Spider-Man: Homecoming review: Get ready to be captured by Spidey’s web of charm

The highly anticipated Spider-Man: Homecoming has been released, and it’s everything fans had hoped for … and much, much more!

Unlike its predecessors, Spider-Man: Homecoming is not bogged down with a protagonist who has to credit his heroism to guilt. Under the expert guiding wings (or should I say “web-wings”) of Kevin Feige and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the web-head’s rebooted solo outing gives us a superhero who’s actually enthusiastic.

Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy the Sami Raimi / Tobey Maguire era Spider-Man films (sans the third one). However, Spider-Man: Homecoming hits at the core of who this hero really is — a bright, sometimes naive, everyday guy who just wants to help. It’s the same charm that made him a success in his original medium, the comics.

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The film does away with the traditional origin story. You know the routine: Peter Parker is a bullied nerd; he gets bitten by a radioactive spider; he starts to learn about his new abilities; he has a disagreement with Uncle Ben; Uncle Ben is tragically murdered before Peter can apologize; and the guilt drives Peter to want to use his newfound powers and abilities for good.

In the past, it seemed every hero had to have a tragedy in order to become … you know … heroic. Spider-Man: Homecoming, without this perceived burden, conveys the idea that heroism is something ingrained in the DNA of an individual. This unapologetic statement is what makes this film unique.

Because we get a protagonist who’s bright and actually loves what he’s doing, we’re drawn into his story immediately. And what a great story it is. Screenwriters John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein weave (pun intended) an efficient tale filled with humor, action, and true stakes.

Tom Holland builds on the character, who was first introduced into the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, and gives us a very multi-layered performance. His Spider-Man is hampered by Tony Stark’s overprotection. Yes, the billionaire playboy has matured into a parent. Stark still has a streak of narcissism, but you can tell he’s now a reluctant “father.” And if that’s that case, Happy Hogan is a very reluctant “babysitter.”

The interactions between the three are definitely a source of humor for the film. However, the laughs pull a double-shift in helping the audience to see just what Peter is up against — fighting to be taken seriously and viewed as one of the big boys. Because of this, we feel our hero’s frustrations and are pulled into his world.

And it’s definitely a grand world. From the colorful supporting players to the urban home turf of our web-slinger, this is the beloved comic book Spider-Man come to life. As part of the MCU (and being the sixteenth film in the series), this installment did run the risk of trying too hard to be part of its peer films. However, the story pulls in just the right amount of references to integrate itself, but not overdo it.

One of the best unexpected surprises came from the villain, Adrian Toomes / Vulture. Though his origin story may have been a bit rushed, it does make sense in this universe. Due to Michael Keaton’s performance, the character’s zeal never goes into cliched maniacal territory. However, that isn’t to say Vulture isn’t threatening. Without giving away any spoilers, one of the best and most tense scenes in the film is a conversation between Spidey and Vulture.

It would be an understatement to say Spider-Man: Homecoming is a successful reboot. If your only exposure to the web-slinger was through the Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield incarnations, then this would be a completely a different character to you. However, if you grew up with the comics, then this version will be familiar territory.

Marvel Studios hits the nail right on the head and continues to bring another faithful adaptation of one of the most beloved characters in comics. With superior writing and an equally skillful cast, Spider-Man: Homecoming gives audiences one of the best installments in the MCU.

Next: Spider-Man: Homecoming mid and post-credits scenes

Production Details

Spider-Man: Homecoming—Official Synopsis

"A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging superhero in Spider-Man: Homecoming."

Spider-Man: Homecoming had a United States release date of July 7, 2017

It is directed by Jon Watts, written by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein, and stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man, Michael Keaton as The Vulture, Marissa Tomei as May Parker, Zendaya as Michelle, Tony Revolori as Manuel, Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man, Jacob Batalon as Ned, Laura Harrier as Liz, Jim Morita as High School Principal, Logan Marshall-Green as Montana, Bokeem Woodbine as Herman Schultz / Shocker #2, Donald Glover as Aaron Davis, Martin Starr as Mr. Harrington, Isabella Amara as Sally, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. as Jason, J.J. Totah as Seymour, Hannibal Buress as Coach Wilson, Selenis Leyva as Ms. Warren, Abraham Attah as Abe, Michael Mando as Mac Gargan, Tyne Daly as Anne Marie Hoag, and Angourie Rice as Betty.