Spider-Man: Far from Home Review.

Can he swing from a web? The answer may surprise you.

How do you follow the phenomenon that was Avengers: Endgame?  A task that is colossal for 2 reasons. For starters the film is spectacular. The culmination of everything that the MCU had been building to for over years was one of those movies where you know that it’s an instant classic. If not the best superhero film of all time it is certainly the best film the MCU has delivered to date. Even if you aren’t as crazy on Endgame as I am you can't avoid the cultural impact is has made. It's only been out for over two months and has been the most talked-about film of the decade by a landslide. It's whiskers away from being the highest-grossing film of all tie and even if it doesn't beat Avatar no one can take away what the film has achieved. To begin the new chapter of Marvel’s story so soon is a massive gamble. If there is anyone to trust in delivering the goods, it’s Marvel’s poster boy. Spider-Man is the people’s hero. He’s my favourite superhero and I was adamant heading into this that my boy would pull through. I’m happy to report that Spider-Man: Far from Home not only continues the MCU’s undisputed winning streak, but it cements Tom Holland as the greatest Peter Parker to ever grace the screens.  (NOTE: If you have not seen Endgame do not read this review or see the film. Shame on you if you haven't yet that being said.)

Spider-Man: Far from Home serves as an epilogue to the events of Endgame. Reeling from the loss of his mentor and father figure Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) Peter Parker is seeking a break from being Spider-Man. Peter sets off on a school vacation with his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon), his crush MJ (Zendaya) and a host of less important characters. What would have been a straight-up teenage comedy is spared when Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) recruits Peter to save the world from a new looming threat brought to the attention of the world by the otherworldly Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). That's all you need to know heading into the film. Avoid the trailers because they are spoiling way too much of the film. From a narrative perspective, the film is split tonally into two halves. One half of the film is a coming of age comedy. The coming of age elements of Homecoming were some of the best seen in a film in a long time. In Far from Home Peter is dreaming of having normality in his life for a few weeks. When it becomes apparent, he can't have this it's heart-breaking. Peter and MJ's relationship will never be able to be that of normal 16-year olds.  The film does an excellent job of delving into Peter's mindset. The psychology of a teenage boy will always be complex. When that boy is Spider-Man things become a million times more complex. When the film is focusing on Peter's turmoil it strives. Outside of Peter and MJ, the rest of the younger cast is wasted. Side characters who were previously emotional obstacles for Peter are turned into straight-up comic reliefs. While Ned and Peter's friendship in Homecoming was felt even when Ned wasn't on-screen; here Ned is given nothing to do outside of a new romance that's played for laughs.  Flash (Tony Revolori) who was a convincing bully before is now nerdier than Peter? The MCU is known for filling its films to the brim with humour, this time it felt out of place. When Far from Home pulls the focus away from the so-so humour and onto the traditional superhero elements it shines.

Die-hard Spidey comic fans are going to adore the superhero side of Far from Home. This is a film that feels that it's lifted straight from the pages of a comic book. The action capitalizes on the potential that having a character like Spider-Man brings.  From the wall climbing to the web-slinging every one of Peter's abilities elevates the film to new heights.  Director Jon Watts knows what the fans want because the action scenes are tremendous. Anyone worried that Mysterio wouldn't be able to transition onto the screen will be blown away. No spoilers of course, but the direction they take Mysterio in made me ecstatic. Mysterio has always been my favourite Spider-Man character. To see the path, he takes unfold on made me giddy with excitement. I was squirming in my seat like a child whenever Mysterio took flight. One sequence is hands down my favourite scene in any Spider-Man film ever. Considering the wonderful moments that have come prior this is a big statement. However, when it comes, I'm sure that you will agree with me. Hats off to Jon Watts because he's delivered a film that is everything a live-action needs to deliver. Even if you are unfamiliar with the comic, you'll adore these elements of the films.

Spider-Man actors have always had a hard time nailing their landing. Toby Maguire is a wonderful Spider-Man. However, his films are cheesy beyond belief and already outdated to the point where not even nostalgia can distract us. Garfield was charismatic but has way too cool to be Peter Parker and his films went from meh to atrocious very quickly. Tom Holland is our savour. Tom Holland is the Spider-Man we deserve. These films wouldn't work without Holland. As Peter Parker, he's the right amount of nerd. This Peter isn't defined by his intelligence either. Holland brings other traits to the character that the Maguire and Garfield failed to do. Holland's Parker is a well-rounded character whose personality is diverse. It's refreshing to have a superhero portrayal that feels fully human. Tony Stark was a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. Captain America (Chris Evans) was the level of wholesome we all strive to reach. Peter Parker is us. Not defined by his ego or abilities, Peter reacts to everything around him just as the audience would. Holland at only 23 is proving himself to be quite the actor. Holland portrayal of Peter's grief will make your eyes water.  Holland sells Peter's conflict of balancing a normal life and a superhero life perfectly. There are not many actors out there who can convince us that this is a tricky decision to make. Marvel needs to make sure they have Holland nailed down for as many films as they can. This Spider-Man has the potential to reach era-defining in the same vein as Hugh Jackman's Wolverine or Robert Downey Jr's Iron Man. Tom Holland is the Spider-Man we deserve.

