Unlike other entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe where a hero debuted as the lead, Spider-Man: Homecoming feels more like a sequel of the MCU with its connections to previous movies. While Homecoming is very entertaining on its own, it also proves to be a worthy continuation of the franchise.
Buy Spider-Man:HomecomingYears ago, Adrian Toomes’ (Michael Keaton) salvage company was cleaning up after the Battle of New York when the Avengers fought the Chitauri as seen in The Avengers. The federal government stopped them and took over, but not before Adrian’s workers collected some alien technology. Rather than turn it over, they use the material to create weapons and a flying suit, which is how Adrian becomes the Vulture.
More recently, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) traveled to Berlin to take part in the airport battle between the Avengers as seen in Captain America: Civil War. Back in Queens where Peter lives with his attractive Aunt May (Marisa Tormei), Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) gives Peter a Spider-Man suit, but tells him he’s not an Avenger yet and they will contact him when they need him. Peter tries to stop bank robbers who are using sophisticated energy weapons. He senses something bigger is happening, but Tony’s assistant Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) blows him off.
One night, as Peter comes back to his bedroom, his friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) is there and discovers his secret identity. Peter learns of a weapons deal and while he disrupts it, the Vulture snatches him and dumps him in a lake. Peter learns another weapons deal might be happening in Maryland so he heads to Washington D.C. with his high-school academic decathlon team. There, Ned helps him unlock the Spider-suit software, which unleashes advanced weaponry and an AI program, making Spider-Man more like Iron Man.
The previous time he encountered Adrian’s men, Peter picked up some of the alien tech. He learns it is unstable, but Ned has it in his backpack when the decathlon team visits the Washington Monument, and Peter strives to rescue Ned and his classmates in an exciting action sequence. Back at home, Peter learns of a weapons deal aboard the Staten Island Ferry, but in disrupting it, a weapon cuts the ship in half and it nearly sinks. Disappointed in Peter playing superhero against his wishes, Tony takes back the suit.
Peter tries to go about his high-school life. He asks his crush, Liz (Laura Harrier), to the Homecoming dance, and she accepts. But before he gets to the dance, he encounters Adrian, who figures out Peter’s secret. Adrian tells Peter to stay out of his business or else he will hurt Peter and his loved ones. They have one last thrilling battle as Adrian hijacks an automated plane filled with Avengers gear.
After the reality-bending magic of Doctor Strange and the interstellar adventure of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 along with their respective cosmic villains, Spider-Man: Homecoming brought a welcome grounding to the franchise that makes it more accessible. Peter is a young teenager trying to navigate life in high school and as a friendly neighborhood superhero. Adrian is a blue-collar guy doing his best to provide for his family which is what led him to crime. The actors infuse these characters with a humanity that allows the audience to connect with them. The six credited screenwriters also deserve credit for creating a script filled with believable characters and interactions, a captivating story that doesn’t make the obvious plot choices, and a great blend of humor and drama.
