Great re-boot, however traditionalist spider-fans may be upset with all the changes!

Rating: 10/10 (9 July 2017)

As a long time spidey fan and huge admirer of the MCU films I went into this with massive expectations.
I wasn't disappointed.
Like many others I did find myself questioning the need to change the race of some of the supporting characters purely to show diversity in Hollywood, but after lengthy internal arguments I have concluded that the film actually benefits from breaking the mould and setting the scene in an all new friendly neighborhood.
Tom Holland is an incredible Peter Parker/spider-man, he nails every scene be it down to his comedic timing, gymnastic athleticism or touching moments opposite Aunt May or best friend Ned Leeds, who is arguably the greatest sidekick ever!
Tony Stark's father figure, Happy Hogan's 'big brother', Flash Thompson's jealous rival, 'love interest' Liz & Michelle's 'quirky friend' all add to the mix and provide chemistry to help develop Peters character to a level never experienced in a spider-movie before and it is a refreshing change from the uncle Ben/Norman Osborn stuff we have seen before.
The rest supporting cast is also great, with a shout out for Micheal Keatons -Vulture/Adrian Toomes who brings the exact mix of desperation and fear to the role and adds another terrific villain to Marvels cinematic rouges gallery.
As the story unfolds and we learn of Liz's parentage, the tone of the film shifts from 'high school coming of age comedy' to 'full on action heroics'...the scene where Spidey is trapped under the warehouse roof and he has to find within himself the will to keep pushing is something I have wanted to see since a similar story from the comics in the 60's, its a real 'spidey-moment' where he realises that even without Stark's new suit and gadgets - he is Spider-Man! From then on the final battle against the Vulture on/above/around an invisible Stark jet is simply sensational.
To compare this film to the Andrew Garfield or Tobey Maguire movies is unfair, and to compare to the original stories from the comics is impossible, people should remember that when Stan Lee created these characters the world was a completely different place than it is today!
This version stands its ground and isn't afraid to mix things up in order to remain fresh but keeps enough of the classic stuff to feel familiar.
Personally I loved this film and cant wait for the 'inevitable' sequels.