Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Spider-Man Far From Home (FFH) is a light summer snack. It's funny, has great supporting characters and a terrific soundtrack, and the CGI is phenomenal. However, IMO the hero and the villain are weak. Overall, Spidey's latest adventure is sure to satisfy his fans, and, as is obligatory for an MCU movie, increases anticipation for the next one.

FFH shows viewers the fallout from Thanos' actions in the last two Avengers movies, and follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) on his class science trip to Europe. Trouble also shadows the young superhero, in the form of elemental monsters. Fortunately, another superpowered person shows up to fight the villains: the dome-headed Mysterio, played by an excellent Jake Gyllenhaal.

"But Fragrant Elephant," you protest, "you said the hero and the villain are weak! Y u praise Donnie Darko?"

Because, my love, Jake is great but Mysterio is lame. He's so obviously the bad guy, as any comics fan will know. While the reveal of how he does what he does is impressive, his motivation is small-time. Which, I suppose, is in keeping with Peter's own modest ambitions to enjoy his trip and get with MJ (Zendaya).

Speaking of, she and Ned (Jacob Batalon) are highlights in this film. They're both adorable, as is newcomer Brad (Remy Hii), whose backstory is the best. As for the adults, Happy (Jon Favreau) has his sights set on Hot Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), and teachers Mr. Harrington (Martin Starr) and Mr. Dell (JB Smoove) are utterly hopeless. Alas, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) is mostly relegated to comic relief, although that's likely because, in fact, [REDACTED].

My biggest complaint with the movie is how much of a wet blanket Peter is in Spider-Man Far From Home. He's so reluctant to step up after his mentor's death that he makes a series of poor decisions. It's difficult to reconcile whiny Peter with the solid, reliable Spider-Man from Avengers Civil War, Spider-Man Homecoming, and Avengers Infinity War. The contrast between Peter's wish for a normal life and his responsibilities as Spider-Man makes for a key theme in this movie, but it's a jarring contrast from his characterization thus far, which painted him as a kid who will always do the right thing, no matter the cost to himself.

Anyway! My bellyaching aside, FFH offers plenty to enjoy for casual Spidey fans and stans alike, so by all means, give Marvel more of your money, and chuckle at the teenage shenanigans!

TL;DR: MJ rules!!!

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This post brought to you by mysterious tea! Ah, if only my kanji skills were higher than toddler level!