In Spiderman: Homecoming, newbie director
Jon Watts has updated (from a screenplay credited to many writers) a winning version of Marvel comic’s
web-slinging superhero well cast with young Tom Holland. As a result, the filmmakers have fashioned
the best Spiderman film since Spiderman 2.
Peter
Parker is a wide eyed teen who has a buddy and lives with his Aunt May (Marisa
Tomei) while fighting crime as Spiderman as he longs to join The Avengers. In the
meantime, Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) AKA Iron Man monitors his talented,
mistake-prone hero while providing him a high tech Spiderman suit which comes
in handy as a powerful villain, The Vulture (Michael Keaton), emerges utilizing
scavenged alien technology.
The
film works best when it puts the audience in Peter’s mind to feels his emotions
and conflicts. Like Carrie (1976), it functions on two levels, in this case a superhero
film and a coming of age story, with the immersive experience of high
school angst complete with a girl crush and culminating in a homecoming
dance. There is a paternal dynamic between Parker and Stark who mentors and admonishes
his young hero. There is also a
surprising, climactic plot twist that increases the stakes, and the film ends with the best fadeout (and
line) in any Marvel film!
Holland is a joy
displaying innocence and courage, and Keaton plays a fully realized, yet humane
villain (a
radical change from playing heroes like Batman and Birdman!)
A
couple of exciting set pieces feature a Staten Island ferry and The Washington
Monument, and there are direct and subtle ties to the Marvel cinematic universe
including some amusing cameos (Stan Lee is back) that will please fans. Holland’s
athleticism and exuberance carry the day in a superior Marvel entree that sets things
up nicely for future Marvel films. (Yes,
there are end credit bonus scenes.)
***1/2
of ****stars
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