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

Synopsis:

High-schooler Peter Parker (Tom Holland) continues his duties as NYC’s hero, Spider-Man. After world-altering events, he takes a vacation abroad. With it comes the weight of expectations left by his former superhero mentor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).

Review:

Context and general thoughts:

Once again, audiences are reintroduced to the world of their friendly neighbourhood hero.

In many ways, Far From Home doesn’t deviate much from Homecoming’s formula. As a whole, this film has a light-hearted tone displayed throughout.

Visuals, CGI, and action:

An element where this movie does differ, though, is its visuals. While they’re not a drastic improvement, they do offer more room for creativity.

This is thanks to the new cast member, Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio.

Mysterio is the master of illusion, both in the comics and movie universe. This movie's visual effects help to display these scenes well.

Aside from these sequences, visuals and action are of a standard MCU film. In summary, they leave a minimal impact.

Score/soundtrack:

Still, Michael Giacchino’s light-hearted score may help make the action seem fast paced.

This is despite it feeling too familiar to his previous score for Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).

Story and characters:

There are also elements during this film’s plot that have awkward pacing and childish humour.

Although jokes can produce worthwhile laughs, here they function as a substitute for a lack of story.

In this film, it's clear that Tom Holland has stepped into his Spider-Man role with ease.

Jacob Batalon also returns as Peter’s best friend, Ned. Each of the actors is natural in playing off the other.

Zendaya as MJ also returns in Far From Home. For context, she's somehow developed a romantic connection with Peter.

Also, if MJ and Peter had more interactions in Homecoming, this relationship wouldn’t have felt as contrived.

Despite this, Zendaya and Tom have decent enough chemistry on-screen together.

Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May and Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan also return yet get relegated to comedic side roles.

As a whole, their performances are good. Despite above-average performances, these characters feel redundant.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Spider-Man: Far From Home can be an entertaining sequel. This is when it focuses on characters such as Mysterio.

Action scenes involving Mysterio have some creative visuals, which are otherwise generic.

Humour can often be degrading and tiresome, with little room for laughs.

Otherwise, the film is a decent recommendation for MCU and Marvel fans.

Sam’s Action Reaction score:

Characters - 6/10

Story - 6/10

Action - 6.5/10

Visuals and CGI - 7/10

Soundtrack - 6.5/10

Overall score: 6.4 out of 10