Spider-Man: Far From Home is the most fan-centric Marvel film ever made. I’m just not sure the quality of the film ranks with some of the other titles in the MCU. That doesn’t mean the latest adventures of Peter Parker are somehow lame, but perhaps my perception of the film is impacted by the lofty standards set forth by previous titles (especially Avengers: Endgame).
It just seemed at times the film felt like more a bridge (which they’ve essentially said was the case) to the next phase of the MCU rather than its own movie. There are moments during Spider-Man: Far From Home which sizzle. The chemistry between Tom Holland and Zendaya is off the charts (I’m talking about awkward textbook love). The action sequences during the third act of the film were insane. Gyllenhall’s portrayal of Mysterio was tons of fun, and seeing Holland emote those neurotic Peter Parker moments brought a smile to my face. It just seemed that most of the attempts at humor were a momentum killer.
For those who are curious, the film serves as the final chapter of what MCU is referring to as “The Infinity Saga.” The storyline takes place roughly eight months following the events of Avengers: Endgame. Peter is having a tough time dealing with the death of Tony and the perception that he’s meant to step into Iron Man’s shoes. All he wants is for this school year to end so he can go on his class trip and hopefully work up the nerve to tell MJ (Zendaya) how he feels.
Well, sometimes life throws you a curveball. While in Venice his class experiences an attack from a water-based creature but they are saved by what appears to be a new super-hero named Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). Just when Peter thinks the danger has passed, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is hiding in the shadows and ropes him into a mission which completely derails his summer vacation.
Getting too much more into the spoilers would ruin Spider-Man: Far From Home, but we can touch on a few things. I did enjoy the new technology Peter makes use of in the film. My particular favorite would be the stealth suit that he wears in the movie. There’s another piece of technology that plays a central role which has a fantastic acronym (can’t say much more than put you’ll know it when you see it).
Gyllenhaal makes a serious bid to be one of the best debuts in the MCU. Based on the film, it’s obvious why he signed on to play Mysterio. He’s made a career of skillfully playing multilayered characters, and this film is no exception. I’d put his debut up there with Willem Dafoe’s.
Holland and Zendaya at times look incredibly odd together onscreen, but it’s that awkwardness which makes them so damn appealing. Nothing seems forced (which of course prompts many conspiracy theorists who think they might be dating… including my wife). It’s easy to think that as their chemistry is off the charts. Things seem to be headed in a natural direction, but will it stay that way?
Holland does nail the conflicted nature of a young Peter Parker. In essence, Spider-Man: Far From Home is about whether he’s ready to step up in many different ways. Overall, the film didn’t knock my socks off, but it was good enough to get me intrigued about where things are headed. Probably the most shocking parts of the film are the two stingers at the end. Those will blow your mind and set the stage for the next phase of the MCU.
Dewey Singleton has been reviewing new releases in television and film for many years. Dewey's reviews have been heard in multiple markets (Houston Atlanta, Tampa). Dewey's past work has been with awardswatch.com, awardsradar.com, and bleeding cool. Dewey is a proud member of the CCA.