After a rather disappointing revamp of the Spider-Man franchise starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, Toby Maguire’s original trilogy never seemed so iconic. The second instalment is still hailed as one of the greatest super-hero movies of all time due to Sam Raimi’s portrayal of sacrifice and consequence. But Marvel’s latest release is one loved by all generations, from hard-core fans to young children. The newest upgrade is none other than “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” We were given a glimpse of a young Spider-Man-Boy in “Captain America: Civil War” as an emergency recruit. And what a genius idea it was to add an idolised superhero (whose story has now been resurrected three times) into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Tom Holland brings Peter Parker to life with his quirky, juvenile rendition many wouldn’t even think to assume—a nerdy lad fighting to get the girl—alright, sounds familiar, but the relatable teen angst combined with a naive boy who wants to fight bad guys instead of studying for finals is a light-hearted take on the dark plots we're used to with the original trilogy. The funny and awkward remix gives the story a sense of originality, even if it’s not.
Still thrilled from his introduction to the exciting world of the Avengers, Peter attempts to settle back into the reality of a fifteen-year-old—pining for an unrequited love, lack of invites to parties, and the insecurity of social standings. His low-key neighbourhood good deeds have included rewards like churros from lost elderly ladies. But when a few unexpected bumps from extra-terrestrial weapons go off during one of his curfew-breaking scouts, Peter finds himself on the hit-list of Vulture, the villain who deals in black market weapons and sports mechanised wings.
Donald Glover, Zendaya, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr, Marisa Tomei—few of the many actors to join the Marvel Universe. Some of the scenes will be all too familiar—a stretched Spider-Man with web and the lives of innocent civilians in his hands. The scene was made iconic by Toby in “Spider-Man 2” as he stopped a train full of passengers on their way to certain death. Holland’s Spider-Man holds together a boat that threatens to divide after a bust goes wrong. Thankfully, Stark saves the day. But Peter’s lack of finesse leads Stark to take his Spidey suit as punishment.
“If you’re nothing without this suit, then you shouldn’t have it.”
Iron Man attempts to bestow wisdom upon Peter. Often struggling with his own identity as a hero, Stark focused on improving his suit. He took three movies to realise that he himself is Iron Man and that the suit is just a tool. With or without the high-tech gadgets that spit web combos and activate interrogation mode, the hero is the man in the suit. The moment also highlights Tony’s own flaws as a mentor. Needless to say, his decision doesn’t stop Peter from throwing on his old baggy tracksuit to chase the criminals.
Stark later presents Peter with two choices—officially join the Avengers or go back to school. No longer ignorant of the dangers that accompany the life of a hero, Peter chooses to remain a neighbourhood protector and enjoy the few years of childhood he has left. The movie is a hit for all ages, old and new school, Maguire and Garfield fans. The new franchise is also an exciting one, setting the tone as an offbeat coming-of-age picture. With little to no flaws and an impressive script, the future of this Spider-Man looks promising.
★★★★☆
Cayleigh Chan
Spider-Man: Homecoming at CeX
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