Spider-Man Homecoming is a bit of a reset for the franchise. Marvel and Disney have taken back the series from Sony and have decided to go with the original teen version of Spider-Man without yet another origin version of the story. Tom Holland's web-slinger is more high school teen than angst-ridden movie teen. Holland will face one problem and that is how long he can get away with playing the teen version of the superhero. The only real issue I had in the movie was when the movie dialog tried to make us believe that Peter Parker is 15. Holland, who is 21, may get away with playing a "teen" but not one quite that young.
That said, Spider-Man Homecoming is a fun movie with the right blend of action and humor. It includes appearances of Robert Downey Jr. as the fast-talking Iron Man and some quite humorous PSA videos of Captain America (Chris Evans). Having the character of Stark/Iron Man also helps explain a slightly puzzling question of how the very working-class Peter Parker could afford his costume and gadgets. Tony Stark pays for it.
The movie is an updated version of Spider-Man. It follows the events of the first Avengers movie and the introduction of Spider-Man in Civil War. Peter Parker, who lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), goes to a high school for gifted students. He wants to become a full-fledged Avenger, but he must first learn the original theme of most Spider-Man movies - the infamous line with great power comes great responsibility. Spider-Man with his trusty best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) must find his way as a superhero who really is dealing with great power at an incredibly young age and still has all the problems that an orphaned, teen age genius must deal with, girls and the Homecoming dance. Yes the movie's title really does have something to do with a high school tradition. Add to this is the bad guy, Vulture. Michael Keaton plays the villain with just the right of bad guy and greatly wronged blue collar worker. He has his henchman (Bokeem Woodbine) who is a new version of Shocker.
Spider-Man is more or less on his own. He must learn to be a hero and understand the sacrifices that could come with that choice. He must also deal with adults who often seem not to be listening to him, a not uncommon complaint from many a teen. All and all, Spider-Man Homecoming is different from its predecessors while still keeping the trade-mark quick banter of Spider-Man. I liked the move and once again Marvel has a plot that is more than special effects balancing on fun characters. It is not a deep movie, but it is a fun one. I will buy the Blu-ray.
No comments:
Post a Comment