Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019 Film) Review
Following the death of Tony Stark in "Avengers: Endgame, Peter Parker/Spider-Man is feeling exhausted about his responsibilities as a superhero. Respite comes in the form of a summer school trip to Europe with his fellow classmates, including Michelle, or MJ, the girl Peter plans to build a romance with. Unlucky for him, Nick Fury has other plans, as he recruits Parker mid-vacation to stop elemental threats from other dimensions with the help of Quentin Beck/Mysterio.
Once again, Tom Holland stars as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Other returning cast members include Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, Marissa Tomei as Aunt May, Zendaya as Michele/MJ, and Jacob Batalon as Ned. Jake Gyllenhaal joins them as Quentin Beck/Mysterio.
Jon Watts, who directed the previous installment, "Spider-Man: Homecoming," returned to direct "Far From Home." Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers wrote the script, based on the Stan Lee and Steve Ditko comic books. Kevin Feige and Amy Pascal produced the film. "Spider-Man: Far From Home" was distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing and Marvel Studios.
Overall Thoughts
Just as Peter Parker, in the film, is challenged to step up his game as a hero, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" broadens its scale and scope while preserving the self-contained structure of its predecessor. As a follow-up to the cataclysmic last two "Avengers" ensembles, this film shows a world still adjusting to normalcy after half of all life vanished and was brought back five years later. That means those poor high school students who disappeared for five years, came back, and didn't age now find themselves in classes with similar-aged students that they once knew to be five years younger than them. If you think the film capitalizes on such a heartbreaking situation, don't worry, because "Far From Home" treats these developments with more comedy than drama. Then again, the whole goal of this film is to be a light-hearted interim, a break after such drama and sadness. Although "Far From Home" moves the setting to international locations, the film still retains the buoyant tone of "Homecoming," thanks to the high school antics as well as the musical talents of Michael Giacchino, whose "Homecoming" music returns with some major additions, resulting in a score that's both new and familiar.
Tom Holland brings as sense of maturity to Peter Parker, something that was missing from the previous installment. Though he still behaves like a high school student, it's made abundantly clear that his experiences in the last two "Avengers" films have had an affect on him. Not just in his attitude about being a superhero, but how he reacts to certain problems that he finds himself in throughout this story. Tony Stark's death weighs heavily on Parker throughout the film and pressures rise as to if he'll step up his heroism. Holland is at his best when Parker is allowed to be vulnerable and there are many instances when he's able to do that, and he's perfect in those scenes. When he's allowed to vent his frustrations about the insane pressure he's under, it doesn't come across as complaining because you understand where he's coming from.
His chemistry with Zendaya's MJ was palpable, but I questioned having Peter's romantic interests be the focus of another film. After "Homecoming" and how his attempts to court Liz went, I thought it was odd that he'd go from being infatuated with one girl to another. Also, considering MJ gave Peter the finger - for no reason, I might add - in "Homecoming," seeing him pursuing a romantic relationship with her in this film was, to put it lightly, confusing. However, their chemistry won me over in the end, and I became invested in their relationship and all the drama that came with it.
To the surprise of no one, Quentin Beck/Mysterio is the film's villain. If you know anything about Mysterio going into the film, you obviously know that he's not a hero in the slightest, and Sony/Marvel would be crazy to change that. To give Jake Gyllenhaal credit though, he plays Mysterio with such suaveness and warmness that for a brief moment, he had me convinced that he was one of the protagonists. Although I have to confess that once his character reveals his true colors, Gyllenhaal played the villain part so naturally, that I actually thought he was meant to play this character this way. His motivations are explored well, he's clear about what he wants to accomplish, and he's constantly throwing our hero for a loop. All throughout the part, the actor basks in the fun. When all was said and done, I thought he succeeded in being a gloriously over-the-top antagonist.
While "Homecoming" was an honorable first step into blockbuster filmmaking, Jon Watts greatly improved his ability in "Far From Home." Cinematography wise, the shots are more polished and focused. Maybe it's because I saw the film in IMAX, but the locations felt immersive and expansive. The CGI is another area where Watts improved. This time around, Spider-Man looked like a tangible figure, not a computerized puppet. The Elementals, the threats Peter is called in to help stop, are monstrous figures that looked, quite fittingly, otherworldly. The real showstopper of the effects, however, were Mysterio's abilities. He's always been one of the characters that I didn't think would translate well to the silver screen, but the film proved me wrong. There's a confrontation between our hero and villain that will go down as one of the best sequences out of any of the Spider-Man movies. It was like the comic books came to life. Plus, if you thought "Doctor Strange" presented mind-blowing visuals, prepare yourself for a similar trip down the rabbit hole.
