WARNING THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS MILD SPOILERS FOR AVENGERS: ENDGAME
Whether we like to admit it or not, we are only programmed to do some much before our emotions or our physical body wishes to collapse. We need rest. Sometimes we need a day or two to get away. Sometimes we need a vacation. For the past twenty years, that we’ve been going to the movies to see these larger than life superheroes fight the equally as large villains – we’ve never stopped to see them as people first. That’s really one thing I’ve really come to admire about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They are creating these larger than life characters but they are humanizing them in the same breath. Look no further than the first few minutes of Spider-Man Homecoming or even the depression era we’ve dubbed “Fat Thor” from Avengers: Endgame. If you’ve lived in the world of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame – wouldn’t you need a vacation after those events?
Picking up, 8 months after the events of Endgame, that’s exactly Peter Parker’s heart – simple vacation. A time to catch my breath and finally tell the girl of my dreams how I feel about her. Only for that desire to be crushed by Nick Fury. Thus, let the adventures of Spider-Man: Far From Home begin. For this adventure, Spider-Man must deal with the aftermath of Endgame and team up with a hero from another world, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, to stop the threat of the elementals. Gyllenhaal’s character does present an interesting twist for the film that makes the third act even more impressive. The chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Holland is incredible. They are the true strengths of the film. Gyllenhaal manages to successfully create a sympathetic character who grows in your heart with this charm and bravery.
Whether or not, you’ve all of the MCU movies or only a handful – chances are you probably know that Robert Downey Jr.s’ Tony Stark, or Iron Man, was a huge deal for this franchise. The universe started with him all the way back in 2008’s Iron Man. His heroic sacrifice at the Endgame was a huge deal for this franchise. In a lot of ways, Far From Home feels like a final farewell to the beloved character. Almost all the antagonistic ties are created because of the character. So much of Peter’s arc is directly tied to him. A good deal of the first act also focuses on him. Unfortunately, for a Spider-Man movie, this feels more like an Iron Man memorial. There is little to no character development for the Peter Parker character. The story goes in favor of the Iron Man vacuum instead. In some regards, Far From Home feels like the perfect companion piece to Endgame. Though, it feels less like a Spider-Man movie and more like a smaller tier Avengers film.
Stark aside, though, Home comes equipped with some serious humorous moments. Humor has always been a staple of Spider-Man within the source material courtesy of Marvel Comics. Home takes the character into some comical moments. Here’s looking to you bathroom picture scene and awkward M.J. moments. As much humor that exists within this film, the film is overflowing with surprising heart. Following the death of his mentor, Peter is struggling for identity to know who he as a hero minus his mentor. Some truly deeply emotional sequences boast an enormous depth for the latest cinematic outing from the web-slinger. When it’s coupled together with a story that grows beautifully, Home is a masterful cinematic outing. It’s fun, visually stunning and heartfelt.
Overall, Spider-Man: Far From Home, is the perfect companion piece for Avengers: Endgame. Beautifully showcasing how the universe adjusted to life after the events of the film – Home boasts a stellar narrative. Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal have the perfect chemistry as dueling heroes that make for a seriously effective third act and plot twist. The film is exploding at the reels with heart and humor. Though, Spider-Man character development is sidelined in favor of an Iron Man memorial. Still, Far From Home, is an extremely fun time at the movies thanks in part to its’ storytelling and visual aesthetic.
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