Spider-Man: Far From Home. Funny how you can be a great character who’s a genius at paying attention to every detail, and still think a fishbowl is the best headpiece to use.

 

WARNING: Major, and I mean, tear inducing, heart wrenching, life altering SPOILERS AHEAD for Avengers: Endgame. So if you haven’t seen that movie yet and don’t want your MCU life ruined…leave.

 

Many people are saying this movie became the epilogue of the Infinity Saga because it wasn’t good enough to kick off the next one. I believe it’s the epilogue because it’s the perfect way to finish everything off. With all that happens in this movie, I think starting Phase 4 of the MCU with this movie would seem like the producers are clinging on to the Infinity Saga even after its completion. With all that said…

 

Spider-Man Far From Home once again follows Peter Parker taking a much needed vacation from superhero-ing and going to Europe with his science class. And if you’ve ever seen a superhero movie, you know that the suit doesn’t stay off for very long. Joined by a mysterious man and with the help of Nick Fury, Spider-Man must fight against the elements themselves in this exhilarating summer blockbuster.

 

Right off the bat, I have to say, from what I saw here, I think Jake Gyllenhaal would’ve been miscast as Peter Parker in the Sam Raimi movies. He completely sinks into the character of Mysterio with ease and seems to have enjoyed playing this role to the fullest. This may not be the most challenging role he’s played, but without the beautiful performance on display here, this movie would not have worked.

 

I also really enjoyed what they’re doing with the music in these movies. Mysterio’s theme could’ve been better, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless. They’re gradually evolving the Spider-Man theme as each movie progresses and it’s a great indicator as to how the character himself is changing. Michael Giacchino returned as composer and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything disappointing from him. Every-time I see his name somewhere the Incredibles theme, or the MCU Spider-Man theme starts playing in my head for hours.

 

As for the movie itself, I really liked it. The pacing was much better than the first one for sure. There were no sudden moments that felt like filler, there was always something happening to Spider-Man or Peter. I loved the direction they’re taking this character in as well. After the death of Tony Stark, he feels lost and once again, has to find his place in the world and choose what kind of life he wants to lead. Believe it or not, Tony Stark is also an impactful character in this movie. Even from the grave, Tony still takes Peter to school.

I don’t know if this is true for everyone but there is only one scene in each Spider-Man movie that makes me tear up. In this movie, it was an exchange between Peter and Happy. It felt extremely pure and real, almost as if the actors and not the characters were talking to each other.

They also built upon the Peter/ M. J. relationship a lot more. Their dynamic played out in a very real manner and it was really cute to see a high school romance being portrayed so cutely in a movie like this.

 

This movie also addressed the fact that even though only a few minutes had passed for those that dusted away at the end of Infinity War and returned at the end of Endgame, five years has passed for those who did not. And it made for some truly great comedic elements to support the drama and action.

 

And then there were the visuals. I’d sound like a broken radio if I said that an MCU movie has stunning visuals that bring to life some of the things we only dreamed of a few years ago. But there’s an action scene in this movie which left my jaw dropped for at least 5 minutes. I wouldn’t dare say it if it wasn’t true, but that scene could easily compete with the trippy ‘multiverse tour’ sequence in Doctor Strange.

 

My only complaint really is that the first half had too much of a vacation comedy feel to it. It was the second half of the movie that blew me away entirely and from that point on I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see where things go. I also wouldn’t mind maybe a couple more sequences with Mysterio instead of some scenes in the first half that didn’t do a lot for the movie besides comedic relief. I’d say I like this more than Spider-Man: Homecoming, but Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 still holds that number 1 spot in my heart.

 

Spider-Man: Far From Home gets an A-!