Peter Parker isn’t really a superhero — at least not yet. In the latest installment of Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise, British actor Tom Holland slides on the red suit, but this time Parker is a baby-faced 15-year-old who is just trying to stay focused in high school while keeping his new alter-ego a secret from his anxious Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). There is no spider bite here. Parker is already radioactive, and quite frankly an origin story isn't actually necessary. Instead, Spider-Man: Homecoming, follows Parker in the aftermath of the events of Captain America: Civil War. Despite his notable role in the battle between Cap’ and Iron Man, nothing much has changed for the high school misfit. However, his desperation to prove himself leads him on the quest of a lifetime. With Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) as his reluctant mentor, Parker finds himself stifled and confined to Queens, taking care of the petty crimes that occur in his neighborhood. Unfortunately, he doesn’t exactly possess that smooth Avenger flair that Black Widow, Black Panther and Thor evoke when taking down criminals. However, Parker’s innocence and naivety are what makes Spider-Man: Homecoming so charming. Holland’s Peter Parker is utterly relatable and accessible. Unlike the Tobey Maguire or Andrew Garfield helmed franchises, Holland’s Parker is something we haven't quite seen before. He has fears and uncertainties, and his desire to take on more than he can handle just might be his Achilles heel.
Though most of his days are spent attempting to solve petty crimes, Parker finally happens upon a real ATM heist that involves some super intense high tech weaponry. (Pay attention to this part of the film if you want to get the connection between Homecoming and the first Avengers film.) This is where a sensationally casted Michael Keaton steps in as the sinister and bat sh*t crazy Adrian Toomes aka Vulture. Batman fans will certainly get a kick out of this casting. With Vulture on the loose, and Iron Man not heading Parker’s warnings, Parker decides he must take matters into his own hands.
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