Let’s be honest – we don’t go to see a movie like Spider-Man: Homecoming for its shocking twists and turns. Now on its second reboot since the Tobey Maguire starring, Sam Raimi directed 2002 film, it draws us to the theatre as it is a known commodity, a popcorn flick that we feel comfortable settling in to. . . and its biggest twist is probably that the creative team chose to go with The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” instead of the band’s remake of the Spiderman theme song. Also, there is a little twist with the second post credit scene, a cheeky cameo that will have some happy they persevered, while others will complain that it didn’t pay off.
Directed by Jon Watts, the narrative follows unusual high schooler Peter Parker (Tom Holland – the first time an actual teen has been cast in the part), the web-slinger must contend with those complicated teenage years, while also doubling as a quote/unquote intern with Stark Industries – motor-mouthed Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) flits in and out as the kid’s mentor.
One of the more light-hearted Marvel films, it is an entertaining teen action comedy with a hundred and seventy-five million dollar budget. Peter is your typical high schooler, dealing with the trials and tribulations of that time – cocky rich kid Flash (Tony Revolori) has coined him Penis Parker. As I am sure you can guess from the nickname, he is not the most popular guy, spending most of his time hanging out with nerdy Ned (Jacob Batalon), and also participating in the academic decathlon with his above mentioned buddy, as well as Flash, the aloof Michelle (Zendaya) and Peter’s crush Liz (Laura Harrier). He must also keep his secret from his involved aunt, May Parker (Marisa Tomei).
Mostly shrugged off by Stark, Parker spends his free time cruising the city in his spidey-suit, hoping to be the neighbourhood’s local saviour, though most of the time he is just a nuisance – mistaking ordinary people for criminals (Stan Lee pops up with another entertaining cameo – threatening to beat up the teen if he doesn’t keep the noise level down). Though, on one of these tours he encounters a bunch of robbers (wearing Avengers masks) using some hi-tech gizmos. . . and he follows the clues as he tries to save the day.
Michael Keaton, whose every second role now seems to be bird related – he’ll be a shoe-in if they remake Birdman of Alcatraz, takes on the big baddie role as Adrian Toomes (aka Vulture). A working man who gets screwed by big business and decides to make his own breaks (illegally of course), the prolific actor adds a resentful, gritty, east coast touch to his menacing character.
Keep an eye out for some other interesting cameos and small roles from such actors as on-his-way-up Donald Glover, Logan Marshall-Green, Jennifer Connelly (as Spider-Man’s Suit Lady, eventually coined Karen), as well as returning Marvel actors Chris Evans (some entertaining 1950’s style public service announcements), Jon Favreau, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kerry Condon.
A coming of age story, director Jon Watts turned to the master, John Hughes, for inspiration. Convincing his cast to do a marathon, they watched The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink as well as several others, and it shows. The comedy is entertaining, with a slight edge, the timing spot on. And, like most teen movies, there is some angst, though not as profound as the Hughes’ motion pictures.
Making a deal with Sony to share the rights to the iconic character, Marvel has been able to add another intriguing superhero to their cinematic universe. To get the full immersive experience, it is worthwhile watching 2016’s Captain America: Civil War prior to this one, as it is Spider-Man’s first entry into this world.
With solid performances from the cast, Spider-Man: Homecoming is an action packed extravaganza (with many visually engaging set pieces) that is sure to please this summer – just don’t expect anything too original with this one. . . and, it is arguably the second best film following the original Maguire pic. In the mid-credits scene, Watts sets us up for the next iteration, in which Michael Mando’s (wholly entertaining in the television series Orphan Black) Mac Gargan will surely play a bigger part. So, use your Spidey-sense and check out this high-flying flick, it passes the test (though it may not actually be one).
Sounds too juvenile for me. I’m tired of all the sequels anyway. I wish they would come up with something new in Hollywood. Won’t be seeing that one.