Spider-Man: Homecoming

Spider-Man: Homecoming Story : It's been a while since Captain America: Civil War, where an ecstatic and starstruck teen Spider-Man/Peter Parker (Tom Holland) rubbed shoulders with the mighty Avengers. Months later, Peter yearns for the heroic experience once again. But mentor Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr) advises him to go back to school and patiently wait for his moment of glory, when he can assist the Avengers.

Spider-Man: Homecoming Review : However, patience is certainly not the boy’s virtue. Desperate to earn a sensational 'job offer' from Stark, the trainee masked crusader curbs petty robberies and scouts for a crime worthy enough to fight. He soon runs into ‘Vulture’ (Michael Keaton), a man who poses real threat to lives. Can Spider-boy take him down?

Jon Watts starts his film with a clean slate. Unlike the previous outings, his Spider-Man reboot doesn’t necessarily have the aura of a superhero epic. He gives it a quirky campus-caper twist, which evokes mixed views initially. His Peter is solely focussed on being an A list (Avengers like) superhero. There are no sob stories of Uncle Ben or Aunt May either. May in fact, is a hottie (Marisa Tomei)! Once you warm up to Watts’ vision, this Spidey film, replete with humour and thrilling stunt scenes, grows on you and tugs at your heartstrings eventually.

What also works is Holland’s effortless earnestness. The British actor is no looker unlike a Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield, nor does he carry their character’s emotional turmoil or bewilderment. But that makes him the most relatable Spider-Man, till date. You feel his need to prove himself to Stark; heartbreak, when that dream falters and him discovering himself at the end of it all.

Other than Robert Downey’s recurring special appearances (even at an Indian wedding), it is Michael Keaton’s formidable screen presence as the anti-hero, that holds the film together, when Parker’s goofing around gets a tad tiresome.

Spider-Man: Homecoming breathes new life into the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) as well as the friendly neighbourhood superhero that was forever torn between love and responsibility.

Note: For those unfamiliar with Marvel films, remember to be ‘patient’ enough to wait back for two after-credits scenes.