is an over-the-top, geeky character, that is totally believable and is a source of repeated comic relief through the film. (Just wait for his,“I was….looking…at…porn,”moment.)
It’s a fun, relatively family-friendly take on one of Marvel’s most popular characters. There is plenty of action, but it’s not as intense or as over the top as some of the recent superhero movies. It also has some great cameos from Iron Man and Captain America, they add to it instead of overshadow it.
Homecoming is not flawless, but it’s fun, and probably the best silver screen take on Spider Man yet.
After Credits Scenes: Yes, there is not one, but two post credit scenes. The mid credit one alludes to a future villain that could be coming after Spider Man, and the post credits scene features a well known super hero cameo that forces Marvel movie fans to laugh at themselves. Loved it!
Some of my favorite quotes:
- Peter Parker: “This is my chance to prove myself.” Ned Leeds: “But we have a Spanish quiz.”
- Tony Stark: “Just don’t do anything I would do, and definitely don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. There’s a little grey area in there and that’s where you operate.”
- Peter Parker: “Mr. Stark, here’s my report for tonight. I stopped a grand theft bicycle. Oh, I helped this old lady and she bought me a churro.”
- Ned Leeds: “Liz has a crush on you! Dude, you are an Avenger if anyone has a chance with a senior girl, it’s you!”
- Tony Stark: “If you are nothing without this suit, you shouldn’t have it…I sound like my dad.”
- Aunt May” “What the fu….!?!”
“Several months after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker, with the help of his mentor Tony Stark, tries to balance his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens, New York City while fighting crime as his superhero alter ego Spider-Man as a new threat, the Vulture, emerges.”
