Marvel’s kids are alright!
For the longest time, Spider-Man, along with the Batman, was the go to cinematic super-hero. From promising beginnings under Raimi, whose Spider-Man 2 is still rightly in contention when it comes to deciding best comic book movie, the franchise lost its way. From an awful third installment (don’t @ me) to an Amazing reboot…which was anything but, despite the fine casting and work of Garfield and Stone. So here we go again; only this time Homecoming refers not only to the film’s setting back in high school, where the travails of Peter Parker/Spidey are at their most resonant, but also being back under the guiding hand of Marvel rather then Sony, who have held the rights the last few decades. The result is not just the best Spider-Man film since 2004, but maybe the best one full stop.
After assisting Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) during the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker returns to his normal life in Queens, New York. With Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) assigned to him as a caretaker to make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble, Stark pushes Peter to work hard at school and use his abilities to help people as a “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.” Eager to step up to the big leagues, Peter begins to seek out more challenging criminal activity, eventually stumbling across a gang running a black market, selling weapons reverse engineered from technology salvaged after the Chitauri invasion and ensuing battle of New York. Despite Stark’s warnings to stay clear, young Parker cannot help but get involved, adding further hazards to his life, which is already complicated by keeping his secret identity from his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), as well as all the drama that comes with being a sophomore in high school.
One of the highlights of Captain America: Civil War was undoubtedly Tom Holland’s Peter Parker/Spider-Man. In each guise, he added a earnest exuberance to his few scenes. In a nutshell, what he did for Civil War, Homecoming does for the MCU as a whole. Starting with a hilarious fan-boy opening, showing Peter making a video diary of the events in Civil War, there is a youthful enthusiasm that fuels the film. Its setting in and around Queens, as well as blending in high school life, gives the film a whole new dimension that sets it apart from the other Marvel fare. It’s deeply inspired by John Hughes fare such as The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and one hilarious scene in particular paying homage to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. This sweetness and warmth is tempered by some modern flair and characters that feel closer to Superbad. A young man is growing up, learning responsibility, juggling life, and trying to do right, all themes that play into a superhero arc beautifully. The masks we wear in school mirror the double life Parker already leads. It’s actually a fun dynamic the film explores, as it’s been a while (if ever) since we’ve had a secret identity in a MCU film. Tony is openly Iron Man from the end of his first film, Steve Rogers is embedded in history as Captain America, Thor is Thor. Peter is still finding his way as Spider-Man, though. This is a kid who is well-intentioned, but makes mistakes. Helping people as best he can, he gets into plenty of scrapes and causes some minor property damage along the way. Basically, he’s as clumsy at foiling a heist as he is at talking to a girl at school. Not a hero yet, but he’s trying to be one.
The collaboration between Sony and Marvel was always going to be an interesting one. The reintegration of Peter/Spidey back into the MCU is very naturally done. Events here stem from much of the fallout from The Avengers, but it’s an installment not beholden to any world building or over-arching story. Homecoming nestles into the periphery of the MCU, but is clearly set within a world affected by it. Focusing on Queens/New York and the character of the place and its inhabitants gives the film a warmth and texture so often lacking in the MCU, as well as some sorely needed diversity. Homecoming also wisely makes the decision to skip retelling Spider-Man’s origin tale. If you don’t know it by now, then I’ve got even bigger news for you: Batman’s parents are dead.
Holland continues the fine work from Civil War; funny and smart, there’s an infectiousness about him that permeates the rest of the film. Robert Downey, Jr’s Stark is used just the right amount, to bring him into this world while keeping it away from a rebooty feel. Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan is a wonderful exasperated foil that serves as a buffer between the two. Marvel’s always seemed to have a villain problem, and they go some way to getting a handle on that here. There’s depth and complexity to Adrian Toomes thanks to Michael Keaton, as well as a later relish at what he has become: a villain born of the actions of super-heroes, and necessity. His crew and antics provide a grittier contrast to the more lighthearted fare. They play off each other in interesting ways, and their ultimate collision works well.
Where Homecoming excels is in its host of supporting characters, from the delightful portrayal of Aunt May by Marisa Tomei, Laura Harrier as the love interest Liz, Tony Revolori as Flash, and Jacob Batalon, playing Peter’s best friend Ned, they all impress. They’re natural players in this world, with an authentic rapport between them all, especially the high school kids. You’ll also notice a host of other faces, such as Donald Glover, Hannibal Buress, Martin Starr, and Angourie Rice. It speaks to the richness of the film, as well as its welcome diversity. Some may feel such talent is shortchanged in terms of screentime, but one can only assume a long game is planned with some, if not all, of these characters. Special mention must go to Zendaya as Michelle. She makes a hell of a mark and is assuredly one of the components of the sequel fans will most anticipate getting to see more of. A gesture given at one point in the film raised a bigger cheer than any other moment. I’ll be honest, I had to google who she was upon her casting, but her presence is undeniable.
What’s not so good? The CGI lacks the usual polish, and the action isn’t as impressively choreographed as some MCU installments. Spidey’s suit, a gift from Tony Stark, is more enhanced than we’re used to, and while it does provide some great comedy moments it feels a little much at times. Hopefully they don’t overuse it in the future. But these are minor quibbles that are easily washed away by the sheer fun of it all. Marvel has done Sony and their beloved character a favor with this installment, but more than this, his presence and their approach to bringing him into the fold has given the MCU a new lease on life. Homecoming punctures the serious air that has overtaken much of the MCU, even poking fun at it at times, notably with a few ‘Captain America Instructional videos’. Stick around till the end of the credits too. This levity and warmth really stems from how hard Marvel leans into the teen genre grounding the film, making it more self-contained, textured, and tangible than perhaps anything they’ve done previously.
Despite the baggage that comes with being yet another Spider-Man film, Homecoming shakes it all off, delivering a fresh slice of super-hero fare, one that wisely leans more into the teen drama fare at its core. It marks a shift away from Marvel’s universe building and conflicted characters to something more pure, earnest, and joyful, while adding some much needed texture, diversity, and straight-up fun to the MCU. More of this please, Marvel!
Spider-Man Homecoming is released July 7th
