The training wheels come off for young Spidey, as “Spider-Man: Homecoming” prepares for the coming of a full-fledged hero. Our J.P. reviews the film.
“SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING”
Columbia Pictures
Opens: Friday, July 7, 2017
This film has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA.
Directed By Jon Watts
Produced By Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal
Executive Produced By Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Jeremy Latcham, Stan Lee, Stan Lee
Starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Tony Revolori, Tyne Daly, Bokeem Woodbine, with Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr.
Studio Synopsis:
A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging superhero in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
J.P.’s Take:
Watching Peter Parker transition from your average youngster to suited and booted super hero makes for some exciting good fun. As I delve into “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” I get the feeling that I’m watching a John Hughes flick. Mainly for the reason that this isn’t a typical superhero movie; it’s also a coming of age film.
What you see is Parker (Tom Holland) contending with some angsty moments from a teenagers point of view. He not only faces school dances, crushes and finals – the added ramifications of saving humanity also becomes part of his growing pains — Parker wants badly to become a full-fledged member of the legendary Avengers, yet life as a teen can somewhat put a damper on branching out in that area. If he’s not hiding his true identity from his aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and friends, he’s out trying to thwart the efforts of local criminals.
Can you imagine being two people at once? However, these elements are what the five writers, Jonathan Goldstein, John Frances Daley, Christopher Ford, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers with director and co-writer Jon Watts, have blended into the storyline seamlessly.
Director Watts builds in some highly kinetic “Spidey” action sequences representative of the newer comics. Those acrobatic moves are still very much part of his characteristics. However, the effects don’t highjack the films lighter and natural moments, which is great.
As for the cast, they all fit the bill and do a solid job of keeping the atmosphere lively:
- Holland as the witty Parker is whimsical and sarcastic most of the time, an archetypical trait of many teens. His refreshing style is much needed to complete the character.
- Michael Keaton joins the crowd as the salty yet conniving Adrian Toomes/Vulture. Keaton really pours on the villainy here and brings a dark seedy feel to the role.
- Tomei, as aunt May, plays the role in a more loving manner, however, shows she’s not over the hill just yet. It’s a cutesy role for the veteran actress but an endearing one.
- Tyne Daly makes an appearance as Anne Marie Hoag, however she’s only in a few scenes. Her presence is still felt nonetheless.
- Robert Downy Jr. must make a cameo – as the storyline picks up where “The Avengers: Civil War” leaves off. Peter and Tony Stark have a few encounters with each other, which makes for some father figure moments.
- Rounding out the cast is Donald Glover (plays Aaron Davis), Hannibal Buress (Coach Wilson), Zendaya (Michelle “MJ”), Bokeem Woodbine (Herman Schultz), Jacob Batalon (Ned) and Tony Revolori (Eugene “Flash” Thompson). All of which are no slouches when it comes to acting.
I consider this sequel a graduation of sorts for the webbed boy wonder. He is invigorating, refreshing, quirky and just plain fun. I don’t think I could have asked for a more engaging hero flick staring young fresh talent.I’m looking forward to the next adventure.