Originally published on CultureVulture.net
Welcome back to the MCU. Just as a reminder we’re living in a post Captain America and Tony Stark world. And while much of the world is ready to move on (despite some awkward situations that arose), Spider-Man: Far From Home opens and Peter Parker isn’t quite ready to move on. In the meantime, he’s getting ready to go to Europe with his classmates (his crush MJ among them). Obviously, the trip turns south when Venice is attacked by a cyclone with a face.
Luckily, Mysterio is there to help fight it back alongside Spider-Man. I hesitate to say anything more about where the film goes or about Mysterio to leave everything a surprise.
The lightness of Spider-Man: Far From Home is a wonderful change of pace from the emotional weight and toll of Avengers: Endgame. The jokes come fast and often. They balance out the emotional journey Spider-Man faces.
Tom Holland has cemented himself as the best iteration of Spider-Man. His presence and charm embody the character so well. His performance feels so authentic to that of his character – he almost disappears into it.
Everyone is looking to Spider-Man to be the hero to take the world forward, but he’s still just a 16 year old kid. It’s a seemingly impossible task to live up to the legacy of Tony Stark. The film explores his acceptance of this responsibility and gives Spider-Man the chance to find his confidence in himself. As Spider-Man is put in the position to lead the Avengers and the MCU forward, Holland appears fully ready to take that role on himself.
It’s not just Holland though. His chemistry with MJ (Zendaya) is awkward and weird and great. She continues to evolve MJ as we’ve met her – a fun twist on the expected classic girl-next-door story.
Gyllenhaal owns Mysterio in a way that feels like only he can. He shows such range and complexity in a character who’s as mysterious as his name. Parts of his performance are even reminiscent of his role in Nightcrawler. Mysterio does have some moments that don’t completely land through no fault of the performance – some of the character’s backstory and motivations just don’t feel completely fresh.
The action is fantastic. Battles are big and beautiful – they do have some of the world’s most beautiful settings after all. The CGI is fantastic when it needs to be in big scenes and key moments. Some of the smaller CGI moments don’t look quite as good, but they’re easily overlooked for a story that moves briskly and keeps you invested throughout.
Spider-Man: Far From Home isn’t the most original, emotional or even noteworthy MCU film. It is a welcome follow up to Endgame and introduction to the next stage of the universe. The cast carries a fun and engaging story. But above all, Far From Home shows both Holland and Parker are ready to accept the destiny that lies ahead of them and the responsibilities that come along with it.