Spider-Man: Homecoming

I know what you are thinking. Spider-Man has been done, and done again so why should you go see this latest iteration? You should see this movie because this Spider-Man is unique. Not only because it is the result of a partnership between Disney and Sony, but because it is an entirely new take on the character and his story. This is a Spider-Man story with Tony Stark, a younger and more spunky Aunt May, and a funny best friend who knows a little too much. Spider-Man: Homecoming is funny in the style of Ant-Man, yet it is also a high-powered action adventure.

Peter Parker is a 15-year-old high school sophomore who feels that he does not fit in. He is trying to come to terms with his new-found power, while soaring high on post Captain America: Civil War adrenaline and purpose. His struggles are both super-hero struggles and average teenager struggles. He seeks to bring a criminal enterprise to justice while also trying to figure out how to survive high school.

Although this is a Sony movie, it fits in well with the Marvel movies we have seen over the last few years. The violence level is arguably lower and the humor comes more naturally. I think this is due to the youth-focused story line, which we can all relate to as parents and former teenagers. Tom Holland is probably my favorite Spider-Man (although I do love Tobey Maguire). Holland is very effective at making the audience empathize with his drive to help others, while finding and proving himself worthy.

This film is rated PG-13 and since this is a family site, I want to share a few of the reasons why it received that rating. I watched this movie with both my 9-year-old and 13-year-old children. They both liked the film and some of the following scenes went right over my younger child’s head. In one scene, high school girls are sitting on bleachers discussing the Avengers. One girl lists off the superheroes indicating what she would do with each of them. One she would marry, and she would “F” another. She does not use the word, she actually says “F.” A character flips off another character (it is done in a humorous spirit). One boy who does not want his true actions knows claims he was watching porn when caught using the computers by a teacher. Finally, the last line of the movie contains an F-word that gets cut off. On a more positive note, there are zero sexual scenes in this movie and the cast is diverse and likable.

Overall, the movie is a fun flick that most families will enjoy. It is a fun addition to the current superhero movie trend. I highly recommend Spider-Man: Homecoming. Go see it!

Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments.

Worth seeing in 3D? The media preview I saw was in 2D, but I kept thinking it would be amazing in 3D.

Scene after the credits? There is one stinger during the credits and one after.

Disclaimer: I attended an early screening of this movie to facilitate my review. All opinions are mine.