Tom Holland brings as sense of maturity to Peter Parker, something that was missing from the previous installment. Though he still behaves like a high school student, it's made abundantly clear that his experiences in the last two "Avengers" films have had an affect on him. Not just in his attitude about being a superhero, but how he reacts to certain problems that he finds himself in throughout this story. Tony Stark's death weighs heavily on Parker throughout the film and pressures rise as to if he'll step up his heroism. Holland is at his best when Parker is allowed to be vulnerable and there are many instances when he's able to do that, and he's perfect in those scenes. When he's allowed to vent his frustrations about the insane pressure he's under, it doesn't come across as complaining because you understand where he's coming from.His chemistry with Zendaya's MJ was palpable, but I questioned having Peter's romantic interests be the focus of another film. After "Homecoming" and how his attempts to court Liz went, I thought it was odd that he'd go from being infatuated with one girl to another. Also, considering MJ gave Peter the finger - for no reason, I might add - in "Homecoming," seeing him pursuing a romantic relationship with her in this film was, to put it lightly, confusing. However, their chemistry won me over in the end, and I became invested in their relationship and all the drama that came with it.
To the surprise of no one, Quentin Beck/Mysterio is the film's villain. If you know anything about Mysterio going into the film, you obviously know that he's not a hero in the slightest, and Sony/Marvel would be crazy to change that. To give Jake Gyllenhaal credit though, he plays Mysterio with such suaveness and warmness that for a brief moment, he had me convinced that he was one of the protagonists. Although I have to confess that once his character reveals his true colors, Gyllenhaal played the villain part so naturally, that I actually thought he was meant to play this character this way. His motivations are explored well, he's clear about what he wants to accomplish, and he's constantly throwing our hero for a loop. All throughout the part, the actor basks in the fun. When all was said and done, I thought he succeeded in being a gloriously over-the-top antagonist.
While "Homecoming" was an honorable first step into blockbuster filmmaking, Jon Watts greatly improved his ability in "Far From Home." Cinematography wise, the shots are more polished and focused. Maybe it's because I saw the film in IMAX, but the locations felt immersive and expansive. The CGI is another area where Watts improved. This time around, Spider-Man looked like a tangible figure, not a computerized puppet. The Elementals, the threats Peter is called in to help stop, are monstrous figures that looked, quite fittingly, otherworldly. The real showstopper of the effects, however, were Mysterio's abilities. He's always been one of the characters that I didn't think would translate well to the silver screen, but the film proved me wrong. There's a confrontation between our hero and villain that will go down as one of the best sequences out of any of the Spider-Man movies. It was like the comic books came to life. Plus, if you thought "Doctor Strange" presented mind-blowing visuals, prepare yourself for a similar trip down the rabbit hole.
Rating: ★★★½
"Spider-Man: Far From Home" mixes comedy, romance, globe-trotting thrills, and mystifying visuals, resulting in a superior follow-up to the admirable original.
If you're a Spider-Man, Marvel Cinematic Universe, or superhero film fan - you could be all three - then "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is essential viewing. In fact, you may have already seen it. If you are none of the above, this could still be a fun time at the cinemas, but it may be a confusing experience, depending on whether or not you're filled in on what's going on. As I mentioned earlier, I saw the film in IMAX and I think it's worth it to try and see it in the format. You get a more immersive experience and a heightened sense of the scale. I also think this would be a great film to see in 3D, considering the crazy visuals that are sprinkled throughout. Regardless of what format you see it in, definitely don't miss out on this film.
Conclusion
This has been my review of "Spider-Man: Far From Home." I hope you enjoyed this review. Have you seen the film? If you have, tell me your thoughts in the comments below. In addition, feel free to recommend a film for me to review next. Thanks for reading, I'm Dallin, your resident film fanatic, and I'll return soon with another review.
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