It’s hard to walk into a superhero movie these days expecting anything easygoing or optimistic. But the review and the reality is unquestionable. Spider-Man: Homecoming is the most fun you will have at the multiplex this summer.
Exceptional casting and an appropriately tight script make for one of the funniest and most authentic hero movies in a while. It has big-budget spectacle without the now-expected broodiness or heft. This isn’t Marvel medicine; it’s meant to go down easy and be effortlessly enjoyed, even if it’s hard to follow the history.
This next chapter for the Marvel Cinematic Universe might appear as a confusing entity to start with so many people involved. It’s technically an entry in the Avengers series, and separate from both previous Spider-Man franchises this century (2002-2007 and 2012-2014.)
Spider-Man: Homecoming is also the first (and only) produced by Sony Pictures instead of Disney. This co-production between the two studios attached to Marvel started in Captain America: Civil War, in an unprecedented agreement to share characters in one property against two rival studios.
Have you followed up to this point? Nod if you understand, take a breath, and continue from here.
This new first chapter/second reboot for your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man opens with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) fresh from his battle in Civil War with the other Avengers. He’s struggling to find his ground as a student, friend, and new local hero in disguise - until he stumbles on a company secretly making new weapons, endangering Queens and his close friend.
The partnership that led to the new Spider-Man’s expedited existence has paid off more than financially for both companies. It’s actually improved the whimsy and pace of the Avengers franchise, while also re-energizing the troubled Spider-Man brand for the first time in over a decade.
Weirdly enough, the spunkiness and joy of Spider-Man: Homecoming make it feel more like a typical Disney film, event though it’s partner studio was responsible for production. You can, however, see producer Kevin Feige’s influence on the many cameos and easter eggs throughout the story with his ties to Buena Vista Pictures.
Tom Holland is a captivating Peter Parker, and is by the far the most watchable performance any actor has given as the titular Spider-Man. Because of his youth and clumsiness, the danger he encounters becomes so easily believable. It’s effortless getting emotionally invested in Peter’s success and rooting for him to save the day.
While Holland runs with the wind and shines brilliantly, the rest of the cast is equally compelling. Michael Keaton’s baddie Vulture is robust and gripping, with an outstanding backstory and secret I won’t spoil. And Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man meets an evolution to Spider’s mentor with some great scenes for Downey to show off his acting chops.
For families this summer, the movie isn’t as intense as some superhero flicks, but no less exciting to watch. It’s smaller in scale for the crime, but appropriately so as is the New York setting and the title hero. It’s fine for any kid who’s been to middle school, as some occasional coarse language is the only barrier. It’s still a no-no for young children.
As a well-rounded blockbuster, it’s unbelievably enjoyable. Devout Marvel fans are going to lose their minds over the cheeky nods to other characters and films, but you don’t need to know any of them to laugh or enjoy the show.
There’s new life in the Avengers, and I can’t wait to see what Tom Holland will do next. He’s a formidable talent, and his homecoming to the screen shows Spider-Man’s great truth in a really fun manner: You must first be great in a simple way before you can become simply great.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
3 1/2 out of 4 stars
PG, 134 minutes. Superhero Comedy Action.
Directed by Jon Watts.
Starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Laura Harrier, Zendaya and Marisa Tomei.
Now Playing at Film.Ca Cinemas, Cineplex Winston Churchill and Cineplex Oakville & VIP. Also in IMAX.
