Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Peter Parker’s New Life as Spider-Man

Peter Parker (Tom Holland) juggles the challenges of being an ordinary high school student in Queens while embracing his new responsibilities as Spider-Man after Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) recruits him in “Captain America: Civil War.” Determined to prove his worth, Peter strives to be more than just the “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.”

The Vulture’s Emergence

Michael Keaton’s character, Adrian Toomes, shifts to illegal arms dealing after Stark Industries forces his salvage company out of business. Repurposing Chitauri technology salvaged from the Battle of New York, Toomes develops high-tech weapons and adopts the identity of the Vulture.

Peter’s Struggles with Responsibility

Peter balances his school life, his feelings for Liz (Laura Harrier), and his responsibilities as Spider-Man. Although Tony Stark advises him to stay under the radar, Peter is eager to take down the Vulture and prove he’s ready to join the Avengers. As he pushes himself to tackle challenges beyond his experience, he encounters several setbacks and obstacles.

The Shocking Twist: The Vulture’s Identity

In a tense plot twist, Peter discovers that Adrian Toomes, the Vulture, is Liz’s father. This revelation raises the stakes, leading to one of the movie’s most nerve-wracking scenes when Toomes realizes Peter is Spider-Man during a car ride to the homecoming dance.

The Final Showdown

Peter confronts the Vulture without his advanced Stark suit as the villain plans to hijack a plane loaded with Avengers’ weapons. Although outmatched, Peter relies on his resourcefulness and determination to thwart Toomes, eventually rescuing him when the Vulture’s suit malfunctions and nearly leads to his demise.

The Aftermath

Tony Stark offers Peter a spot in the Avengers, complete with a new suit, but Peter decides to stay grounded and continue as a neighborhood hero. He returns home, only to be caught by Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) while in his Spider-Man suit, leading to a humorous cliffhanger.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Peter choosing to stay a local hero rather than join the Avengers, highlighting his growth and understanding of responsibility. Adrian Toomes ends up in prison, where he refuses to reveal Spider-Man’s identity when asked by another inmate, leaving an open thread for future conflict.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Yes, the movie has two:

1. Mid-Credits Scene: Mac Gargan (Michael Mando) approaches Adrian Toomes, suggesting they team up to take down Spider-Man.
2. Post-Credits Scene: A humorous scene featuring Captain America delivering a PSA about patience, poking fun at the Marvel tradition of post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is a superhero action-comedy with a coming-of-age twist, blending high school drama with Marvel-style action.

Cast

• Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man
• Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes / Vulture
• Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man
• Marisa Tomei as Aunt May
• Zendaya as Michelle “MJ” Jones
• Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds
• Laura Harrier as Liz Allan
• Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson

Film Music and Composer

Michael Giacchino composes the score, blending lively, youthful melodies with a classic superhero feel. He also briefly incorporates the iconic “Spider-Man Theme” from the 1960s cartoon.

Filming Locations

• New York City: The film is set primarily in Queens, emphasizing Peter’s connection to his local community.
• Atlanta, Georgia: Many interior school scenes were filmed here, using real schools as sets.
• Washington D.C.: The iconic monument scene takes place here, symbolizing Peter’s first major test as a hero outside his home turf.

Awards and Nominations

• Teen Choice Awards: Multiple wins, including Best Summer Movie and Best Summer Movie Actor (Tom Holland).
• Saturn Awards: Nominated for Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture.
• Critics’ Choice Movie Awards: Nominated for Best Young Actor (Tom Holland).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Tom Holland went undercover at a real high school to prepare for the role, blending in with students for a few days.
• Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the Vulture drew praise for making the character sympathetic despite his villainous actions.
• The film was designed to feel like a John Hughes-style teen comedy, blending superhero action with high school issues.

Inspirations and References

• Source Material: Inspired by classic Spider-Man comics, especially those focusing on Peter Parker’s high school years.
• John Hughes Films: Movies like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” heavily influenced the tone, which balances teen humor with heartfelt moments.
• Previous Spider-Man Films: The film deliberately avoids rehashing the origin story, focusing instead on a fresh, youthful take on Peter.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There aren’t any significant alternate endings, but deleted scenes include more high school antics and a longer version of Peter trying to prepare for the homecoming dance.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The movie isn’t a direct adaptation of a specific comic arc but borrows elements from several Spider-Man stories, particularly those focused on his youth and interactions with established heroes like Iron Man.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Washington Monument Rescue: Peter’s daring rescue of his classmates is a major turning point in his growth as a hero.
• Homecoming Dance Reveal: The car ride where Toomes pieces together Peter’s identity is packed with tension.
• Final Battle: Peter fighting Vulture without his high-tech suit showcases his ingenuity and determination.

Iconic Quotes

• “If you’re nothing without this suit, then you shouldn’t have it.” – Tony Stark
• “I’m nothing without the suit!” – Peter Parker
• “What are you hiding, Peter?” – Aunt May

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• A reference to Miles Morales (another Spider-Man) is hinted at when Aaron Davis (Donald Glover) mentions his nephew living in the area.
• The “Iron Spider” suit shown briefly at the end is a nod to the version seen in the comics.
• Principal Morita (Kenneth Choi) has a photo of his WWII ancestor, who fought alongside Captain America in “The First Avenger”—a clever link between MCU characters.

Trivia

• Tom Holland is the youngest actor to play Spider-Man, debuting in the role at just 19.
• The film marked the first time Spider-Man was fully integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe after the Sony-Marvel deal.
• Michael Keaton’s casting as Vulture is a fun nod since he also played the iconic superhero Batman.

Why Watch?

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is a refreshing, lighthearted take on the superhero genre. It’s packed with humor, heart, and relatable teenage dilemmas, making it one of the most approachable entries in the MCU.

Director’s Other Movies

• Cop Car (2015)
• Clown (2014)
• Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
• Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
• The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
• Shazam! (2019)
• Ant-Man (2015)
• Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)