Far from Home is filled with an insanely large supporting cast. Naturally, some are given the short end of the stick. Marisa Tomei's Aunt May still hasn't been given an arc besides people finding her attractive. Given how talented Tomei is, it's a shame that she hasn't been given any material to bite her teeth into yet.  Jon Favreau is given a surprising amount of screen time as the returning Happy Hogan. Happy has gone from a nothing character to a strong supporting one thanks to Favreau's charm. Favreau and Holland bounce off each other excellently whenever together. Samuel L. Jackson is back for his third appearance of Nick Fury this year. Unfortunately, this Fury appearance feels phoned in. Maybe it's because we got Jackson's best performance as Fury in Captain Marvel recently. The sooner we find out why Fury is so grumpy the better. Jake Gyllenhaal and Zendaya are the 2 supporting characters who nail their roles. Gyllenhaal is arguably the best actor working today. To see an actor of such a high calibre attempting a superhero movie is always a risk. Sometimes it feels as if their agent made them do it (Jessica Chastain in Dark Phoenix). Gyllenhaal dives into the film headfirst. Gyllenhaal is one of those actors who never half-ass a performance. As Mysterio, Gyllenhaal serves nicely as a big brother figure for Peter. Only Jake Gyllenhaal could make a fishbowl helmet seem cool. Zendaya is given more to do as MJ this time around. The young actress is wonderful as Peter's crush. This iteration of MJ is so weird that you would never question why she would go for a guy like Peter. Holland and Zendaya are adorable together and strike up the chemistry that the MCU is in dire need of. The next Spider-Man needs to give these two more time on-screen together because they are electric.

The behind the scenes team on Far from Home hit it out of the park. As mentioned earlier Jon Watt's direction is superb. Watt's could reach a similar status to The Russo Brothers if given enough time and creative freedom to explore his vision of Spider-Man. Screenwriters Chris McKenna and Eric Sommers script is not as tight as Homecoming. It's to be expected considering the number of locations, characters, and story beats they must juggle. Considering the places this film goes it's a miracle that it flows as well as it does. The weaker parts of the script don't have anything to do with the story. My biggest flaw with the film is some of the running jokes are done to death. The two teachers played by Martin Starr and J.B. Smoove are so oafish that it becomes unbelievable that these two men can function as human beings. Despite the mediocre humour the story is so good that you’ll leave the cinema delighted with what you witnessed. Cinematographer Mathew J. Lloyd gives fans images of Spider-Man that will stick with them forever. Michael Giacchino’s score serves as a reminder as to why he’s the best composer in the business. The people behind this movie should be very proud of themselves. Not only have they followed up Endgame in a satisfying manner, but they have proven that this version of Spiderman is the best one yet.

Spider-Man: Far from Home will give you grin ache. It’s pure superhero fun in the best way. A twisty European road trip coming of age film is possibly the weirdest MCU plot to date. Yet somehow it works. If this is the direction the MCU is going in a post-Iron Man world then I’m all for it. Individual storylines that bring the hero back to his roots will lead to amazing adventures. Tom Holland should play Spider-Man forever. The potential paths he could take over the coming years makes my mouth water with excitement. Far from Home is not a perfect movie, but it is a blast from start to finish. Spectacular, amazing or astonishing. Call this Spider-Man whatever you want. One thing we can all agree on is that Tom Holland is the ultimate Spider-Man.

Liam’s Summary of Spider-Man: Far from Home.

Best Moment: One scene freaked me out more than any horror this year.

Worst Moment: Any moment is a good moment after you witnessed emo Parker in Spider-Man 3.

Best Character: Mysterio is what I wanted to see on screen since I was a kid.

Worst Character: Honestly, I’d take Joe Manganiello’s weirdly old Flash over this one.

Watch This If You Liked.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: The greatest superhero film of all time.

Shazam: More teenage superhero fun for all the family.

Spider-Man: Homecoming: For the Vulture twist alone.

Overall Score: 4/5