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Spider-Man: Homecoming: Movie Review

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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.

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About The Author

Hannah
Goodwyn

Hannah Goodwyn served as a Senior Producer for CBN.com, managing and writing for the award-winning website. After her undergraduate studies at Christopher Newport University, Hannah went on to study Journalism at the graduate level. In 2005, she graduated summa cum laude with her Master's from Regent University and was honored with an Outstanding Student Award. From there, Hannah began work as a content producer for CBN.com. For ten years, she acted as the managing producer for the website's Family and Entertainment sections. A movie buff, Hannah felt right at home working as CBN.com's