Everything feels right at home.
Even though Sony lost its way with the mixed reception of the Andrew Garfield films, I
was cautiously optimistic about this franchise's second reboot in only five years; especially
because of who is now in charge.
After decades apart, and lots of negotiations, Spidey has finally 'come home' to the Marvel
Cinematic Universe.
Released worldwide on July 7, 2017 this Jon Watts action / comedy / superhero film is
the 16th entry in that impossibly successful franchise, and is all but assured to make
back its $175 million dollar budget on opening weekend.
With the help of mentor Tony Stark, Peter Parker tries to balance high school life with
the crime-fighting duties of his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man - all while a dangerous
arms dealer emerges.
Showcasing real talent in 2012's "The Impossible", Tom Holland isn't exactly a 'newcomer', but
at only 20 years old, he is the youngest actor to play the title character.
Watts leverages his naivety and inexperience rather effectively though.
This is vulnerable and timid protagonist - who makes up for his lack of confidence with infectious
enthusiasm.
The web-slinging teen from Queens might be my favorite Stan Lee-penned comic book character,
so to finally see him mix it up with Iron Man and Captain America in 2016's "Civil War"
was a real treat.
After a bit of villain building in a prequel-type cold open, this 133 minute film begins in
earnest by showing us Peter's cell phone selfie recordings during his participation of that
film's centerpiece hero-brawl.
It's a very clever way of reinforcing Spidey's connection to The Avengers while providing
some amusing perspective of their newest member.
It also serves as a quick refresher for the few who may have missed his brief introduction
in the earlier film.
Michael Keaton has been playing superheroes since before his co-star was even born; but
he honestly feels more natural playing a villain than he ever did as that other guy who flies
around in the dark.
He brings a tragic humanity to a role that blurs the line between 'bad guy' and 'misunderstood'.
He's probably the most interesting and well-rounded Marvel antagonist since Tom Hiddleston's Loki.
"Iron Man's" Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau join the fray as well - providing mentorship
and pivotal exposition for the friendly neighborhood crime-fighter.
Downey's inclusion is unfortunately a double-edged sword.
On one hand, he adds a great deal of credibility and familiarity but his larger-than-life presence
looms over the proceedings.
Spider-Man never faces any real danger, since we all expect Iron Man to swoop in whenever
things get too serious.
Which is exactly what does happen during a thrilling set-piece on a Staten Island Ferry.
Thankfully, the script uses this unearned rescue as a teachable moment for its overwhelmed
hero, with RDJ scolding his apprentice, "If you're nothing without this suit you shouldn't
have it."
Marisa Tomei's younger and sexier version of Aunt May is a welcome (and more realistic)
take on the character...
even if she isn't given nearly enough to do; Jacob Batalon does wonderful work as Peter's
plucky friend and quasi-sidekick; while Chris Evans positively delights with in-universe
appearances on classroom TVs hosting cheesy after school specials as Captain America.
The briskly paced PG-13 rated narrative forgoes the typical 'origin story'; which is probably
for the best as audiences don't need to see Uncle Ben die again.
An early and upbeat montage of Spider-Man protecting his neighborhood is all we need
to get right back into this character's world.
A mid-act crisis set atop the Washington Monument provides for some excellent and well-visualized
thrills, while a playful montage of Holland and Tomei preparing for a high school dance
is wonderful fun as well.
Indeed, "Homecoming" is surprisingly effective as teen drama - sharing honest moments of
awkward romance between Holland and love interest Laura Harrier.
Some of my favorite parts of the film were actually during the credits.
The opening logos of every Marvel movie now play like a 'greatest hits' montage of their
impressive catalog - with Michael Giacchino's orchestral version of the Spider-Man theme
playing beneath it.
At the conclusion of the film a final line from Tomei - interrupted by a smash cut to
the ending titles got the biggest laugh of the night.
But make sure to stay all the way to end of the credits; as a bonus cameo from a familiar
face had me in stitches from his fourth-wall-breaking dialogue.
As great as all the individual components are, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is not without
its faults.
There's a slight identity crisis here; as Spidey's story feels overshadowed by 'Avengers'
world-building.
Spider-Man's gadgets and technology feel out of place.
Sure, his new suit is sexy... but the fancy gizmos quickly turn him into Iron-Man lite,
and feel like a cheat.
Later, during the climatic battle it's difficult to see what's going on.
Without giving much away, it takes place a night, stuff is invisible, and the bad guy's
outfit is all black.
When every other sequence was bright and well-choreographed, this scene was a disappointing way to finish.
Otherwise, the visual effects, editing, and cinematography are all well-executed without
ever being artistic or showy.
Although Sam Raimi's trilogy remains the gold standard for this character - this sixth installment
is easily the best in a decade, and a must-see for all Marvel fans.
Funny, endearing, and packed with exciting action - "Spider-Man: Homecoming" is yet another
AWESOME entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
That does it for this quick excerpt - but if you'd like to watch more "Movie Night",
click or tap the thumbnails on the left.
And don't forget to visit the Jogwheel YouTube channel to see full episodes of this show
in addition to the other content I produce.
My name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!