Eight Legged Geek

Directed by Jon Watts

Starring: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr, Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, Zendaya

Whilst most people are trying to get the sour taste of The Amazing Spiderman movies out of their mouths, my hopes for this film were just the same. I enjoyed Holland's appearance in Civil War, but the early trailers made this one out to seem like a very generic Spider-Man movie we've all seen before. Thank god I was wrong. This is easily one of the best Spider-Man movies out there, down to many elements - mostly how it went in a direction I really did not expect. And that was good.

So Peter Parker (Holland) struggles to keep his school life, home life and of course, Spider-Man life all in check. He's constantly waiting to get the call from Tony Stark (Downey Jr) to join the Avengers, but as Stark tells him, he needs to stay close to the ground - be a friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. But when Adrian Toomes (Keaton) AKA the Vulture plans to pull off a heist that could threaten the safety of the world, Peter springs to action to prove himself a superhero.

First off, as I say, this film takes a direction I wasn't expecting. John Watts goes for a very John Hughes/Richard Linklater vibe, with many different kinds of coming of age inspirations. That's well liked, it fits well and gives a very different vibe for a Spider-Man film. Maguire and Garfield films didn't have the youthful and high school style that Watts go's for here. In terms of plot the pacing is problematic at times, often with parts dragging on a little too long, especially during the middle. It does pick up in the final act which for me was the most engaging act which is never normally the case with a superhero film, so well done for that Marvel!

Tom Holland smashes the Peter Parker and Spider-Man job, he's very into the role and you can tell he's having an ace time throughout. What I like about him compared to the others is the heart he puts into the role, and the fact he acts like a fifteen year old (despite being twenty-one) really allows you to believe he is this kid who's going through a lot. Michael Keaton is one of Marvel's best villains, and despite my fears Marvel wouldn't give him the role an actor like Keaton deserves - he's great. He's creepy, daunting and the most interesting thing is he's not your average 'lets take over the world or lets change everyone into lizard creatures' type of motive. He's a thief who is trying to make a living, who's been pushed around by the big cats and wants to exact a sort of revenge on them, and he's exceptional. You'll be glad to know that Iron Man doesn't take over this film at all, which is what a lot of the promotion may have hinted at. He's there, but he's not distracting or overwhelming, so I'm thankful for that.

The chemistry between characters is really good and theres some sweet moments between Peter and love interest Liz. Some characters are a little odd, I liked Zendaya's Michelle but the new iteration of Flash Thompson is just all over the place and threw me. I have to mention that this film is also really funny, it's the perfect kind of humour you'd expect a Spider-Man movie to have. Again this all really fits in well with the tone and stylings of the film. John Watts really knew what he wanted with this film and I'm glad that Sony and Marvel picked him. I'm also really excited to see where they take this next, with the fact that it opens up a larger and more expanded sub Spider-Man universe, these two studios coming together could be the greatest thing to happen to this character. 

The Good 

- Takes an unexpected direction for Spider-Man

- Coming of Age aspects

- Holland and Keaton!

- Tone and humour

The Bad

- Some pacing issues through the first two acts

- Flash Thompson? What happened there?

8/10