By Paul Hall
Spidey is back in the new film Spider-Man: Homecoming. We pick up with a story that has Peter Parker (Tom Holland) headed home after his battle alongside Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) during Captain America: Civil War. But his return home takes him from the adrenaline rush of being alongside the world’s greatest superheroes to that of an ordinary high-school student.
Stark has plans for Spider-Man. He has gifted him with a new high-tech suit and all the accoutrements a teenage crime-fighter could ever want. But Peter is told to simply wait for his handler Happy (Jon Favreau) to call and put him into action. That call seems like it will never come.
Sure, he wants to be a part of the normal school activities including the debate club, dating and maybe even homecoming, but those pursuits are pushed aside as he devotes all his time to the “Stark internship” he tells his friends he has. Waiting and wondering, Peter has a way of finding more trouble and will be faced with extreme hurdles before our film comes to a close. It’s a tangled web he must navigate, but of course we believe Spider-Man can do it.
Peter decides, as any impatient teen boy would, to head out and fight local crime while he awaits the call to the big leagues alongside the Avengers. There is helping little old ladies and more along the way, but things really change when he confronts some robbers armed with high-tech weapons. This is Spidey’s first contact with a true nemesis who will haunt him in the days to come.
There have been a number of reboots, reimaginings and re-creations of the classic web-slinger on the big screen. In this turn the young Holland gets a chance to showcase his talents and excels mightily. As the naive Peter, Holland is able to make viewers believe that he is simply a clumsy youth trying to muddle through the challenges presented by high school. When Holland dons the suit, he exudes the confidence of an up-and-coming superhero who needs to grow into his suit and learn the ropes.
The story is woven nicely into the Avengers extended universe with the Tony Stark/Iron Man character along for much of this ride. Together the filmmakers are able to meld the wit, action and fun of the Avengers series into this stand-alone Spidey adventure.
And adventure it is. Around every corner, you are greeted by colorful characters including our villain Vulture (Michael Keaton) and a number of recognizable faces including Zendaya (in an understated turn as Michelle) and even Captain America himself, Chris Evans. And please stay after the credits as the Cap is not done when the credits start to roll.
I really enjoyed the rush that is Spider-Man: Homecoming. This film allows a new generation to experience the classic character. And the future looks bright for more Spidey as he’s got you in his web. Hopefully he’ll at least finish school first.
Paul’s Grade: A-
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Rated PG-13
Stars: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr.
Director: Jon Watts
Brought to you by the publishers of TV Guide, the ultimate TV resource packed with celebrity news and commentary on what’s new and what’s good to watch. Get TV Guide at 88% off the cover price: call 800-866-1400 or visit tvguidemagazine.com. ©TV Guide 2017.
NEW THIS WEEK
War for the Planet of the Apes
Rated PG-13
Stars: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Amiah Miller
Director: Matt Reeves
The tensions between apes and humans escalate as the continuing effects of the simian flu has humans on edge. It becomes “us vs. them” and Caesar leads the apes to war. They didn’t start this war, but with a rogue colonel leading the charge against the apes, Caesar will try to end it.
Wish Upon
Rated PG-13
Stars: Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, Elisabeth Röhm
Director: John R. Leonetti
At age 17, Clare Shannon finds a mysterious old music box. She soon realizes the box will grant her wishes, but each wish takes a toll on someone Clare loves. She will have to find a way to part with the box before it is too late.

