Spider-Man: Far From Home | Dir: Jon Watts | M | ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
In Marvel’s first outing since the devastation of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home offers answers to many of Endgame’s unanswered questions. In this second instalment of the new Spider-Man franchise, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) struggles to keep up with his superhero commitments while on a school trip to Europe. Viewers will get to see a more vulnerable and mature Spider-Man, battling to hold himself together in this new post-Endgame world.
Spider-Man: Far From Home balances humour and drama perfectly and carries on the light-hearted teen-movie feel of Homecoming. The film is a love letter to Spider-Man fans, with references to the original Sam Raimi Trilogy and recent animated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The visual effects in this instalment are truly beautiful, with surrealist graphics that will have you questioning your reality alongside the characters. Even for those who are familiar with the comics and are likely to foresee certain plot twists, the film leaves audiences waiting just long enough for a twist to make you doubt yourself.
This second film in the Spider-Man franchise allows significant character development in Peter and his relationship with MJ (Zendaya). Expect a version of the character who is a vast departure from the damsel in distress that previous iterations have brought. However, this increased depth in main characters comes at the cost of a one-dimensional supporting cast, including new-comer and trans actor Zach Barack, who is only afforded a few lines.
Overall, Spider-Man: Far From Home is an excellent film that you’ll want to see more than once. Be warned: this film will shift the direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe forever. You’re guaranteed to leave the theatre with your jaw dropped. Make sure you stay for both end credit scenes, as these have major cliff-hangers and feature surprise cameos that are certain to set hardcore Spider-Man fans’ hearts on fire.
Spider-Man: Far From Home is in cinemas now.
Kai Schweizer
