 Spiderman, Spiderman does whatever a spider can… I’m giving it an A. In this incarnation of the Spiderman story, Peter Parker (played by Tom Holland) is a 15-year-old sophomore in a special math/science school in Queens. After being bit by a radioactive spider, he developed special powers which brought him to the attention of Tony Stark (Ironman) who enlists his help in the Avengers conflict and changes the young man’s life forever. After developing a taste of superhero business, it’s a challenge for Peter to juggle being an ordinary student and Spiderman.
Peter is to report to Happy but life is dull in Queens until special weapons get in the hands of criminals. Now Spiderman is on to something big but Tony nor Happy wants to hear about it. Add to that, hiding your special abilities, snagging a date for the school’s homecoming and keeping up with schoolwork. Honor rules Peter’s beliefs and even when he’s asked to walk away from the danger, he can’t.
I gave up after the first of the previous Spiderman movies. Like the Hulk, it appeared as if multiple people were pulling the character in different directions. Jon Watt’s direction of this movie is refreshing. Peter is a typical teenager, sarcastic and a little lost. He doesn’t even know how to drive!
Marissa Tomi as Aunt May wears the highest number of high-waisted mom pants as any I have ever seen. This movie doesn’t share the story about why Peter is living with her but he does have a caring relationship with her and doesn’t want to worry her.
But Michael Keaton as the Vulture, steals the movie. From someone who has played a superhero in a few movies, he understands how important the anti-hero is. He’s got his own moral code and the viewers are able to understand them even if they don’t agree with them.
This movie dovetails with both the comics and the Avengers/Marvel world. As some of the Avengers are teased, mentioned and even show up. Robert Downey, Jr as Tony Stark is self-centered and spoiled. We see how only uses Peter for his own agenda then pays him off with the suit but tells him to go away. But there is a fantastic moment at the end of the movie where Tony gives Peter a choice and we see a little hint at what Tony has been up to.
I also really enjoyed the cameos of Captain America as a public service announcer, sharing everything from the importance of physical activity to the changes of a teenager’s body.
Now with the success of Spiderman: Homecoming, Sony has announced they are planning for the next movie and have even decided on the new bad guy. But first Spiderman shows up in the next Avengers’ movie.
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Melissa KeirIt's all about the movies... Archives
January 2020
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