Spider-Man Homecoming: Review

Spider-Man Homecoming is directed by Jon Watts and stars Tom holland as the third incarnation of everyone's favourite web head. In this first MCU spider-man inclusion we see Peter struggle to settle back into a normal life after the events of civil war. After a new villain that goes by the name of Vulture begins to harness and sell alien weaponry to the villainous thugs of New York - Peter must learn to balance his life between school and Spider-Man. 

A sharp spin on the Marvel formula. Amongst all the action - and somewhat hammy avengers tie in - Homecoming manages to create an entirely different look into the personal life of Spider-Man. Watts focuses on the life of Peter Parker and how everyday things impact the character. With huge reference to all time greats - The Breakfast Club and most dominantly Ferris Bueller's Day Off - this is an incredibly John Hughes inspired story. 

Homecoming escapes almost all similarities between spidey's previous entries and other flicks within the Marvel crowd. Classical Spider-Man elements and abilities are stripped straight from the comics: his web wings and spider signal - things nobody has ever seen associated with the character on screen. The simple but well structured plot feeds back straight back to raw, authentic spider-man.

In many ways what truly makes this coming of age story is the ambition of both the director and writers. To suit a more contemporary audience, Homecoming changes the game, bravely adjusting the characters to achieve a widespread cast of diversity. Flash Thompson, Ned, Michelle, Shocker: every new and old spidey character are each looked at from a different angle. Whilst it may take a bit of time getting used to for major comic fans, each actor performs effortlessly, helping build the blossoming teen vibe it sets out to be. Marisa Tomei plays wonderfully as the warm hearted, surprisingly trendy Aunt May, and the newly invented love interest Liz Allen serves as a sweet and down to earth distraction from any potential Mary Jane/ Gwen Stacy re hash. 

Though its primary Washington Monument and Ferry action scenes feel incredibly refreshing - and as expected visually dazzling. It doesn't feel as if Watts is trying to create a film in which Spider-Man is facing off the big leagues (Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy). The reason Homecoming is so ambitious is how grounded Spider-Man is, it takes a whole lot of guts to rein in what is already one of the biggest superhero of all time. Homecoming delivers our down to earth, friendly neighbourhood spider-man we all know and love rather than a camped out spectacular spider-man - as previously seen. This is of course buoyed by Holland's charismatic, breakthrough performance. He presents our best interpretation of the nerdy teen who is not only endearing but honours Uncle Ben's with 'great power comes great responsibility', having the heart and charism to win us all over. 

From the opening, as Spidey swings in to help the people of Queens, the tone is pretty much set. The shear dedication of Peter makes for a warm and relatable story. Iron Man is utilised in a way we haven't yet seen, teaching peter what it truly means to be a hero. Watts relishes into the world of Spider-Man, he takes a modern, distinctive spin on the superhero genre - swaying towards teens rather than just young kids and adults. Quick, quirky, colourful and down right fun, Homecoming is a sharp, hipper offering from the MCU- that following its revealing ad campaign packs enough easter eggs and surprises to please all. 

I am going to give Spider-Man Homecoming: 

8.7/10