Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

 

Yep, the latest reintroduction of the Spider-Man character, only this time, it is of course inextricably linked to the massive Cinematic Universe which was a thing at this point. And in all fairness: this is definitely one of the best Spider-Man outings out there. It toned back on the goofiness of the Raimi-verse, while also focusing more on the characters and overall a lighter (but not too light) tone that fits. 

Nice.

No origin story this time, which is a good thing, as quite frankly: we were all sick of that. No, this picks up after the events of 'Civil War', where Peter Parker was a trump card in the battle at the airport. But now, Peter wants to do more for Tony Stark but he gets sidelined in a way that is downright nasty. Stark doesn't answer his calls, Happy Hogan is supposed to be Peter's liason but can't be bothered with a 15-year-old from Queens and Peter is really struggling to find his way.

Yeah, some guidance and mentorship would have been nice. If anything happens to the kid because he's not ready, that is solely on you, Stark. 

Peter discovers that a group of criminals is stealing and selling alien weaponry and tech after the events in New York (you know, the Chitauri invasion?) and he wants to stop it. But he also really wants to go to the prom with the girl he has the hots for. 

The criminals are led by Adrian Toomes, who has a flightsuit that makes him look like a bird of prey. One might even say: a Vulture? *nudge nudge*

It gets pretty tough for Peter trying to decide to do what's best, but ultimately, he has no choice but to go head to head with Vulture. The fact that this is his prospective girlfriend's dad does complicate matters a little... 

There is a lot that works really well. The tone is lighthearted enough, yet there are some serious stakes at play. Tom Holland is very good as Peter Parker, in that insecure, always-want-to-do-good teenager way. It just clicks. The same goes for his best friend Ned, who brings comic relief, but not in an obnoxious way. In fact, most of the characters present are pretty good, acually. 

There isn't a whole lot of action, that is to say: it is nicely divided across the film's runtime and it is perhaps less frenetic than you often get during MCU tales. The setpiece of the ferry is probably a highlight, as the final battle between Spider-Man and Vulture is a bit hard to follow, what with all the fire and explosions and whatnot. 

But you know who is maybe the best part of this entire film? The Vulture. Because he is played by the incomparable Michael Keaton, who manages that wonderful line between disturbing menace and believability without skipping a beat. His best scene is undoubtedly the one where he drives his daughter and Peter to the dance and he starts to realise Peter is actually Spider-Man, the thorn in his side. That slow realisation and the dialogue here is chilling and Keaton is sooo good here. But if you have seen him as Batman or Beetlejuice, you will know that the guy can act his socks off. 

Or your socks, for that matter. 

It's fun, colourful, captivating and just downright a good time for all. So well done, Marvel. Again.