AT THE MOVIES

by Isy Jordan

Spider-Man: Far from Home
Director: Jon Watts
Starring: Tom Holland, Marisa Tomei, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Favreau, Zendaya, and more...

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.

Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers for Avengers: Endgame here. You've been warned.

Peter Parker (Holland) has returned to a "post-blip" world. It's a confusing time because half the population was eliminated by Thanos' snap at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. They were brought back but to a world where five years had passed without them.

Peter's also dealing with the loss of friend and mentor, Tony Stark.

Most of his close friends blipped too so they're all together in school and getting ready to go on a European vacation. As badly as he wanted to be an Avenger in the first movie, the phrase "be careful what you wish for" comes to mind. His European trip is hijacked by Nick Fury (Jackson) because of a new threat called The Elements has risen. One hero from another reality has shown up, Quentin Beck who comes to be known as Mysterio (Gyllenhaal) but Fury wants Spider-Man on this too.

But Mysterio and the world-threatening threat both seem sketchy. A critical mistake on Peter's part throws the entire world into turmoil and danger. He's also the only one can save it.

I'm a Marvel fan and I loved the first film in this series, Spider-Man: Homecoming. The story isn't an Oscar contender (it's the MCU we're talking about). The acting is really good and there's a nice balance of big effects and laughs to keep fans of all ages happy. It's a visual spectacle that doesn't dissapoint and fills the bill as a big summer movie.

What I appreciate most? Is that Peter Parker is as he was in the original comics -- a teen, first and foremost. The youthful energy Tom Holland applies here is perfect and for long-time fans, it's awesome.

What I didn't care for? The big "threat", once revealed, is silly and barely plausible. I can't elaborate on that without spoilers. Trust me, while Gyllenhaal's Mysterio was well-acted, he couldn't do anything about the concept. It makes me long for Thomas Haden Church's Sandman from the 2007 Spider-Man 3 film. Topher Grace's Venom? Not going that far.

The after credits scenes? You can tell someone thought it was a cool idea. Particularly the appearance of one particular actor. But the "what" here, while it's meant to be a minor cliff hanger for the next movie annoyed me.

At just over two hours, there's enough action to make it go by fast. The rating is PG-13 for some intense fighting scenes and minor scares. The kids and teens will enjoy this and if you're a fan of the franchise, you'll have your gripes but you will like it too. It's a must for MCU and Spider-Man fans.

Isy