Sunday, BBC1, 11:45pm
When Spider-Man: Homecoming swung into cinemas in 2017, it marked the triumphant return of Marvel’s most beloved wall-crawler to his rightful place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Jon Watts, this film eschewed the origin-story formula that had already been spun into cinematic gold (and occasionally bronze) by Sam Raimi and Marc Webb. Instead, Homecoming drops us into Peter Parker’s life mid-swing, following his exhilarating cameo in Captain America: Civil War. Tom Holland’s portrayal of Spidey radiates youthful energy and insecurity, making him the most convincing high-schooler to don the red and blue suit yet. Holland’s Peter is balancing algebra homework with Avengers-level heroics—one moment he’s fighting the Vulture (a spectacularly world-weary Michael Keaton), and the next, he’s fretting about asking Liz to Homecoming. It’s superheroics with a teenage awkwardness we can all relate to.
The score by Michael Giacchino is a deft balance of classic heroics and modern flair. It kicks off with a playful reworking of the iconic 1960s Spider-Man theme—an Easter egg for fans who can hum the tune in their sleep. From there, Giacchino injects the score with a sense of youthful exuberance, weaving in frenetic strings and bold brass to underscore Peter’s wide-eyed excitement at being part of Tony Stark’s world. The quieter moments, like the tender cues for Peter’s interactions with Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), keep the soundtrack grounded, emphasizing that beneath the mask, Spider-Man is still just a kid trying to do his best. And let’s not forget the inspired use of licensed tracks, from The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” to MGMT’s “Time to Pretend,” which cement the film’s vibrant, youthful tone.
At its core, Spider-Man: Homecoming feels like a John Hughes movie that just happens to feature a superhero. The film’s high school setting, complete with cliques, crushes, and cringe-worthy moments, is refreshingly small-scale in a genre that often leans toward universe-ending stakes. The Vulture isn’t looking to destroy the world—he’s just a blue-collar guy trying to provide for his family, a motivation that makes him one of the MCU’s most relatable villains. It’s this grounded storytelling, paired with the sheer joy of watching Spidey swing through Queens, that makes Homecoming a standout. Plus, let’s face it: Keaton as a bird-themed antagonist? Somewhere, Birdman fans were nodding sagely. Homecoming is a reminder that even the littlest guy with the biggest heart can be a hero—not because he has to be, but because it’s the right thing to do.
- Noel Chambers