Superhero Media: Spider-Man Homecoming

I think I might be a tad spoiled by all the great Marvel Cinematic Universe films, as I somehow always forget just how amazing Spider-Man: Homecoming is. Every part of this film is brilliantly crafted, from a stunning young cast, supported by veteran actors, to the look of the costumes and technology, to the rapid-fire script and great character moments. I knew this was going to be great when the Marvel Studios logo was played over with a symphonic version of the classic Spider-Man cartoon theme, and whilst I'm still a little dark that it isn't used in the rest of the film, the following opening with the events of Civil War from Peter's perspective set the tone beautifully. Tom Holland is easily the best live action Peter Parker to grace the screen to date, the choice to hire a professional stage performer with dance experience was masterful, as Spider-Man moves like a gymnast, flowing from movement to movement. One of the best parts of the Ultimate Spider-Man comics was Peter Parker interacting with other superheroes in the setting, trying to find a surrogate father figure, so getting more interaction with Tony Stark is also great to see. 

After some of the bigger stories of the MCU, with aliens, gods and the fate of the world at stake, Homecoming is refreshing in that the big crisis is essentially larceny, with Peter really getting to be the "Friendly, Neighborhood Spider-Man". With his cannibalised equipment, the Vulture may have a really cool look (I love the "talons" on his feet for carrying swag), but any of the Avengers would have him mopped up in minutes, however Spidey is still learning how to be a hero, and that's where the conflict lies. Vulture himself isn't even really all that bad a guy, having fallen into criminality when the choice was that or poverty, and not being all that into violence as a means to an end. The scenes in which Adrien Toomes has to interact with Peter Parker and slowly figures out his true identity are masterful, and some of the best work Michael Keaton has done as an actor. In the end, Spider-Man earns his place on The Avengers, not because he saved the world, or has the best powers, but because he did the right thing with what he had, despite what it cost personally. Homecoming very much presents the version of Spider-Man I grew up reading, and it was refreshing to see him in the MCU at last. 

More so than many MCU films, I really don't tolerate the nit-picks and "but, actually"s that crop up around Homecoming; call it fanboyism if you want, but I really don't think people level reasonable criticisms. Is Marisa Tomei really "too young" to play Aunt May, or is it actually an attempt to make the character more than a hostage in waiting? Are the Sam Rami films better or are you just nostalgic? Is Spider-Man not saying the "Great Power" line a detriment, or a much needed break from repetition? The fact is, Homecoming works in more ways than other attempts at the character have previously; the actors look young enough to fit the role, the script has enough jokes to provide levity but the stakes feel real for what Spidey can deal with. Tom Holland is one of the major stars of the MCU, working brilliantly in the ensemble outings as well as his own series, and I hope the rumors that he'll be departing the role after a third Spider-Man film aren't true, I'd really like to see him hang around, even outside of the costume, perhaps being the new head of Stark and taking on an Ezekiel style role to the next Spider hero. Until that time, there's a few more of these to get to.