Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/846247
By TOM JOZWIK Post Film Critic " S p i d e r - M a n : Homecoming" is an unusual story — that of an accidental superhero coming of age as a high school sophomore in Queens, New York. At the same time, 15-year- old Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is also coming of age as Spidey, learning the ropes required for inclusion among the elite Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, etc.). From the faux home movie footage early on to a couple of epilogue scenes viewers won't catch unless they sit through a lengthy period of closing credits, "Homecoming" is worth- while entertainment. Directed by Jon Watts (who was also among its several writers), the movie's plot is as mundane as an average adolescent's weekday sched- ule — and as exciting as a superhuman scaling of the Washington Monument. "Homecoming" is a delec- table blend of upfront humor and stately background music (Michael Giacchino), with an enjoyable acting ensemble and (arguably) an ironic homage to Hitchcockian drama at one of its most science-fictional moments. We've all seen bet- ter special effects, however. Holland, an endearing actor from the United Kingdom although, at 21, a little aged to be playing a 15- year-old, heads the cast in a reprisal of the cameo role he played in "Captain America: Civil War" last year. Jacob Batalon makes a successful movie debut as Peter's best buddy, Ned, an equally endearing everyman. Both boys are members of Midtown Science High School's academic decathlon team, which also includes Peter's on-campus nemesis (Tony Revolori from "The Grand Budapest Hotel"), Peter's prospective sweet- heart (Laura Harrier) and one of those wisecracking, self-conscious kids who is popular in spite of herself (singer-dancer Zendaya, whose character should prove popular with filmgo- ers). Michael Keaton, playing a different sort of Birdman here, is human enough to evoke some empathy as "Homecoming's" preeminent villain, a fellow who's turned to crime after the govern- ment torpedoed his business. Robert Downey Jr., that mas- ter of deadpanning, portrays Peter's mentor, Tony Stark/Iron Man. Jon Favreau aptly mixes seriousness with levity as Stark's assistant, while Marisa Tomei is young Parker's caring (and "with it") aunt and guardian. Just as he'd like to experi- ence more of the fun things high school has to offer, like homecoming activities in company with a lovely schoolmate, Peter longs to move beyond a Spider-Man apprenticeship that has him doing routine good deeds in the manner of a mere police cadet and, in the process, occasionally irritating neigh- bors (one of them played by the superhero's creator, 94- year-old Stan Lee). Peter's discovery of an illegal weapons operation presents the opportunity for a more exciting personal agenda. 18 • Milwaukee County Post • July 7, 2017 Tom Holland is Peter Parker/Spider-Man in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. ENTERTAINMENT Humor, enjoyable cast and more make for a fine film "Spider-Man: Homecoming" ★★★★ Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau Director: Jon Watts MPAA rating: PG-13 Running time: 133 minutes Release date: Today Showings: www.marcus- theatres.com At a glance 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' an unusual story — and good