Spider-Man: Homecoming - Movie Review by SRA

 

"Spider-Man: Homecoming" is a 2017 superhero film that takes a fresh approach to the classic Spider-Man story, offering audiences an engaging and thrilling adventure that perfectly balances action, humor, and heart. Directed by Jon Watts and produced by Marvel Studios and Columbia Pictures, the film stars Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, a high school student who is trying to balance his life as a teenager with his responsibilities as a superhero.

The film opens with a brief recap of Spider-Man's appearance in "Captain America: Civil War," where he was introduced as a new member of the Avengers team. After his experience in the battle, Peter returns to his regular life as a high school student, attending classes, hanging out with his best friend Ned, and crushing on his classmate Liz. But while Peter may be trying to live a normal life, he can't help but feel the urge to use his powers to help people in his community.

As Spider-Man, Peter spends his time stopping petty criminals and helping people in need, often to the frustration of his mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), who wants Peter to focus on his high school education and let the more experienced Avengers handle the bigger threats. But when a new villain emerges in the form of the Vulture (Michael Keaton), a former salvage worker who uses alien technology to create powerful weapons, Peter is forced to step up and face his biggest challenge yet.

One of the things that makes "Spider-Man: Homecoming" stand out is its focus on Peter's life as a high school student. While other superhero films often focus on the hero's origins or their adult life, this film takes a more grounded approach, showing Peter struggling with typical teenage problems like bullies, crushes, and fitting in. Tom Holland does an excellent job of portraying a teenage superhero who is trying to find his place in the world, capturing both Peter's bravado as Spider-Man and his vulnerability as a high school student.

The film's supporting cast is also outstanding, with Michael Keaton delivering a standout performance as the Vulture. Keaton's character is a departure from the traditional comic book villain, as he is motivated by a desire to provide for his family rather than a desire for power or world domination. This makes him a more sympathetic and relatable antagonist, and Keaton does an excellent job of portraying his conflicted feelings.

The rest of the supporting cast is also great, with Zendaya providing a dry wit as Peter's classmate Michelle, Jacob Batalon bringing humor and heart as Peter's best friend Ned, and Marisa Tomei adding warmth and depth as Peter's Aunt May. Robert Downey Jr. also has a small but important role as Tony Stark, serving as both a mentor and a reminder of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.

In terms of action, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" delivers some of the best sequences in any Marvel film to date. The film's use of Spider-Man's web-slinging abilities is particularly impressive, as it allows for a wide range of visually stunning and creative action scenes. The film also takes full advantage of its urban setting, with Spider-Man swinging through New York City and engaging in thrilling fights in iconic locations like the Washington Monument and the Staten Island Ferry.

But while the film has plenty of action and spectacle, it never loses sight of its emotional core. At its heart, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is a coming-of-age story about a teenage boy who is trying to find his place in the world. Peter's journey is one that many young people can relate to, as he grapples with issues of identity, responsibility, and friendship. The film's themes of heroism and self-discovery are universal and timeless, making it a story that will resonate with audiences for years to come.

Another strength of the film is its humor. "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is one of the funniest films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a lot of the humor coming from Peter's interactions with his classmates and his attempts to balance his superhero life with his high school obligations. The film's writing is sharp and witty, with a lot of great one-liners and comedic set pieces that keep the audience engaged and entertained throughout.

Overall, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is a fantastic film that succeeds on multiple levels. It's a great superhero movie, with thrilling action, a compelling villain, and excellent use of the Spider-Man character. But it's also a great coming-of-age story, with a relatable protagonist and universal themes of identity and responsibility. The film's humor and heart make it a standout in the crowded superhero genre, and Tom Holland's performance as Spider-Man is a true highlight.

One criticism of the film is that some of the supporting characters, particularly Liz (played by Laura Harrier), don't get as much development as they could have. The film's focus on Peter's high school life means that some of the other characters are relegated to the background, which can make it difficult to fully invest in their stories. However, this is a relatively minor issue in the grand scheme of things, and the film's strengths more than make up for any shortcomings.

In conclusion, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is a must-watch for anyone who loves superhero movies or coming-of-age stories. It's a well-crafted film that delivers on multiple levels, with great performances, thrilling action, and a lot of heart. The film's success paved the way for more great Spider-Man movies, including the sequels "Spider-Man: Far From Home" and "Spider-Man: No Way Home." Overall, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a film that will be remembered and enjoyed for years to come.