Warning: This review will have very minor spoilers for ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’. If you still haven’t seen it and you want to go in completely blind, then I’d recommend going to see it before reading this article. If you don’t care, then read to your heart’s content.
Directed By: Jon Watts
Written By: Chris McKenna
Starring: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Samuel L. Jackson
Run Time: 2 Hours 9 Minutes
Rated PG-13
Release Date: July 2nd, 2019
Link to IMDb
Yes, I know I’m late. But I’m also poor, so leave me alone. My bills have priority over Spider-Man movies.
If ‘Avengers: Endgame‘ was the final chapter in the first volume of the MCU, then ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home‘ is the epilogue. This movie perfectly builds on what the movies before it laid down and sets the bridge for the future perfectly. It isn’t the best Marvel movie, but it is a ton of fun to watch from start to end!
Even if I spent most of the run-time cringing at Peter being a total dork. But it wouldn’t be a Spider-Man story if he weren’t an awkward teenager.
Plot: Step Up, Parker
Get out of here, ‘Snap’! ‘Blip’ is the proper terminology now!
Shortly after the Avengers defeated Thanos, peace has returned to the world. But there is a question on everyone’s mind: with Iron Man gone, who will take his place? And the common answer is Spider-Man. But Peter isn’t ready for that level of responsibility. He just wants to be a teenager and confess his feelings to MJ. And what better opportunity than a class trip to Europe?
Unfortunately for Peter, life isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Mysterious creatures made of the elements are attacking, threatening to destroy the world. Peter is wrapped into the action by Nick Fury and a new hero: the man from another Earth, whom his friends take to calling Mysterio. Together, the two must stop the Elementals and save the Earth. But is Peter ready to take up his mentor’s mantle? And is Mysterio all he claims to be?
If you’re familiar with Spider-Man villains, then you know what Mysterio is all about. If you’ve read/watched even one Mysterio story, then you already know what the big twist is. But it is still incredibly effective. Mainly because Mysterio himself is an incredibly well-written character.
Sure, he may not be the best villain in Marvel history. But he’s still very deep and interesting. Sure, his plans may not be particularly good in its methods. But it’s clear that he isn’t a completely bad person. He does what he thinks needs to be done, but he does seem genuinely sorrowful that it involves making enemies with Peter. He won’t hesitate. But he will regret.
He isn’t spectacular. But in terms of a live-action Mysterio, it is absolutely perfect. Especially when he gets to the trippy illusion sequences.
Every other character is equally well-written. Peter is as amazing as always, and Ned compliments him perfectly. Their version of MJ is one of my favorite versions of the character that we’ve ever gotten. Nick Fury is pretty solid, even if the ‘surprise’ twist in the final post-credits scene is nonsensical and stupid. All in all, the cast is as solid and lovable as ever.
One thing I do feel is worth pointing out is the comedy. ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming‘ was one of my favorite comedic superhero movies of all time. And ‘Far From Home‘ is certainly still very funny at times. But I do feel that the comedic writing is far weaker than its predecessor. It’s clear that they were more focused on genuine drama then they were on getting laughs. Sure, it is effective. But it isn’t quite as chuckle-inducing as ‘Homecoming’ was.
In terms of a Spider-Man plot, this movie is fantastic. I wouldn’t call it the best Spider-Man movie, seeing as Spider-Verse still exists. But this one is still very solid from start to end.
Presentation: Flat, But Spicy
Two of the biggest complaints leveled at ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming‘ was the lackluster cinematography and distracting CGI. The shots were effective, but they lacked creativity. The CGI models were less than great, especially in comparison to other Marvel movies. And for the most part, ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home‘ has the same problem.
There are sequences where the CG and camera work are both very creative, fun and solid. The Mysterio illusion sequences I mentioned earlier are easily the coolest and most fun parts of the movie. Plus, they use the CGI to give us some of the most exhilarating and creative Spider-Man action scenes in the character’s history. But most of the movie falls into the same ‘flat but effective’ trap that its predecessor did.
The same goes for the other aspects of the presentation. The music is solid but forgettable. The color pallet is flat and uncreative. It is an effective movie visually, but it isn’t going to win any Oscars.
Well… I say that… But ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ won Best Editing, so I guess anything is possible.
Performances: I didn’t know Jake Gyllenhaal could do anything that wasn’t a fucking weird indie movie!
Do I really need to say that everyone is perfect? Do I?
Tom Holland is still killing it as Peter Parker. Samuel L. Jackson is still a perfect Nick Fury. Jake Gyllenhaal is absolutely perfect for Mysterio. And all the returning characters from the previous movie are still killing it in their roles.
Everyone in this movie is absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t replace a single one of them with anyone else.
That’s all. Moving on.
Conclusion
I thought I was out. I thought that I’d watch this movie and I’d be done with Marvel movies. But now, after watching this movie, I’m hooked all over again. I’m done with book one. Now I need to get to book two!
If you’re a Spider-Man fan, then I’d highly recommend ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home‘. If you’re a Marvel fan, I’d recommend the same. If you don’t care for either, then this one will not change your mind. But for the people that want it? You’ll have a great time.
Unfortunately, thanks to this movie, I have Spider-Man crawling all over my brain again. So, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go watch every good Spider-Man movie and replay all the games. For the thousandth time.
I have a problem, please help me.
Jonah's Daily Rants 