It’s no secret that Spider-Man is probably one of the most beloved Marvel or DC superheroes among adults and children. First created in 1962, Peter Parker was an orphan raised by his aunt and uncle - creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko imbued Peter with the spider-like ability to cling to surfaces along with super strength and the capability of shooting spider-webs from specially crafted devices situated at his wrists.
The 7 July 2017 release of a feature length Spider-Man film is by no means the first time that Peter Parker has been on the big screen. In fact, in the 21st century, there has been six (including Homecoming) major studio films.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is set shortly after the events of Captain America vs Iron Man: Civil War where, incidentally, audiences got their first glimpse of the new Spider-Man. Unlike his predecessors, this Spider-Man will instantly be a hit with comic book fans, as his running commentary and comical quips is a more accurate depiction of the character than ever before.
Among the habitually exaggerated battle scenes and stagey rapport of the Avengers franchise, Spider-Man: Homecoming directed by Jon Watts, comes out as refreshingly sincere. However, Spider-Man does feel like superhero lite, as there is little in the way of a consequential narrative which could have taken the film to the next level. Nevertheless, Tom Holland delivers a performance charming enough to be embraced by legions of Spider-Man fans.
Besides the star Ironman cameo, where the film shines is with how well it’s balanced. It strikes perfectly in the middle of being a superhero film about the much-loved Spider-Man while simultaneously presenting Peter Parker as an anxiety-filled, and sometimes awkward, teenager grappling with his abilities.
No review of Spider-Man: Homecoming would be complete without mentioning Michael Keaton. As the villain, you don’t quite hate Keaton’s perfect fit as a Marvel villain. His portrayal of The Vulture is arguably one the most convincing there’s been in the Marvel film franchise, with the only likely exception being Tom Hiddleston’s Loki.
At two hours and thirteen minutes Spiderman: Homecoming does run a bit longer than it should, but it’s crammed with comical moments and underlined by Holland’s delightful performance, which creates an eager anticipation for the next instalment of the franchise.
Screening courtesy of Ster Kinekor Baywest.
