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Movie Brief: Spider-Man Homecoming

Movie Brief: Spider-Man Homecoming

July 20173968Views

Spider-Man returns for an epic battle with Iron Man as his sidekick

In the last 15 years, there have been a few reincarnations of Marvel’s “Spider-Man” to hit the big screen. First Tobey Maguire, followed by Andrew Garfield as the webbed superhero. Both version were quite entertaining, but the latest version, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” starring Tom Holland is the best yet. Not only did Iron Man a.k.a. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and Captain America (Chris Evans) make comical cameos, the action didn’t overshadow the acting, and there was something more palatable, that made this film stand out from the rest, with an air of ‘realism’.

Plot: The film picks up where “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) left off. Peter Parker is trying to settle back into his teen life after participating in the ultimate battle between the Avengers. Now he’s on pins and needles anticipating when Stark will summon him to the next superhero face-off. But Stark, who just sees Parker as a kid, is reluctant to give Spider-Man the green light. As you can imagine, Stark’s witty banter easily disarms Parker.

But that doesn’t keep Parker from trying to prove that he has what it takes to save the day–Avenger style. As with any comic book plot, there’s a superhero, their mentor, a sidekick, and of course, a super villain. But this plot also had a subtle twist that I didn’t see coming, and I bet you won’t either. There’s just enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat, but not so much that the characters and their storylines get lost in the shuffle.

Engagement: Unlike its predecessors, this Spider-Man movie was more diverse. First off, Parker’s best bud Ned (Jacob Batalon) is not only Filipino, but chubby too. Parker’s love interest Liz (Laura Harrier) is African American, and there are other diverse classmates including Michelle (Zendaya), a smart misfit who has an obsessive crush on Parker. Although much realism isn’t expected from a superhero film, there was some reflected in the casting. After all, Parker attends an inner-city high school in diverse New York City, so you’d expect the same with his friends.
There was also good chemistry among the cast, especially between Parker and Stark. You might think that having Iron Man in a Spider-Man movie–the former might upstage the latter. But that was’t the case at all, Holland was refreshing in the role of the young superhero. He was the perfect balance with Downey’s cynical demeanor as Sparks. But if if that intel doesn’t win you over, Michael Keaton as super villain Adrian Toomes a.k.a Vulture, definitely will. Hearing Keaton’s voice just might harken you back to his Batman days.

Style: The style moment in “Spider-Man:Homecoming” hands down is the Spidey costume, which is definitely souped up compared to the previous films. It’s tech-enhanced with a spider on the chest that is a detachable drone, and it shrinks to fit–making it easy for Parker to suit up. Spider-Man’s suit definitely got an update this time around.

RADAR RATING

9.2

Plot

9.1/10

Engagement

9.4/10

Style

9.2/10

Pros

  • Plot Twist
  • Casting
  • Costuming
  • 2 Easter Eggs

Cons

  • None
The Chic Spy

The Chic Spy

Hello Agents of Chic, I'm your source for chic style and entertainment intel on fashion, film, and pop culture. From fashion trends and beauty products to movie reviews and celebrity interviews, I'm on a mission to uncover the chicest. A few faves on my radar include whimsical clutches, embellished flats, and gourmet macarons.