‘Spider-Man’ displays diversity, ‘Despicable Me 3’ shows off (Merecedes' Movie Column July 5)

Merecedes on… Movies

Summer is such an exciting time for the cinemas. Not only are the year’s best films released during this season, but the movie theater is the best place to sit back, relax, and beat the heat. I have two family-friendly flicks for you to catch this week: “Despicable Me 3” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”
After refusing to go back to a life of crime, the yellow cuddly minions desert their fearless leader, Gru (Steve Carrell). But, after losing his job and finding his long-lost twin brother, Dru (also Carrell), Gru is tempted to go back to his villainous ways.
“Despicable Me 3” is as cute and funny as its predecessors, “Despicable Me” (2010) and Despicable Me 2” (2013). There are so many random parts of the movie, but it all comes together for a wacky, whimsical animation.
The glue that holds this film series together is Gru. Carrell worked double-time in the third installment with the introduction of the new character. The audience gets twice the amount of clean comedy. Carrell is a comedic genius, and his success with “Despicable Me 3” only confirms his range and brilliance.
The film topped out this past weekend’s box office with an estimated $75.4 million, beating out “Baby Driver” and “The House.”
Before I attempt to dissect “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” here’s a disclaimer: While I am intrigued by Marvel movies, I am not a “Super Fan” and not knowledgeable of every single character and their background. So, don’t kill the messenger!
Was this the beginning of a new Spider-Man series? Asking for a friend. Because if it was, Tom Holland did a compelling job as the new kid on the block. But, I thought it was oddly strange that we did not see more from the Avengers. If Spider-Man is actually coming home and struggling with saving the world, wouldn’t his superhero friends be more visible?
I have a lot of questions.
One of the reasons we love Marvel movies so much is the futuristic effects and advanced technology. In some scenes, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” failed miserably. The airplane scene was too much and not at the least bit realistic.
Typically, I find myself screaming, “Where’s the sistas at?” after a superhero flick. But this time, Marvel was on point with the Black Girl Magic. Zendaya, Garcelle Beauvais, and Laura Harrier were all allies of Spider-Man, while Donald Glover, Hannibal Burress, and Bokeem Woodbine also made significant appearances.
I see Marvel’s attempt to diversify their cast, and I appreciate it. More filmmakers need to take note.
“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is in theaters July 7.
 
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