Spider-Man made his first appearance in comic books in 1962 in a series called “Amazing Fantasy”. Since that time the character has become Marvel Comics most recognized and beloved character.
(Rated PG-13) 3 1/2 Webs (out of 4)
Spider-Man has been in all forms of media including animation and live-action films over the years to various degrees of success. The last actor to play Spider-Man, Andrew Garfield, was exchanged for a younger model in the form of Tom Holland who starts in “Spider-Man 90210”, oops, I mean “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” This version of Spider-Man is a 15-year-old high school student who I came to call Baby Spider-Man. I don’t mean that in a bad way as Marvel Studios apparently decided to present a Spider-Man in training who longs to be a part of the Avengers. The film introduces us to Peter Parker (Holland), a student at the Midtown School of Science and Technology, and as we saw in the last Captain America movie, Spider-Man already exists with his powers, and assisted the Avengers in said movie. The film shows the destruction caused by the battles the Avengers have been involved in around New York City, and how salvager Adrain Toomes (Michael “Batman” Keaton) has stolen some of the alien technology from the fights to create a suit featuring mechanical wings. Thus, the villain of the film is the Vulture.
Meanwhile, Parker is doing everything he can to impress Tony Stark/Ironman (Robert Downey, Jr.) to become more involved with the Avengers. Of course, being a high school student, he has to balance studies with crime fighting while keeping his identity secret from his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). The film involves illegal arms deals headed by the Vulture, who just happens to be the father of a major character in the film, but I won’t say who. Spider-Man sets in plan a motion to take down Vulture and his crew despite warnings from Stark. Speaking of Stark, he has provided the web slinger with a wonderful new costume that is almost too advanced for the intelligent Parker. However, Stark is not here to play, and when Parker clearly disobeys his orders, the awesome new costume is taken away, and Parker has to resort to a laughable make shift outfit. As if crime fighting isn’t enough, Parker is dealing with all the drama and angst of being a high school student, which includes his crush on fellow student Liz (Laura Harrier).
As one might expect, the course of true love does not run smooth, and Spideys road to love is rocky. Of course, despite many challenges for all the characters, the film ends on an upbeat note, and based on the box office returns, Holland will once again be donning the Spider-Man suit. While I was not exactly thrilled when I heard Garfield would no longer be playing Spider-Man, Holland proves himself to be a charming and determined hero. The actor easily fits into the role, and had great screen chemistry with the often over-powering Downey, and is not overshadowed by the actor. As for Keaton, he proves to be the best Marvel movie villain since Loki. His experience as Batman certainly helps him fit perfectly into his new role. The film features several exciting moments, and the scenes with Spider-Man climbing the Washington Monument being my favorite. While the film isn’t exactly groundbreaking in the world of Spider-Man, it is exiting to know he is now part of the Marvel movie universe. If you are a fan of the character, comic books, or summer blockbuster films, add “Spider-Man: Homecoming” to your list of must-see summer movies. I certainly had a web slinging fun time.
