Nerds That Geek Movie Review – ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’

4/22/2019

Written by Zeke Perez Jr.

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter Parker swings the franchise into a tattered version of New York City reeling from the exploits of the Avengers. The movie grounds itself in reality as average people must deal with the ramifications of superhero conflicts. Day to day life for everyone, especially for Parker and Adrian Toomes (a.k.a. Vulture), has shifted because of 'The Incident' as the Battle of New York has left parts of the city destroyed and littered with Chitaurian weapons.

Homecoming succeeds because of its ability to immerse itself in the Marvel Cinematic Universe while still taking a step back at the same time. The MCU is currently 16 movies and six TV series deep. The action seemingly runs nonstop in each new film or show that comes out, especially those centered on the Avengers. But Homecoming feels like a nice break from the action. While it is still closely tied to the goings-on of the Avengers and Captain America: Civil War, it really does feel like you’re hanging out with a chipper 15 year old discovering the capabilities of his superpowers.

Homecoming is also refreshing in its avoidance of origin stories, proving that we don’t need to see another spider bite, hear a lecture on power and responsibility, or witness the death of Uncle Ben again to be caught in the web of our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man’s tale. Instead, we catch up to Peter Parker fresh off of his acceptance into the prestigious Stark internship (a.k.a. stealing Captain America’s shield after being recruited by Iron Man). He doesn’t have his Spidey senses and he’s still exploring the full potential of his suit and powers, but he’s ready to jettison his high school classes and save the world.

Tom Holland did a fantastic job of bringing Parker to life as a quirky, eager teenager still figuring everything out. Scenes where he is (unsuccessfully) attempting to web-swing around or where he is testing the suit’s features are particularly entertaining. He nails the classic Spidey humor and one-liners we’re used to, while coming off as a charming and relatable hometown kid. Holland based his interpretation of Parker on Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly from Back to the Future, a decision that perfectly lends itself to the personality of both Spidey and his alter-ego.

The movie did well in an area where other recent Marvel and DC ventures have fallen a bit short: casting and developing a solid, well-rounded villain. Michael Keaton is outstanding in most any role he climbs into and his turn as Vulture is no different. He emerges as a deep character with a clear and understandable motive, a departure from beams from the sky, amorphous blobs, and other 'meh' villains. Keaton is downright terrifying in some of the scenes he appears in, especially as the movie intensifies.

Folks that were disenchanted by the idea of another Spidey reboot should be pleased to know that Homecoming feels less like another slog through the same movie and more like a new and refreshing separate entity. Take great actors bringing these fictional characters to life, throw in an intense story, cool action sequences, emotion, and humor, then top it off with a dash of references and other Marvel characters you know and love, and you’ve got Spider-Man: Homecoming. That’s without mentioning that the movie is full of fun Easter Eggs from the Spidey-verse, MCU, and comics. Check out the list below for some of my favorites!

10 EASTER EGGS, REFERENCES, AND THINGS THAT I LOVED

1. I was really hoping for a Miles Morales tie-in when Homecoming was announced. When Donald Glover was cast in an unknown role, I was hopeful but unsure of how they would pull it off. Luckily, Glover did deliver a Miles Morales connection that you may have missed. Glover’s character, Aaron Davis is known as a cat-burglar named 'Prowler' in the Ultimate Marvel comics (and on screen, listed as an alias next to his name). He mentions that he wants Chitauri weapons out of the neighborhood because he has a nephew who lives there. Aaron Davis’ nephew? Miles Morales.

2. I LOVE that Marvel was able to beat DC in bringing the Invisible Jet to the big screen.

3. The impact of the Avengers is felt in everyday life. So much so that Peter Parker’s history teacher includes the Sokovia Accords in his classroom lecture.

4. Captain America’s goofy gym class and detention instructional videos are a treat. I think Hannibal Burress is hilarious in everything he’s in, and he does a lot to complement those videos as the school’s gym teacher.

5. Peter Parker’s principal is the grandson of Jim Morita, who was a member of the Howling Commandos, the World War II unit Captain America led.

6. Moving day is pretty exciting for the Avengers. When shipping off boxes to the new Avengers headquarters, Happy Hogan mentions Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster suit, a prototype for a new Captain America shield, and Thor’s belt Megingiord.

7. Nacho from Better Call Saul is now in the MCU! Michael Mando is set up for a bigger role as Scorpion, complete with a tattoo of the arachnid on his neck.

8. Welcome back, Pepper Potts!

9. Minor comic character Jason Ionello and Daily Bugle employee Betty Brant are back in high school! They co-host the school’s morning news show.

10. The film gives a funny nod to the iconic upside-down Spider-Man kiss between Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

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