MOVIE REVIEW: Spider-Man: Far From Home
Updated: Apr 1, 2020
If I could summarize Spider-Man: Far From Home, I would borrow the catchphrase from CBS's Big Brother and say - expect the unexpected.
Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios brings us another great Spider-Man film. It's hard to believe that this is the fifth film for Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He seems so seemlessly woven into the fabric that you don't question his authenticity.
In the film, a mysterious hero named Quentin Beck (aka Mysterio and played by Jake Gyllenhaal) who says he comes from an alternate universe. Nick Fury (Samuel L.Jackson) recruits Spider-Man (Tom Holland) to help Mysterio take down elemental monsters from his earth before they destroy ours. How does Spider-Man do this while still being able to enjoy his school trip and also keep his friends safe?
One of the things the first movie did so well was that it brought us an elevated John Hughes film with all the baggage of being a teenager. All the ins-and-outs and ups-and-downs. Spider-Man: Far From Home continues this theming, this time placing the kids on a tour of Europe.We see budding romances and rivalry typical of a John Hughes film. It adds humor and light to a movie that will leave you at the edge of your seat. M.J. (Zendaya), Ned (Jacob Batalon), Flash (Tony Revolori) and Betty (Angourie Rice) make a great assemblage of friends for Peter Parker.
This may be a spoiler to some people who don't read the comics (like my mom who had no idea). If you fall in that category and don't want spoilers, don't read any further until you've seen the film.
Okay...
I thought Mysterio was a great villain. I didn't quite know how they were going to turn him from a hero to a villain, but they did a good job in doing so. He is different from the complex villain of the Vulture (Michael Keaton) in the first film. BUT, I did think they made him a complete threat to Spider-Man. Gyllehaal did a great job at being able to go from trusting friend to psychopath. I felt tense the entire film.
There is an amazing scene in which Mysterio displays the depths of his illusions, trapping Spider-Man into a veritable fun house of danger. It felt like you were in a comic book. Very Steve Ditko feeling. It was wild!
And, like I said, expect the unexpected. Just when you think it's over, it isn't.
There are also lots of great emotional moments when Peter comes to grips with following in Tony Stark's footsteps.
Overall, Spider-Man: Far From Home is a fun film. I know I will be watching it again.
Be sure to stay through the credits. There are some great cameos here. Again, expect the unexpected.