Spider-Man: Homecoming: The Biggest Disappointment Of The Summer
"Spider-Man 2", in 2004, still remains as the front runner, for one of the best comic book movies ever made. It's bold, beautiful, emotional, and thoughtful, in a way that no other film of the genre ever came close to. With now thirteen years passed and already up to the second reboot, the new Spider-Man fails to even remotely come close to what made the Web Slinger so fun to watch to begin with.
In this new entry, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) tries to become an Avenger by impressing his mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), while dealing with going to high-school, as well as trying to investigate a new villain that lingers in the darkness. It's all formulaic plot devices, but Vulture (Michael Keaton) is at least an intriguing enough character, to warrant a sympathy towards.
.
There is no question Tom Holland is a star in the making, but in his first star role, it's difficult for him to find the right footing in his own film. The characters he surrounds himself with (especially in the high school) are not witty enough nor engaging enough to even care. To make matters worst, the screenplay (written by six people, which seems extremely unnecessary) is an absolute drag. Even the beautifully talented Marissa Tomei is misplaced in the Aunt May role, as they try to create this somewhat modern hipster vibe to her character. It's an odd choice and director Jon Watts's vision for this new entry is a scattershot of ideas.
"Spider-Man Homecoming" is a juvenile, and frustrating film to watch. It's ideas suppressed by the decision to make the film kid oriented. The third act is a blast and a fun ride, but it lacks originality, as the big twist is a carbon copy of the first Spider-Man, back in 2001. But at least finally, in its over two hour run time, the final act gives something the audience to feel emotionally engaged towards. Keaton is fantastic here and saves the film from plundering to its ultimate death.
People under the age of 15 and comic book lovers might thoroughly enjoy it's bland, Hollywood direction. I found it loud, unfunny, and above all else, the reason why I hate big summer blockbusters. There's an unwillingness to challenge the audience, but rather make it's plot similar to what you'd see on a Saturday morning cartoon. Keaton is great, Holland has his moments, and the one action scene towards the end is terrific, but any portion of substance meant for adults is lacking here. My hope is for the next sequel to take itself a little more seriously and a little less lightly.
Comments
Post a Comment