by Dustin Steiger, broadcast director
2017 has been full of amazing films, especially in the superhero genre. While Marvel threw in some heavy hitters, such as “Guardians of the Galaxy; Volume 2” and “Logan,” DC Comics made an extraordinary comeback with their movie “Wonder Woman,” the first modern-age female superhero movie in years, not to mention their first live-action film since Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Trilogy” to be “Certified Fresh” (a reward given to only the most deserving and “best reviewed” movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes).
With Saegertown’s Homecoming scheduled for October 13, it seems like an opportune time to review one of Marvel’s most recent successes, “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” For those unfamiliar with this successful blockbuster, it follows the young Peter Parker (Tom Holland), better known to the audience as Spider-Man, as he attempts to balance his superhuman “activities” with the humdrum routine of high school bullies, homework, and a crush that seems to have no clue he even exists.
The story takes place after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) mentoring Peter and telling him to “Stay close to the ground,” that he should let the more powerful heroes take on the jobs that they don’t think he can do… advice that a young and anxious Peter Parker is not happy about. Determined to prove himself worthy of the Avenger’s approval, Spider-Man suits up to take on the Vulture (Michael Keaton) and to show the world exactly what he’s got.
Many critics and viewers were skeptical going in to see it, as “Homecoming” marks the third reboot of the Spider-Man franchise since 2002, some of which didn’t do so well (specifically “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” with sites like IndieWire calling it “wildly overstuffed,” and “Spider-Man 3,” with reviewers like Chris Hewitt from Empire claiming that it didn’t live up to its promised “greatness.”). However, fans weren’t disappointed. With beautiful graphics and a balanced and well-developed story, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” brings this amazing comic book character to life in a relatable and fun way that everyone can enjoy.
“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is available on Digital and iTunes and will be available on DVD on October 17.
