Spider-Man: Homecoming: Movie Review

Leave it to Spider-Man to knock Wonder Woman off her summer superhero blockbuster pedestal. DC Comics' Amazonian princess dominated the box office when it released on June 2nd (pulling in north of $356 million dollars), but a new kid's about to fly to the top.

With the help of Iron Man (aka Tony Stark/aka Robert Downey, Jr./aka the original Avengers money maker), Spider-Man: Homecoming is sure to reclaim the box office for Marvel Studios.

Tom Holland, who debuted as the teen superhero in Captain America: Civil War (2016), slips into the blue and red spandex super suit in Spider-Man's third cinematic incarnation in so many years (first with Tobey Maguire's trilogy and most recently with Andrew Garfield's turn in The Amazing Spider-Man series).

Following the events of Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming picks up with Peter Parker (Holland) anxious to rejoin the Avengers and take on a world of bad guys. But, that's not happening. Life is back to normal – as normal as it can be. Peter's got this gigantic secret life – his super alter ego – one he wants to explore fully, but can't because he's still got a good deal of growing up to do. And time isn't on his side as a new, dangerous villain emerges (Michael Keaton).

Most people who know anything about Spider-Man lore know its moral thread and signature line: “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Director Jon Watts' Homecoming's also has its redeeming qualities, promoting self-sacrifice, bravery, integrity, honoring authority, and loving and helping others – even your enemy.

For Marvel fans excited after seeing the new Spider-Man swing into action in Captain America: Civil War, the wait is over. Holland's here and he's Peter Parker to a tee. You believe him and you'll want to cheer for him.

Homecoming's action isn't over-the-top, doomsday-heavy, city-toppling stuff, but it is exciting to watch on the big screen. And in the midst of this big superhero origin story is a coming-of-age movie. It feels personal. Parker is discovering who he is as a young man and a “hero”. He genuinely wants to help people, catch the villain, and prove himself. But first, he's got some lessons to learn.

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments, Spider-Man: Homecoming warrants caution for kid-totting parents. This movie is rated for viewers ages 13 and older for good reasons. Foul and suggestive language is present in the dialogue, including a teen joking about watching pornography, another calling Peter Parker a sexually suggestive nickname multiple times, and a teen flashing her middle finger. Also, two instances imply the use of the F-word (one in the context of a teen girl talking about the Avengers and the other involving Aunt May, played by Marisa Tomei).

Spider-Man: Homecoming's likable lead, thrilling action, and comedy bits (albeit decidedly adult) all point to one conclusion – older audiences might just name this the best Spider-Man movie ever.