The Homecoming Spidey Truly Deserves - "Spider-Man: Homecoming" Review

(SPOILER ALERT)

After Spider-Man’s Marvel Cinematic Universe debut on Captain America: Civil War, it is time for the homecoming (party) movie.

Spider-Man: Homecoming was directed by Jon Watts, and was produced by Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal. It stars Tom Holland (Peter Parker / Spider-Man), Michael Keaton (Adrian Toomes / Vulture), Zendaya (M.J.), Jacob Batalon (Ned Leeds), Laura Harrier (Liz), Tony Revolori (Flash), Donald Glover (Aaron Davis), Marisa Tomei (May Parker), Jon Favreau (Harold “Happy” Hogan), and Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark / Iron Man).

The movie follows the life of a teenage boy, Peter Parker, who lives a double life as New York’s web-swinging superhero known as Spider-Man. Now, under the mentorship of Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, he must prove himself worthy to be an Avenger, while balancing his crime fighting activities and his school life. But a new threat on the neighborhood will soar and it’s up to Spider-Man to challenge and defeat this villain, Vulture.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is one of Marvel’s best film-rights. It is the Spider-Man movie that people will just have to love. It’s different from the comics and the previous Spider-Man movies, but the whole film itself was still nicely done and greatly delivered. The story was very well written that it will keep the audience satisfied and be craving for a sequel.

Mixture of amazing action scenes, humor, great special effects, cameos, easter eggs, and a superb movie plot, which was also kid-friendly, that the whole family can enjoy.

The movie didn’t have a dull scene and had a lot of moments where we can see Spidey in action. And as we can expect from Marvel, the special effects and humor was at its finest and will also keep us focus to the movie.

It was not an origin movie and we’re happy about it. We’re tired of seeing Peter getting bitten by a radioactive spider and Uncle Ben getting shot. We’ve heard that story before and we do not need to hear it again.

The new kid, Holland, showed us why Spider-Man is called ‘amazing’ and ‘spectacular’. He was the perfect combination of Peter Parker and Spider-Man. We can see how Peter struggles with his normal life and balancing his time as teenager and a superhero, and Spidey’s troubles in being responsible for everyone safety. Holland delivered his role perfectly with Peter Parker and remained the awkward teenage boy having difficulties facing normal teenage problems such as relationship and school, and Spider-Man; a fun to watch superhero throwing quips and jokes, and being lively all the time. And kudos to his workout that kept his body in great shape, a physique suitable for the web-slinger.

Keaton is another reason why the movie is amazing. An actor who wore the mantle of an iconic hero, Batman, now plays the role of Vulture, a threat to another iconic superhero. He deserves praises for his performance. He gave intimidation on his character that you will know that Vulture is serious business, especially on that car scene when he was giving Peter the frightening looks.

Downey Jr., as always, kept an excellent job as Tony Stark/Iron Man, and had enough exposure to not overshadow Spider-Man in his own movie, in contrast to what people assumed, though people will care less about Uncle Ben as Stark seems to take the role of Peter’s father-figure and inspiration. Tomei, on the other hand, changed people’s perspectives on Aunt May, from the lovable old lady to the cool and hot aunt. She may even change the answer to the question, “Which one will you go out on a date? Gwen Stacy or Mary Jane? Answer? Aunt May!” And people would love to see more of her. Then there is Ned, the adorable best friend played by Batalon. Batalon will keep you laughing with his own humor that fitted the movie and delivered a performance that complemented Holland’s.

Overall, the cast did a fantastic job, but some characters are still missing a few elements. Zendaya’s “MJ” seemed like an over-hyped and over-exposed cameo, as she was there, you just don’t really know why. Even though Liz was Peter’s eye-candy in this film, people tend to expect that MJ will be Peter’s love interest but there wasn’t enough build up to that. She was just there delivering a few lines and doing a few things, sometimes you wouldn’t even notice her. And then Revolori’s new way of interpreting the character of “Flash”, Peter Parker’s number one school bully. It’s hard to see him as the bully since he failed to be menacing and intimidating and his character seemed like some rich kid trying to act cool but just very jealous of Peter.

In the movie, Spider-Man seemed to rely on Stark’s technology rather than his own abilities and his own homemade web-shooters, but fortunately, they went back with his original suit and web-shooters during the climactic battle with Vulture. It is also important to point out that Peter was still young and still new to this crime-fighting career as they made Spider-Man still having difficulties facing thugs, making decisions, and keeping his identity a secret, but what is bothering is that he didn't seem to have his trademark “Spider-Sense”. He lacked his Spider-Sense in the movie, and he’s just not a complete Spider-Man without it. I hope they can fix this and have this ability develop in the sequel.

The final confrontation between Spider-Man and Vulture was just simply spectacular. Having them fight on a plane was a smart idea, giving Vulture a clear edge. Spidey ultimately did defeat him although not by beating or knocking him down, but by saving his life, which teaches us the most important lesson in all Spider-Man movies, “With great power comes great responsibility”. An excellent job on the writers’ part which shows Spider-Man being responsible to the life of others even his nemesis'.

Tons of easter eggs and cameos can be spotted all throughout the film. Giving fans more things to be excited about. Scorpion and the Sinister Six? Possibly. Aaron Davis’ nephew? Miles Morales? A.k.a the Ultimate Universe’s Spider-Man? By the way Aaron Davis? The Prowler? Maybe. Will Spider-Man be wearing the Iron Spider suit just like in the comics? We’ll just have to wait and see. Other easter eggs and cameo appearances include Cindy Moon, Betty Brant, The Tinkerer, Captain America, Pepper Potts, and of course you can’t forget about Stan Lee.

Spider-Man: Homecoming is overall a fantastic movie. The story, the acting, the effects, and the action are just downright amazing, having a lighter tone that everyone can still appreciate and enjoy. It is truly what the Spider-Man fans and Marvel fans needed and it’s just great to see Spidey in the MCU and having his own film.

Rating: 8.5/10