Spider-Man: Homecoming is a 2017 superhero film directed by Jon Watts, starring Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Marisa Tomei, and Tyne Daly. It is the second reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise and the sixteenth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and follows Peter Parker who tries to balance his high school life with being Spider-Man while facing the Vulture.

Spider-Man: Homecoming Review – YouTube

Plot:  The story follows young Peter Parker who, thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, returns home to live with his Aunt May. Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man despite problems returning to his normal daily routine. However, his constant distraction to prove himself to his mentor Tony Stark. Peter must soon put his powers to the test when he crosses paths with the Vulture.  The story is exciting and tells a great story about what it means to be a hero.  Parker trying to prove himself to Stark is a good, relatable story similar to the son seeking approval from a father-figure.  Great story for the antagonist.  Toome’s contract to clean New York of the Chitari remains is canceled and he turns to a life of crime selling those same remains weaponized. It’s a great story that shows that not all “criminals” choose a life of crime. (3 out of 5)

Characters:  There are a lot of great characters.  Peter Parker (Holland) is the main protagonist and, while struggling with settling into his regular life, is trying to prove to Tony Stark (Downey Jr.) that he has what it takes to become a superhero.  Stark mentor’s Peter, providing him with advice and support and is sort of a father figure.  Adrian Toomes (Keaton) is the main antagonist of the film and admittedly is one of the best villains in any of the Spider-Man films.  He has personality, he has motivation; he isn’t driven by revenge, or greed, or hate, or ambition.  His motivation is his family and that makes him not only a sympathetic character but a relatable character.  When trying to provide for your favorite people will do what they have to do.  That’s one thing about Peter and Toomes that makes them so great because they are everyday people with special talents and equipment seeking to do good, just in their own way.  Ned (Batalon) is Peter’s best friend, who finds out about his secret, and for as likable as he was there are moments where he is frustrating. Liz (Harrier) is a likable character, however she does feel like a troupe.  Michelle (Zendaya) was actually a pretty cool and far more interesting character and I would’ve liked to have seen more of her interactions with Peter.  She’s awkward, she’s smart, she’s observant, she’s a smartass and there is a lot to the character that remains to be seen.  Happy Hogan (Favreau) is in the film but not really given much to do.  It was great seeing other characters return such as Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Steve Rogers (Chris Evans).  Flash (Tony Revolori) is literally the biggest douchebag of all the cast. (4 out of 5)

Cast: I’d like to praise Tom Holland for his performance as Peter Parker. He definitely sold the role and was brilliantly cast. Like the chemistry between Holland and Robert Downey Jr. (who is always awesome). Micheal Keaton does a fantastic job as well, really liked how he humanized the character. Supporting cast include Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei, Laura Harrier, Jacob Batalon, and Bokeem Woodbine. The cast also includes Garcelle Beauvais, Hemky Madera, Logan Marshall-Green, Michael Chemus, Michael Mando, and Amadeus Cho. (4 out of 5)

Visuals: This is just a beautiful looking movie, not only in terms of style but presentation. There is a great use of special effects, especially when it comes to the blend of practical and CGI. Spider-Man’s outfit just looks awesome especially with the advanced technology incorporated into the suit.  Vultures outfit, weaponry, and equipment look s completely awesome. How the Vulture fought and maneuvered with  his wings look plausible.  Definitely a thumbs up to the use of practical.  The way the cinematography as well action is shot really well and deserves praise.  (5 out of 5)

Score:  The score is just terrific and definitely feels like it’s part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  There’s a grand sense of epic that helps to emphasize heroism.  Michael Giacchino does a great job with the musical composition and definitely deserves praise. (4 out of 5)

Writing:  The script is complex and written extremely well with Jon Watts doing a great job of adapting it to film. Watts’ focus on bringing a lighter tone to the film keeps it fun and exciting. Also, the pacing and editing deserves praise.  It can slow down yet still be engaging.  One of the best elements of the film is seeing Spider-Man outside of his element.  The chase sequence through the neighborhood, him attempting to get back to the Washington Monument, and even the final confrontation with Vulture.  Great how this shows how he has to adapt and be more resourceful and even emphasized the humor and as well as suspense.  There is a great amount of humor distributed over the course of the film and the execution was well done.  The dialogue is definitely good, it’s fun, it’s deep. And again there is great execution from the cast. (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Spider-Man: Homecoming is not only a great film but a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  There is very little wrong with the film, and for fans of the Sam Raimi Trilogy and The Amazing Spider-Man series will definitely enjoy this.  Spider-Man: Homecoming features not only great performances, but also great directing, great visuals, great script, great score, great cast, and an awesome story.  Spider-Man: Homecoming gets 4 out of 5.