Swing Into Spider-Man: Far From Home – Your Friendly Neighborhood Summer Film
June 27, 2019 |
By Dani Dudek

Tom Holland is the perfect friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. But he’s also a super-hero and a superstar.

Holland has officially solidified his role as a leading man with Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Spider-Man: Photo by Eric Charbonneau/for Sony Pictures/Shutterstock

As illustrated by the trailer, Tony Stark’s presence is felt in this film. And the Avengers are, of course, referenced. But in no way does it overshadow Peter Parker’s emerging role as a giant in the MCU.

As one headline I saw online said, “Spider-Man: Far From Home is a spectacular leap forward for Peter Parker.”

But he’s not the only thing that shines in this final film in the third phase of Kevin Feige’s MCU.

Zendaya Spider-Man

Zendaya at the world premiere of Spider-Man: Far From Home.

From newcomers, to those we really only got a glimpse of in Homecoming, to the recurring roles of Sam Jackson’s Nick Fury, Cobie Smulder’s Agent Hill and Jon Favreau’s Happy, every character fits.

And Jake Gyllenhaal is likeable, even when he’s not supposed to be.

Now here’s some non-spoiler highlights and musings…

  • Yes, they do explain the timeline right at the top. Since that’s cleared up immediately, your nerd gauge is clear to focus on this film and not be concerned with Endgame, etc.
  • It does seem that all of Peter’s friend blipped because not one of them aged five years.
  • Aunt May must have blipped in the 70s because her chosen fashion style has gotten even more hippy dippy. And her hair is all kinds of Sonny era Cher-esque.
  • Jake Gyllenhaal is HUGE! At least that’s how they make him look in the film. I found myself wondering if he’s really that much larger than Tom Holland or if it was an illusion created to remind us how young Spider-Man is. After seeing this picture from the LA premiere, I think it may be a little bit of both.

Spider-Man: Photo by Eric Charbonneau/for Sony Pictures/Shutterstock

  • The Daily Bugle has been updated for the 21st century. Keep your eyes peeled for that scene. It’s sure to make you smile.
  • There are two post credit scenes, one midway and one at the very end. Both are worth the wait!
  • Drones are creepy. Enough said.

What I loved most about this film is that it stays true to the classic Spider-Man from the comics. The jokes are silly but not corny, the references are modern yet classic, the music is fun and lighthearted while still being dramatic and action-packed and Peter is an Avenger but still true to his friendly neighborhood Spider-Man persona. And while the comic book come to life stunt and fight scenes are far-fetched and unbelievable, they aren’t so over-the-top that you find yourself scoffing. Well, except for maybe one.

Oh, and if you aren’t a fan of the other Marvel franchises, you can still enjoy this film, even if you didn’t see Homecoming. You may miss a few insider jokes and references but you’ll be fine. And there’s sure to be a super geek fan, somewhere nearby who’ll be more than happy to fill you in.

Spider-Man: Far From Home opens in theaters July 2.

I’d love to hear what you think of the flick. Be sure to tweet me or DM on Facebook and/or Instagram.

All photos by Eric Charbonneau/for Sony Pictures/Shutterstock.