Film Review: Spider-Man Homecoming

Film Review: Spider-Man Homecoming 

To be said, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

Spider-Man Homecoming is a widely refreshing addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hilarious and charming the film works better than any of the other Spider-Man franchises. Tom Holland, an actor actually close to the age of Peter Parker (so much so that fans everywhere are googling his age while watching the film), brings a sense of realness to the character that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield never achieved; with the addition of the fresh faced stars Laura Harrier and Jacob Batalon, fan favorites Zendaya and Donald Glover, and seasoned actors Marisa Tomei and Michael Keaton the film is well-rounded with star power. The quick appearance of Gwyneth Paltrow warmed my heart while Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Faveau's banter was as funny as it was 9 years ago in Iron Man.

The film dropped huge hints for the future of the franchise. Though not confirmed if the character will be included in any future Spider-Man films, Aaron Davis makes the first mention of Miles Morale aka the other Spider-Man. Given that fans of Donald Glover called for him to play Peter Parker when the film was announced it would seem obvious that Marvel would take advantage of his character and the Miles Morale storyline. 

On top of this, Michelle reveals at the end of Spider-Man Homecoming that her friends call her MJ. Despite the denial of Zendaya being cast to play Mary-Jane Watson perhaps MCU is creating a new character around the name ‘MJ.’ Either way Michelle is effortlessly witty and endearing throughout the film. Her easy banter with Peter and Ned speaks to the chemistry between the cast. 

Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker speaks to anyone who has ever been a kid in high school. Endlessly looking for a bigger purpose in life, to be admired by your peers, respected by the adults in your life, and trying to ask your crush to the school dance. The moment Tony takes away the suit from Peter the audience can’t help but to feel heartbreak; Tony drew him into the Avengers life and threw him out just as quickly. Peter isn’t given the time of day by Happy until he saves his job (although who honestly believes that Tony would fire him after all these years?). Though looking for recognition from Tony, Peter mostly acts out of selflessness. He realizes that there is a real danger to the alien weapons and is begging for anyone to listen to him. Instead he is treated with ‘kid gloves’ and ends up making more mistakes because he is (mostly) working by himself. Peter isn’t just willing to sacrifice his chance with Liz; he’s willing to sacrifice his life. And in the end he heroically walks into the fire to save Vulture and leaves before anyone arrives at the scene to give him immediate recognition.

In all, Spider-Man Homecoming is one of the MUST SEE movies of the summer (along with Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and Wonder Woman). Marvel has done an incredible job in making this film. The cast has amazing chemistry and the acting is perfection. Never did I think I needed to see Peter Parker interacting with Aunt May, always dressed like she’s stuck between the 80s and 90s bless her, in a Thai restaurant talking about larb while May gets hit on by their waiter. Tom Holland makes playing a superhero effortless and cool, there’s no way the film would have been as good with a different actor. I guess what they say is true, third time is the charm.