Anthony's Film Review - Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe's version of Spider-Man gets his own movie that is a thrill to see...

Spider-Man: Homecoming is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie from Marvel Studios that features Spider-Man in his own movie. However, it is worth noting that this is not the first live-action Spider-Man movie ever. The film studio Sony previously released five Spider-Man movies featuring two actors playing the titular role. In fact, because Sony still holds the rights to Spider-Man, unlike the majority of Marvel Comics characters that Marvel Studios already has the rights to, this Spider-Man movie is a production of Marvel Studios that is in association with Sony. Even so, it's nice to have an official MCU version of Spider-Man. If you consider the MCU to be the true home for all Marvel superheroes brought to cinematic life, then Spider-Man has come home, which makes the "Homecoming" subtitle rather appropriate.

At this point in the MCU, Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) already has an established connection with Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), because Peter was asked to briefly assist in a matter in Captain America: Civil War. Even with what he did, Peter is still being looked on as someone on standby. He is ordered to wait for a call from Stark, and until that happens, he is not allowed to do anything huge as Spider-Man whenever he wants to. Sure, he can do little deeds of heroism in his neighborhood, but if it's something really dangerous, he is forbidden from getting involved.

In the meantime, Peter has to just go through his ordinary life as a teenager, hanging with his good friend Ned (Jacob Batalon), going to high school classes, planning for the school's homecoming dance, and trying to woo a girl named Liz (Laura Harrier). In certain moments, particularly in the presence of Liz, Peter exhibits anxiety and insecurity. Those feelings also extend to his Spider-Man alter ego. He really craves a big mission to tackle, because the little neighborhood acts of heroism are not enough for him.

But one night, he sees an opportunity. A bank robbery is in progress, with the robbers armed with powerful alien guns. Peter jumps in as Spider-Man to stop them. He's ultimately able to do so, although his insecurity is evident during the battle. As for the mastermind, the gang is led by Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton), a man who salvages and sells high-tech alien weaponry for large amounts of cash. He's not exactly a prominent villain like others in the MCU, but his greed and menace are still unmistakable.

There is a rather interesting relationship between Peter Parker and Tony Stark. It's essentially a mentor-protégé relationship with the tough love of a father-son relationship. Peter has much to learn about where bravery truly comes from, something Stark has to put his foot down for. It's funny how Stark is being like a firm father, given that his own father wasn't exactly there for him when he was young. I guess even the most eccentric people are still capable to becoming mature on their own.

As time goes on, the lives of Peter Parker and Spider-Man continue to be a struggle to balance. The adolescence of Peter Parker does negatively affect the attempted heroism of Spider-Man. Eventually, however, the two mature quickly and almost simultaneously as their individual plotlines merge. During the climax, the events of school and the moments of stopping a grand villainous scheme practically collide. The only way to survive it all is for Peter Parker to grow up and be the best Spider-Man he can possibly be.

This is another good movie from Marvel Studios. They have done such a good job with its movies that their level of quality is practically expected with each new release. After seeing plenty of MCU movies, I notice that I tend to give many of them 8 out of 10 stars on my rating scale. That's pretty much my average rating for an MCU film. Spider-Man: Homecoming also lands right at that level, for its interesting character, fun action, and nicely written story. This superhero has come home to the MCU and fits right in.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Spider-Man: Homecoming, visit the Internet Movie Database.