Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019): ‘And Peter Parker Steals the Show’ – A Film Review

Introduction

Spider-Man is one of the biggest super heroes in existence. He does, however, have a troubled existence in his film iterations. This has led to several attempts and universes, but his most recent Marvel iteration seems to have won the battle. Furthermore, Spider-Man: Far From Home is the first Marvel film after Avengers: Endgame, the conclusion of the Infinity Saga and Marvel’s phase three. If Marvel wishes to continue then Spider-Man Far From Home has a lot to establish. But with the interconnected and massively successful Marvel Cinematic Universe of 22 films and counting, many audiences can be confident in their ability to continue Spider-Man.

The Peter Parker

What Spider-Man Far From Home manages to master, straight from the get go, is its quick world building and at setting a tone. A lot has happened in the MCU within Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Not only does Spider-Man Far From Home catch us up, but it manages to establish, with humour, the world in which Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is still trying to figure himself out in. He also has his incredibly boyish crush on MJ (Zen daya). This is a perfect and classic part of the Spider-Man character. The humorously awkward-but-charming world of Peter Parker is a large part of what carries the film. This doesn’t always work as Spider-Man Far From Home sometimes sacrifices logic to get these jokes in – forcing it at times. However, this never manages to impede pacing or character and the cast are talented enough to pull it off.

The World Right Now

The challenges that Peter Parker faces as a protagonist include managing a perfect dualism of super hero and his own sense of self. As Spider-Man he faces living up to expectations of being a hero, especially in light of the wider universe. Whilst, as Peter Parker, he struggles managing responsibilities versus his personal desires. It’s relatable and pushes the narrative very effectively. Playing secondary to this would be the character, Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal). Mysterio is interesting enough to provide intrigue, challenges and tonnes of CGI. This helps the film to be memorable but doesn’t quite provide enough strength as a key character. SPOILERS. But Spider-Man Far From Home was never about the villain or the wider challenges but the internal struggle of Peter Parker as Spider-Man. END OF SPOILERS.

Conclusion

Spider-Man continues his story here and manages to show a strength, even if it is an apprehension, for future films in the MCU. This strangely mirrors audience expectations. Spider-Man Far From Home is looking to continue a cinematic universe that already had a rather conclusive end. Dropping main plot threads and characters and the MCU is looking to start fresh. Spider-Man is nervous about taking this up and audiences are, perhaps, nervous about what is to come next. Despite its shortcomings, which are fortunately with secondary interests and little moments in the middle, Spider-Man Far From Home is an entertaining and powerful watch.

Synopsis

After the Avengers manage to bring back half of humanity, the world has to readjust. Since Iron Man passed away Peter Parker is faced with stepping up as Spider-Man, whilst he also considers what he really wants out of life. Meanwhile a new super hero, Mysterio, brings knowledge of the elementals, who are intent on destroying the world.

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A Note on My Reviews

Please read ‘On Reviews‘ for a guide to how I write film reviews. Any spoilers are appropriately marked and, though I personally prefer to know little about a film before seeing it, there is a synopsis below the review for any who wish to see one.