“Spider-Man: Homecoming” – Movie Review

There are two scenes in the credits for this one, so stick around when you see it. Patience will be rewarded. Note also that I said “when you see it,” not “if you see it.” Having already seen Captain America: Civil War would help, but isn’t essential.

Cast and Crew Information

Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes
Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man
Marisa Tomei as May Parker
Jon Favreau as Harold J. “Happy” Hogan
Gwyneth Paltrow as Virginia “Pepper” Potts
Zendaya as Michelle
Donald Glover as Aaron Davis
Jacob Batalon as Ned
Laura Harrier as Liz
Tony Revolori as Flash
Bokeem Woodbine as Herman Schultz / Shocker
Tyne Daly as Anne Maries Hoag
Angourie Rice as Betty
Michael Chernus as Phineas Mason
Michael Mando as Mac Gargan
Jennifer Connelly as Karen
Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America
Stan Lee as Gary

Screen story by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Day
Screenplay by Jonathan Goldstein & Jon Francis Daly and Jon Watts & Christopher Ford and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers
Directed by Jon Watts

Premise

High school student Peter Parker is also Spider-Man. He feels he’s ready for the big time alongside the Avengers, but his assigned mentor Happy Hogan doesn’t seem to agree.

High Point

Aside from being the funniest Spider-Man movie so far, and feeling like he’s really “at home” in the Marvel Universe (which may be the inspiration behind the title), this is filled with possible moments. I’m going to go with “now’s your chance! Kiss her!” but there are a lot of possibilities to choose from.

Low Point

The spider-sense appears to be entirely absent. I also considered selecting the moment where he watches a video on tying a Windsor knot in his necktie before the homecoming dance but then ends up with a half Windsor knot instead. It’s really nit-picky, I know, but this is a movie that’s so consistently good from start to finish that it’s hard to really single out the worst part. For many, it’ll be one of the departures from canon, but I’m okay with them.

The Review

This is an original take on the Spider-Man movie mythos. He’s definitely on the early part of his learning curve, and feels more like a teenager than he has in any previous films. They’ve diverged from canon in unexpected ways, but in ways that really work for the narrative. It’s also very much a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I give it 5 out of 6.

The effects were great, and pervasive. When Peter’s alone, he’ll use his abilities to get around, hopping fences and picnic tables, etc. The fights are smooth, and most importantly, I can’t see the “seams” between the real and CGI, which is key to this category. I give it 6 out of 6.

The story moves quickly. Every scene has a purpose, and the 133 minute runtime feels like half of that. I was concerned that the trailers gave away too much, but there’s a lot more going on than I expected, yet it somehow doesn’t feel rushed or cramped. I give it 6 out of 6.

The acting is very well done. Keaton makes a great villain, Holland just nails the part, Harrier is a natural, and we all know that Downey was born to play Tony Stark. I give it 6 out of 6.

The production is very well honed. Well directed, nicely shot, and edited to the bone despite it’s runtime over two hours. I give it 6 out of 6.

The emotional response was great. The opening sequence surprised me with characters and cast, and then the musical cue over the “Marvel Studios” logo put a smile on my face that lasted until well after the film was finished. Another 6 out of 6.

Overall, this is my favorite Spider-Man movie to date, without a doubt. I give it 6 out of 6.

In total, Spider-Man: Homecoming receives 41 out of 42.

5 replies on ““Spider-Man: Homecoming” – Movie Review”

  1. I did NOT see that plot twist coming. To the point that I actually went “Oh shit!” in the theatre.

    Luckily I went to see the movie at 4pm on a Wednesday and the only two other people there were in the front row.

    • Same! It was a cannon deviation, but it was obviously written so those of us who know canon and felt safe in that knowledge could be surprised and shaken out of our complacency. Very nicely executed, too.

      • I assume you mean the Liz’s dad is the vulture twist, and not the is Michelle actually the MCU’s MJ? twist.

        It’s a great little Spider-man film with some fresh elements, but 5/6 for originality?

        Did they get bonus points for not rehashing the origin?

        • Yes, that twist.

          And yes, they get a lot of bonus points for not rehashing every other Spider-Man movie ever, even if that means downplaying spidey-sense.

          They also did a fantastic job integrating Spider-Man into the larger MCU.

          The one thing that bugged me is the usual “That guy’s supposed to be 15? Whatever dude” but that’s pretty much to be expected.

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