Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Jon Watts, Marvel Studios, M, 133 Minutes.
It has been some 19 years since the release of the first Spiderman film featuring Tobey Maguire in the title role followed by two sequels and a further rendition in 2012 starring Andrew Garfield in ‘The Amazing Spiderman’.
This recent reincarnation has the latest Spiderman character (Tom Holland) undergo a ‘baptism of fire’ through his introduction in ‘Captain America: Civil War’ released in 2016 but now appears in his stand – alone movie that forms part of the Marvel Universe.
After his Avengers stint 15-year-old Peter Parker returns home to his Aunty May (Marisa Tomei) by continuing to learn the ropes of being a superhero from his mentor Tony Stark aka Ironman (Robert Downey) beyond his friendly neighbourhood image.
Since the difficult events of ‘Civil War’ Peter depends on Stark’s assistant Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) to inform him of possible missions and balancing his school life at Midtown High with maintaining his friendship with Ned (Jacob Batalon – ‘Avengers: End Game’).
Before too long, Peter has to don his Spiderman suit to stop criminals wearing Avenger masks in attempting to rob a bank using high – tech alien devices that have been provided by their boss Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton – ‘Spotlight’).
By developing the dangerous devices Toomes’ primary purpose is getting even with Stark for damaging his earlier business venture which over time has enabled him to become the evil Vulture before being challenged by the teenage Spiderman.
For Peter, in defeating a villain such as the Vulture means achieving his goal of joining the Avengers team of superheroes besides receiving his specially made Spiderman suit from Ironman himself (aka Stark).
Watts’ new-look Spiderman makes him appear like an immature teenager displaying erratic behaviours and judgements instead of a rational young man, while Holland’s performance may be entertaining in parts it falls somewhat short of Tobey Maguire’s 2002 portrayal.
Apart from Downey and Batalon there is Keaton’s intriguing portrayal of the main villain complemented by some splendid special effects – and to delight the countless numbers of Spiderman fans, there will be a sequel revealed in the movie’s closing credits.
All that is left to say is “Welcome Home Spiderman”!
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING is to be televised on Channel 9 GO at 8.50pm on Friday 12 November
