*This review contains no spoilers*
Spider-Man: Homecoming is a film whose title has little to do with the story it’s telling, and a lot to do with the story behind its making. Sony has owned the film rights to Spider-Man since 1999, so as much as Marvel wanted to include the character in their hugely successful MCU, they couldn’t – until recently. A miraculous agreement between the two studios allowed Marvel to regain creative control over Spidey and have him join their existing cinematic universe – effectively “bringing him home”.
With creative license to finally put their version of Spider-Man on the big screen, Marvel’s out to show us how it’s done. Question is, “Did they succeed?”
STORY
Skipping past the redundant origin story, Homecoming picks up right after the events of Civil War, with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) back at his normal life, juggling between being a high school student and a friendly neighbourhood superhero. Having rubbed shoulders and fought alongside the Avengers, Parker’s grown discontented with the mundane routine of stopping petty crimes and rescuing cats from trees. He desperately wants a chance to prove himself, and he needn’t wait long. A new threat (Michael Keaton) soon emerges, who challenges not only his powers but also his grit.
We’re constantly reminded that a Homecoming party is soon to take place at Parker’s school, but this plot point seems to only exist so the film could justify its clever title. The real theme for Homecoming though, was preached during one of its early promotional trailers: “If you’re nothing without the suit, then you shouldn’t have it”. The film is essentially about realising what it means to be Spider-Man, and how little the costumes you wear, the gadgets you have, or the teams you’re a part of really matter. In Marvel’s defense, “Spider-Man: Off with His Suit”, “Spider-Man: Underneath His Clothes” or “Spider-Man: Undressed” don’t sound quite right… Either that or those titles were already taken, by a different studio, making films of a very different genre… I wouldn’t know.
Overall, though not draggy, Homecoming does feel slightly longer than necessary. A few trims here and there would make for a more engaging viewing experience. Structurally, we have a basic linear three-act narrative, sprinkled with Marvel’s usual wit and humor. The jokes do land, thankfully. The film’s most impactful moment takes place at the beginning of its third act, when a certain character opens a door and you go “Wait, what?”, followed swiftly by an “Oh sh*t!”. It’s a much welcomed plot development and one I love, because it manages to alter some serious dynamics in the story and freshen the narrative quite a bit, even though we’re already that late into the game.
CHARACTERS
Tom Holland does a great job as Spider-Man, although he has yet to own the character the way Downy Jr. owns Tony Stark. It’s refreshing to see a younger, more comic-accurate Parker on screen.
Michael Keaton is brilliant as the villain, Adrian Toomes – aka “The Vulture”, although I don’t recall that alias being mentioned in the film. It is instead gently hinted at, with Toomes’ bird-like costume, the scavenging nature of his villainous deeds, and that sick leather jacket with the thick fur collar he’s often seen wearing. Keaton’s character is well-written, has a motivation that’s both natural and relatable. His monologue almost had me rooting for him instead of our hero, until my ticket stub gently reminded me that we’re watching Spider-Man – not Breaking Bad, so… “Go Spidey!”. Jokes aside, in the sea of poorly written, one-dimensional Marvel villains, Keaton’s portrayal of Adrian Toomes floats atop as one of the most memorable.
Tony Stark shows up occasionally in the capacity of a mentor, and never once outstays his welcome or overshadows our main character. The film does also include cameos from another member of the Avengers, which, while hilarious, are puzzling to me, considering what happened at the end of Civil War… And yes, there is a love interest, but romance doesn’t take the front seat in this one as it did in the previous Spider-Man franchises – Homecoming is about personal growth first and foremost.
PRODUCTION VALUES
As expected of its genre, Homecoming boasts impressive production design and visual effects. There is however, one frustrating scene towards the end of the film, depicting characters fighting in a dark environment bombarded with flashing neon lights. The stark contrast in lighting, coupled with rapid camera movements, renders the action on screen impossible to follow. I switched off my brain until that segment was over and we got to a clearer, better lit, character driven sort of action.
Giacchino’s score works, but not in any way that’ll leave a huge impression on you, although I did notice myself smiling as the Marvel logo appeared during the opening titles… If you ever sang along to that 60s Spider-Man theme song, you’ll have the same smile on your face.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Spider-Man: Homecoming is one of the better Marvel movies. If you’re a Marvel, Spider-Man or superhero fan, you’re probably going to watch it regardless of what I say. I hereby affirm that you won’t be disappointed.
It’s no Dark Knight; but then again, nothing’s been Dark Knight since Dark Knight… Homecoming is what it is: a solid summer blockbuster that’s fun, respectful of its source materials, fresh and pleasantly different from previous on-screen depictions of the character. Marvel seems to have hit the nail on its head. Recommended.
Also, you know the drill – make sure to stay for the after-credit scenes.
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