Bite-sized Movie Review - Spider-Man Homecoming

Why?! Why reboot Spider-Man AGAIN!? Oh, because you want to tie it into the marvel cinematic universe where it belongs, cast a perfect lead actor, and make a fun movie? That I can get behind!

Tom Holland made for a perfectly cast version of Peter Parker. His innocence and immaturity played well into the new 15 year old Parker and he delivered a performance that was both genuine and endearing. The origin was thankfully skipped (we didn’t need to see Uncle Ben get shot all over again), and we’re introduced to the young Spider-Man we saw first pop up and steal the show in Civil War. This new Spidey isn’t in full control of his powers (spider sense is noticeably absent), and he’s still getting used to the suped up suit which causes as much comedy as it does action.

The choices that Parker makes in this movie help define who the character will become as he continues on through the the various phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But those choices are made from the learning stand point of a still-developing teenager who’s struggling to come to terms with the powers he’s been granted. It makes for an interesting dynamic, far more so than any previous versions we’ve seen so far. Not to mention that Holland is charming as all hell. All these things will no doubt keep the character fresh and interesting and will hopefully mean we don’t have to switch actors or reboot again any time soon.

Add to this a strong list of supporting characters, Robert Downey Jr and Michael Keaton being at the top of said list, and you’ve got yourself a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but invests enough in the character and story development to make this series a future cornerstone of the MCU.

Homecoming was fantastic! Such a fun movie filled with charismatic characters that added to the story rather than just filling it. Plenty of teen angst to give it a John Hughes vibe while splicing superb action and well-placed humour. This is the Spider-Man I've been waiting for.

STRAY THOUGHTS OF AWESOMENESS . . .

• The Iron Spider Suit!
• Karen, Spidey’s AI, is voiced by Jennifer Connelly who also happens to have played Betty Ross in And Lee’s Hulk and is married to Paul Bettany who plays Vision in the MCU.
• Michelle = MJ -  So, the new version of Mary Jane?
  
• Mac Gargan was the buyer for the weapons on the ferry. Gargan in the comics is the Scorpion! Producers have said the villain in the Spider-Man sequel is someone we’ve never seen on screen yet . . . 2 + 2 = Scorpion!
  
• Gwyneth Paltrow showed up. That’s nice.
  
• Donald Glover plays Aaron Davis who’s not only The Prowler in the comic books but is also the Uncle of Miles Morales, the Ultimate Universe(?) Spider-Man who currently exists in the same universe as Peter Parker in the comics.