★★★
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
Classification: 12A
Following the tremendous scale and success of Avengers: Endgame was always going to be a daunting task but Jon Watt's follow-up to his Spider-Man reboot does it best to address the ramifications of the recent Marvel universe's paradigm shifts. Continuing the narrative arc of Spider-Man living in Tony Stark's shadow, with the latter's death Peter Parker is now wondering if he can honour his fallen mentor. The storyline has a lot of repeating themes from Spider-Man: Homecoming as the main thematic and dramatic moments are about Parker being his own hero apart from Stark now mixed with his own grief and self-doubt. While the larger references to the larger universe are always fun easter eggs for fans at points it does distract from Parker's own agency as a character at crucial points in the story.
Far From Home does however use the larger universe to address the growing conflict of Spider-Man' clashing roles; Is he a friendly neighbourhood superhero? or a globetrotting Avenger? with Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury directly challenging Parker's priorities as a hero. This balance of Parker's social and superhero life again offers director Jon Watts many opportunities of comedy, as Tom Holland again captures the perfect mix of awkward charisma. In addition to the amusing entourage of teachers and students led by J.B Smoove and Martin Starr that have their moments as Spider-Man's antic conveniently interrupt them at every turn. But with great power comes great responsibility as the appearance of Jake Gyllenhaal's new hero Mysterio forces Parker to choose between saving the day or courting Zendaya's MJ.
While the film doesn't skimp on thrill-inducing action sequences some of the most enthralling scenes are when Holland's performance is at his most vulnerable. The chemistry between Holland and Zendaya is captivating and makes their scenes together so endearing that it creates a real investment in Parker's dilemma. His desire to be there for MJ in conflict to his desire to honour Stark really has Holland's performance explore the classic Spider-Man dilemma's in new exciting ways. Other standout performances come from Zendaya and Gyllenhaal with this franchise's reinvention of the Mary Jane character continuing to impress. Zendaya brings a new emotional core to her character thanks in large part to the previously mentioned chemistry with Holland but continues her contributions to the film's comedy with her sardonic wit. Mysterio as with Homecoming's Vulture is another fun reinvention of a Spider-Man B-List villain with Gyllenhaal's initial introduction having him across as a generic exposition machine. However, as the story progresses, Gyllenhaal's acting abilities are not put to waste as director Jon Watts delivers sequences that do a great honour to the character's twisted nature.
Pacing wise, Watts's direction has some faults in the first two acts either from rushed setups or moments of tedious exposition. Watts has a lot to juggle in dealing with post Endgame revelations and fallout and not everything lands as well as one would hope. Not surprisingly the existential horror of being dead for five years isn't addressed seriously and used for more comedic bits but after Endgame's maturity in handling the same material Far From Home's moments addressing "The Snap" are more awkward than interesting. There are also many subplots that get middling attention mostly concerning romantic relationships between the main cast including Ned and Betty, Happy and May and a somewhat love triangle between Parker, MJ and another classmate. Far From Home really at times just needs to trim the fat because when Watts has his focus on the main thematic arc along with Parker's connection with both MJ and Mysterio, the film really ramps up. The first two acts may drag but the third is a rollercoaster of thrills, shocks and a final battle that puts our favourite web-slinger through the wringer.
Far From Home delivers many new classic Spider-Man movie moments especially a few that should be long remembered but its the baggage of the past that holds the film back. When the film is able to step back from eulogising Tony Stark and focus on Peter Parker and his own issues both personal and heroic that's when the drama and emotions can really resonate. Stark's importance to the plot can't be negated especially for Parker's own character arc and development of the villain's motivations but some times it feels the balance is off-kilter. Great performances from Holland, Zendaya and Gyllenhaal help further cement this cinematic Spidey again with a strong emotional core, mind-bending visuals, shocking twists, and an ending that will have your jaw hit the floor.
Director: #JonWatts
Cast: #TomHolland, #SamuelLJackson, #Zendaya, #CobieSmulders, #JonFavreau, #JBSmoove, #JacobBatalon, #MartinStarr, #TonyRevolori, #MarisaTomei, #JakeGyllenhaal
Release Date: July 2nd 2019
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images and Synopsis from the Internet Movie Database
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