The first era of the MCU came crashing down around our ears with Avengers: Endgame (2019). It was an emotional affair. But Marvel wasn't quite ready to end what they called their "Infinity Saga" just yet.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) is supposed to be the final film in this series, before the MCU starts something new. It's a kind of period on the end of a sentence.
So how did it do?
I. What Is It?
This is the story of Peter Parker, and his high school class, living in the aftermath of The Blip (known to MCU fans as The Snap), where half the population of the earth disappeared, only to re-appear five years later. Peter and his class are going on a summer trip to Europe. He's ready to take a break. To stop being Spider-Man for just a little while. And then Nick Fury calls.II. A Palette Cleanser
The first Spider-Man movie (in this series, at least) struck the perfect balance between teen comedy and superhero melodrama. There were laughs, but there were also some really nice twists and emotional moments.
Far From Home plays the same game, and plays it well. And through its use of screwball comedy we get a bit of a palette cleanser from the rollercoaster of Endgame. Yes, Peter, and Happy, must deal with the loss of Tony Stark, but the film knows never to get mired in that loss.
This series of movies finally seems to get the balance right. Spider-Man has always been funny. It's needed to take the edge off of the tragedy in his stories. It's a delicate line to toe, but the cast and crew have managed it wonderfully for two movies running. There are jokes about The Blip, but also some deeply traumatic touches, too: Peter's teacher tells him about how his wife ran off on him, pretending to be Blipped; May talks about reappearing in her apartment 5 years later, thought to be a mistress or a ghost. These moments are all funny, but bear a gentle tragedy with them, too. But the movie also doesn't dwell: it gives us enough information to see how the rest of the normal world dealt with The Blip to satiate our curiosity, and then moves on to its own story.
What's more, this movie tees up the next era in the MCU perfectly with an ending that shuffles the status quo.
- It's a wonderful way to gently put a period at the end of the MCU. Its humor and fun will help you cope with the fallout of Endgame.Far From Home plays the same game, and plays it well. And through its use of screwball comedy we get a bit of a palette cleanser from the rollercoaster of Endgame. Yes, Peter, and Happy, must deal with the loss of Tony Stark, but the film knows never to get mired in that loss.
This series of movies finally seems to get the balance right. Spider-Man has always been funny. It's needed to take the edge off of the tragedy in his stories. It's a delicate line to toe, but the cast and crew have managed it wonderfully for two movies running. There are jokes about The Blip, but also some deeply traumatic touches, too: Peter's teacher tells him about how his wife ran off on him, pretending to be Blipped; May talks about reappearing in her apartment 5 years later, thought to be a mistress or a ghost. These moments are all funny, but bear a gentle tragedy with them, too. But the movie also doesn't dwell: it gives us enough information to see how the rest of the normal world dealt with The Blip to satiate our curiosity, and then moves on to its own story.
What's more, this movie tees up the next era in the MCU perfectly with an ending that shuffles the status quo.
III. A Fun Villain
I won't say much about the plot, because I don't want to spoil it for you.
I will say that Marvel is starting to solve their Boring Villain Problem. The villain in this film is a fun twist on MCU lore, and tests and challenges Peter to be a better hero. To accept the mantle that Tony left for him. This movie really allows Peter to step into his own as a hero.
While I am not sure this film's villain quite lives up to Michael Keaton's dastardly Vulture, Far From Home features a villain with an interesting story, a fun twist, and a killer performance from an actor clearly relishing their time on screen.
I will say that Marvel is starting to solve their Boring Villain Problem. The villain in this film is a fun twist on MCU lore, and tests and challenges Peter to be a better hero. To accept the mantle that Tony left for him. This movie really allows Peter to step into his own as a hero.
While I am not sure this film's villain quite lives up to Michael Keaton's dastardly Vulture, Far From Home features a villain with an interesting story, a fun twist, and a killer performance from an actor clearly relishing their time on screen.
IV. Great Action
The action in this movie is crisp, and clean, and fun. Spider-Man is finally flitting around the screen using his web shooters tactically, saving people and falling buildings in interesting ways. Director Jon Watts keeps the set pieces coming hot and heavy, like a European action movie travelogue.
Yes, there is a lot of CG, but I wasn't getting motion sick during the fights, which is a big deal. Watts delivers entertaining, bombastic comic-book-style action throughout.
Yes, there is a lot of CG, but I wasn't getting motion sick during the fights, which is a big deal. Watts delivers entertaining, bombastic comic-book-style action throughout.
Why You Should See It
- It's a big silly summer blockbuster: go have a blast.
- Tom Holland is still the best Spider-Man for my money.
Why You Shouldn't See It
In Conclusion
Miscellany
- Mysterio was supposed to be the villain of Sam Raimi's fourth Spider-Man film, and was set to be payed by Bruce Campbell.- This is the first MCU movie not to feature a cameo by Stan Lee.
- There are a million little Easter Eggs and spoiler-iffic bits and bobs in this movie. I won't list them here.
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