How do you make a hero better? You learn more about him and start to relate to him. A lot of films fall into the trap of the origin film not being enough of a character study to make you really care about them but I’m here to tell you that this one doesn’t fall into that trap at all.
Having recently discussed The Dark Knight with a friend of mine, we both came to the realization that there are no wasted scenes in that film and each one progresses the story forward. This film is the exact same way, between easter eggs and multiple references to different Spider-Man characters you would think that it would be way too crowded and yet, it never feels that way. It doesn’t drag and it doesn’t rush, it’s honestly just a near perfect film.
Tom Holland absolutely steals the entire show and it says a lot that he can maintain scenes with Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei without being overshadowed at any point in time. He manages to nail the contrast between Peter Parker and Spider-Man in a way that few actors could, particularly in a scene where he is trapped and screams for help. When you first see it you start to wonder how he’s the hero until you remember that he’s basically just a kid who’s just trying to learn as he goes. It genuinely felt like he came right off of the page and that’s what makes him the perfect casting for the role.
Michael Keaton is always a great actor in his own right but I never really cared about the Vulture until this movie. He’s not some petty crook that’s easily defeated, no, Peter has to think about it and makes multiple mistakes while trying to stop him. They changed a lot of his storyline to make him more of a sympathetic character and I was glad it never seemed forced like some characters have in previous incarnations.(See: Sandman)
The different side characters such as Ned, Liz, Flash and the rest all play their parts very well. Their roles basically make it feel like it’s a John Hughes movie and it works exceptionally well.
Of course Tony Stark, Happy Hogan and Aunt May are all welcome inclusions as well and they all do just as well as they always do.
I was a little upset about the Donald Glover Cameo, I like what it’s hinting towards but I was hoping for something a bit more in the first film. We’ll have to wait and see what happens in later films.
Overall, it’s a great Spider-Man film which gives us an in-depth look into his characters and gives us a Queens, New York that felt just like another character in it’s own right. I loved everything about this movie and it’s quickly jumped up to one of my favorite films from Marvel Studios.
