"I'm just your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man."
‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ has the unfortunate job of being the first Marvel film to be released since ‘Avengers: Endgame’ hit cinemas back in April, becoming the second most successful film ever to be made. Thankfully, Spider-Man provides a strong opening to what is being dubbed ‘Phase 4’ of the MCU, with a spirited journey that swiftly takes the now huge scale of the MCU back down to a more subtle expedition this time around. We see Peter Parker, after the events of Endgame, desperate to take a break from his superhero antics and go on a summer vacation to Europe with his school friends. His only real plan for the summer is to confess his feelings to the girl he likes, MJ. This plan is quickly unhinged, however, when Nick Fury suddenly calls upon him to assist new hero Mysterio, portrayed by the enigmatic Jake Gyllenhaal, in saving the world.
It’s no doubt that the Spider-Man films are some of the strongest individual stories that the MCU has seen, (thanks both to plot and character arcs) and Far From Home is no exception. The film is consistent in accurately portraying Peter’s youthful innocence, yet still depicts the film in a way that appeals to all audiences and also allows more than enough space for the protagonist’s personal growth.
The fast-paced action sequences in this film are particularly astonishing; Spider-Man’s creativity in his battles, that at often times seem stacked against him, are wonderfully executed and also make the ventures a lot more intense.
Another aspect of Far From Home that felt really refreshing was that it really feels the after-effects of Avengers: Endgame. We immediately see Tony Stark’s death is being internationally grieved, but also felt particularly hard by our protagonist himself. What started with Peter Parker questioning and doubting himself as a hero eventually sees him come into his powers and realize his potential, something that isn’t all that common in a superhero film. To see such a rational and, frankly, human reaction to the massive events occurring in this high-stakes world, especially from one of the youngest MCU characters, is a welcome hallmark in this film.
It is also worth noting that as someone who isn’t usually a fan of the seemingly forced comic elements of the marvel films, it has to be said that the humour here feels particularly sharp. This simultaneously touching yet humorous movie is a welcome addition to the MCU’s bank of box-office hits.