The whole "this forum is the only place giving criticism of this thing" line comes up pretty often. One of the things I appreciate about this site is that no one is afraid to give measured and analytical reactions to pieces of media. A giant pet peeve of mine is the lack of objectivity used by certain fans, in all sorts of genres of art, when judging work. The fact that we rarely found ourselves in unchallenging, falsely positive echo chambers is a good thing. While I think super hero movies should be viewed in a specific lense, one more entertainment oriented, I normally try and approach all art from an objective point of view. I find it's really upped my appreciation levels when something really nails it. Semi-related tangent is over, carry on folks.
I agree with everything except that last paragraph. I think a great deal of super hero stories have really relevant themes and ideas to present. Even in the MCU we've seen them touch upon (though not always nail) PTSD, national security and terrorism, as well as themes about what it means to be a family and sometimes the grey nature of doing "the right thing". Spiderman should be no different. The struggle to balance multiple aspects of life, especially as a teenager is fairly universal and is a powerful feeling. This film could have used more of that. But, definitely agree otherwise and I just want to say I love chatting about these things with all of you.
For sure, my point was more so saying that I think with super hero movies, people get so wrapped up in source material and logistics, that they can't sit back and enjoy a great spectacle. Power Rangers was the perfect example. Those who panned the thing probably could have been well served by lowering their critical expectations, and letting loose. Not to say critical discussion and constructive criticism isn't welcome in super hero movies. It's when the flaws of these films are so prevelent and deeply rooted that they no longer become enjoyable.
Just got home from this. Absolutely loved it. Thought it was reminiscent of sm2, my love of which is well documented, but I still feel like it differentiated itself well. The callbacks and Easter eggs were really well done too, I think. Ordinarily they take me out of movies, but I think they well all subtle enough that they worked. His was also hilarious
Coming really late to this thread having just seen it. I miss old Aunt May and of course J. Jonah Jameson. Couldn't stand his sidekick. Tom Holland makes Spiderman very lovable. He's got great charisma. The twist was great and the villain was pretty decent. I felt like they tried too hard to be funny and hip. Felt like a pulled back PG-13 Deadpool in a way? Maybe I just really don't like teenagers and how they are usually portrayed in movies and television. It's difficult because they've had two origin stories before in the last 15 years. But his entire ability seeming to just be spider strength and reflex and having to wear a crazy computer got a little over the top. I know Iron Man is... basically that but I'd say Tony Stark is the real hero and character and it plays off well. Below Spiderman 1 and 2. Probably better than Amazing 2. I forgot about Amazing 1 and it goes without saying it's better than the Spiderman that must not be named....*hair flip*
Well that.... that is embarrassing. Haha I don't know what else to say about that. Also I'm with you regarding the Ramones. Their only good song is I Wanna Live
the ramones are from queens, its on the nose but they work in the soundtrack. the credits were the most fun, imaginative part of the movie aesthetically, though they had absolutely nothing in common with the film that preceded them.
Artists that woulda been better than the Ramones: Nas, Sick of It All, Cyndi Lauper ... actually, literally anyone woulda been a better choice.
And it actually really shoulda just been The Mary Jane's song. I'm now even more mad it wasn't. Woulda walked out screaming 5 stars.
Haven't seen the movie yet (going tomorrow) so I don't really have much room to talk right now, but I'm honestly really not a fan of the idea of completely glazing over or completely omitting really important parts of Spider-Man/Peter's story like Uncle Ben, the Osbornes, MJ/Gwen, etc. just because we've seen them in movies before. This is now supposed to be the definitive film version of Spider-Man, right? The one we're gonna get for potentially a decade? I really want them to cover important/iconic Spider-Man events in their own way, not to go out of their way to avoid them
I'm fine with them not using the Osborns for a little while, honestly. Harry wasn't introduced until Peter went to college in the comics, in spite of Green Goblin having popped up a few times as a minor villain whose identity was unknown. Ideally, they should go full-on Spider-Man: Blue tonally as soon as the high school trilogy is done (complete with Peter/MJ/Gwen triangle), and also bring in Norman Osborn around that time as a big threat for the MCU at large. Holding off on MJ proper and Gwen is also fine, since that didn't happen in the comics until Peter went to college, though now that they've called Michelle "MJ," they should retcon her name to be Mary Jane and say that she lied about being "Michelle." But, I'd still downplay the romance for now, outside of him maybe going on an ill-fated date w/ Betty as an homage to her being his first comic girlfriend (but play it more comedic here).
I hope they deal with Spidey sense more, and that the suit was actually made to assist his Spider senses, like Stark created the suit and code corresponding to studying Peter's sensing ability. Idk, anything more that makes it seem more like Peter is in control and not as much the suit.
I feel like some of the smart suit issues can be redeemed with Peter messing with the suit in the same way they took the training wheels protocol off in this one.
Unrelated to Spider-Man specifically, but I'm a little annoyed that the Pepper/Tony relationship is being brushed over off-screen. In Civil War, Tony mentions briefly that he and Pepper are on a break, then at the end of Homecoming, they're suddenly back together.
Since they've already taken inspiration from multiple continuities, they should just incorporate a touch of Spider-Gwen's Mary Jane into Zendaya's MJ. I could totally see a Zendaya character fronting a band like that. I mean, heck, they could have her collaborate w/ whoever did this for a cover to play over the sequel's end credits!