Spider-Man: Homecoming Review

Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does what a spider can. After three reboots what is there left that Spider-Man can do? Well, if you include Marvel Studios into the equation there's a lot there can be done with the character. He is first introduced in Captain America: Civil War fighting alongside Tony Stark. The opening scenes of Homecoming continue from those events. We see behind-the-scenes footage of Peter's journey from New York to Berlin and everything in-between. When Parker returns back to Queens, reality puts him back in that teenage life and its problems. Is he going to pass that Spanish test? Can he get rid of his nerves to ask out Liz instead of staring strangely at her? Will he make it back home in time for dinner after a day of fighting crime? Parker returns back his life of being the friendly-neighborhood hero instead of a full-time Avenger. Along of the way, though, he interferes with the plans of big-crime boss, The Vulture (played by the great Michael Keaton). The plot is filled with laughing spots and a thrilling adventure that leaves you at the edge of your seat.

When it was first announced that Sony & Marvel Studios made a compromise to include Spider-Man in the MCU, everyone gave their take on who should play the web-slinger. Ultimately, the role went to the young and talented Tom Holland. Holland fits the role of Peter Parker & Spider-Man perfectly well. First of all, he is the right age to play a teenager and can grow alongside the character in the MCU. Holland also has the personality, spirit, and physique that work for his character. Early criticism I had about Spider-Man is that he made careless mistakes that let the villains get away. But I realized that these mistakes are what make the character. Parker is a teenager who does not have all the answers and that's all right. He's trying to always do that right thing. It might lead to crazy and dangerous results, but it comes from a good place. For anyone who fell in love with Spider-Man (including me) that is the exact reason why he is the character. He makes him feel relatable. It is alright to make mistakes and not be perfect, as long as your learn from our fault and remember to move forward. Holland also does his own stunts and shows that he can be the web-slinger on and off camera. The only critique I have about Spider-Man is he reliance on Tony Stark. Stark fills the mentor role that Uncle Ben could've done. He also gives Peter the high-tech suit and advice on fighting crime. Peter is always looking for approval from Stark and constantly asks him about future missions or his role on the Avengers team. Spider-Man should've have to do this, especially not with someone as narcissistic as Stark. Peter should make his own path and is genius enough to outsmart villains or create an awesome suit.

Michael Keaton has previously performed as Birdman and Batman and now he can add Spider-Man villain to his resume. In the comics, The Vulture is a guy who dresses in a bird suit to steal valuables. How can this character be interesting? The answer is simple: have Michael Keaton play him. One of the better Marvel villains, Vulture steals things only because he needs to provide for his family. Just like Spider-Man is always looking out for the little guy so does Vulture. He comes from a low-income family and does things that he may not approve of, but only to better his family. The opening sequence shows the character excited to work on a big project to clean up the mess from the New York attack from The Avengers; however, interference from Tony Stark leaves him out of a job. This causes him to break the law by stealing high-tech gear in order to sell at a high price on the black market. While he is portrayed as a villain, his intentions come from truth. Plus, that lame bird costume we were talking about, Marvel turns it into a crazy-stunning mechanical suit. He can fly at great height and speed while able to use his wings to crush metal or anything else standing in his way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8n1NebUgY4

Now that Spider-Man exists in the MCU there are so many team-ups and storylines that are possible to create. Homecoming already gave hints of Miles Morales existing and a possible future Sinister Six team up with Scorpion's monologue. Peter is that everyday teenager that anyone can relate to and look up to. It is going to be exciting to see Spider-Man team up with the Avengers once again; maybe even in the fight against Thanos.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Spider-Man: Homecoming screams "FRESH." After three reboots, the task is almost impossible. However, Tom Holland cements his status as Spider-Man in the MCU. Any doubt that you may have about ANOTHER Spider-Man can be dropped after watching this film.