If in 2014 you’d told me that there would be yet another Spider-Man reboot in 2017, I’d have rolled my eyes. While I don’t hate the 2012 and 2014 movies I found them a tad unnecessary so soon after the Tobey Maguire trilogy had ended in 2007. But it’s another day and another Spider-Man movie has hit the theatres. This was, hands down, my favorite Spider-Man movie (inches past Spider Man 2) and Tom Holland is my favorite Spider-Man. And honestly, I liked both Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
Peter Parker is your typical teenager dealing with high school, friends, a crush with a twist. He’s saving the city from criminals using his alter ego. What I found thoroughly refreshing was the lack of teen angst that both previous Spider-Men dealt with. While they were burdened with the weight of the world, 2017’s Spider-Man is past that. He’s young, and at times naive, but the underlying guilt has been taken away. The movie doesn’t dig up the past (cough Uncle Ben cough). Peter became Spider-Man, got discovered by Tony Stark, fought alongside the Avengers, and now struggles with his mundane life. The story is fresh and director Jon Watts keeps it light. Also, introducing the character in Captain America: Civil War was a masterstroke since you go into this movie already knowing the kid.
The film’s casting is spot on (mostly) and wonderfully diverse. Tom Holland is simply fantastic. He’s the ideal young superhero with charm, wit, and a genuine sense of fun. It’s not the Spider-Man we’re used to and that’s a good thing. Jacob Batalon as his best friend Ned is hilarious. Zendaya, who I expected to see in a bigger role in the future, is wonderful. Marisa Tomei as Aunt May wasn’t what I expected and under-utilized. Tony Revolori as Flash could have been omitted while Laura Harrier as love interest Liz was bland and lacked any real depth.
Michael Keaton does a great job as the Vulture and credit goes not only to Keaton but also the writers to have shaped a memorable anti-hero character. It’ll be exciting to see where the story and characters go from here especially after certain facts come to light. Guest appearances led by Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark) enhance the entertainment value.
A happy Peter, a breezy tone, crisp writing, entertaining side characters, and the connect into the bigger Marvel world all add up to a brilliant start for a new series. The potential is tremendous. While I wait for that to be achieved I’ll gladly give this movie another watch. It’s that good!
8.5/10
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