Spider-Man: Homecoming is the first MCU film (or really, superhero film in a while) to really tackle secret identities. The dramatic double lives that used to be synonymous with the genre have all but disappeared in recent years, and this does it better than any superhero movie since the Raimi trilogy. The choice to be Spider-Man weighs down this Peter, and although we never hear the famous line, the struggle of great responsibility is always evident in the film.
This is also the first superhero movie, or even modern blockbuster in general, to really feel like it takes place in a high school. The young cast is ridiculously strong, and it seems as though they plan having a consistent supporting cast in these films, which is truly exciting. Holland proves that his
Civil War performance wasn't a fluke, feeling effortlessly like Peter Parker. Keaton elevates the role of Vulture, although he's simply a good villain, nothing great but more than serviceable. The script is its strongest aspect, being effortlessly funny and surprisingly heartfelt in its depictions of young love and awkward high school days.
That's why it's so crushing when the MCU elements come crashing in. Sure, Tony and Peter's dynamic is fun, but it's not worth interrupting Peter's story with fanservice moments or quirky in-jokes from other films. The third act also continues the genre's disappointing streak, being incoherently shot and ridiculously dark in color. It's near impossible to see anything that is going on, and that's just mediocre. Really, there's only one good action scene, and that's the only one that shows us something we've never seen with the character.
The retreaded moments, either from other
Spider-Man or MCU films, just hurt so much when they occur, because it seems clear the rest of the film is trying so hard to avoid them. Giacchino's score is also shockingly mediocre, as his theme just feels like he played around a bit with the cartoon's theme and left it at that. More creativity there would've been appreciated.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is a solid entry for the amazing hero in the MCU. A smaller scale and a focus on high school really help makes it stick out of the crowd of superhero movies despite the other generic elements. It's certainly a fun movie though, and one that finally gives Spider-Man his first good movie in over a decade. That, more than anything else, makes it well worth seeing.
Other notes:
- I appreciated what came off as references to the games of Spider-Man 2 (the park with absolutely nothing to swing on and Peter saying it sucked) and Spider-Man 3
(Splat)
Vulture being Liz's dad is the best thing in the movie, and the reveal is done perfectly.
- Only really great action scene is Spidey chasing after the van in the residential area.
- Giacchino pulling a Rogue One and making the main theme a simple deviation of the classic Spider-Man theme was hella disappointing
- Fuck them for pulling a John Blake with the MJ reveal.
- That post-credits scene is STELLAR