‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ Review

“You sent Nick Fury to voice mail?!” says a surprised Happy (Jon Favreau). “I gotta go,” replies Peter Parker (Tom Holland), attempting to cut short the conversation. “You do NOT ghost Nick Fury,” warns Happy as Peter leaves for a European vacation in the 2019 superhero film, Spider-Man: Far From Home.

It’s been a few months since the epic battle against Thanos and Peter, along with the rest of the world, is still grieving those lost in the fight. Peter’s ready for a summer vacation in Europe with his best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon). He’s also happy to be taking off and spending some relaxing time with MJ (Zendaya) who he’s developed feelings for and who he thinks/hopes likes him for more than just a friend. A bit nervous, Peter confides in Ned he plans on telling MJ how he feels about her on the trip.

However, Peter’s vacation plans get hijacked by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Fury catches up with Peter in Venice – after being ghosted several times – and recruits him to help uncover the mystery of elemental creature attacks that have created massive damage and chaos on several continents.

Full of cute humor, a little too much teen-angst, and an impressive CGI action finale, Spider-Man: Far From Home is an entertaining enough sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming. It’s a solid summer superhero film, yet it lacks emotional depth and a memorable villain.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker and his web-slinging alter ego who really wants to take a break from crime fighting to enjoy his summer vacation and to hopefully get together with MJ. Holland brings to life the awkward, geeky, good-natured persona that is Peter Parker so naturally, he seems made for the role. He’s equally impressive as Parker’s alter-ego, the smart aleck, determined, and strong superhero – Spiderman. He’s made these roles his own and has become, for many, the best film version of the iconic comic book character.

Zendaya does a great job portraying MJ, a sardonic, smart, and a bit obsessed with macabre historical events teenager who’s falling for Peter and isn’t sure how to show him. Holland and Zendaya have terrific chemistry, and the scenes of their characters displaying their mutual teen crush and not knowing how to move forward ring true.

Spider-Man: Far From Home
Michelle (Zendaya) catches a ride from Spider-Man (Tom Holland) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (Photo © 2019 CTMG, Inc.)

Jacob Batalon is hilarious as Ned, Peter’s best friend who has his own girl interests to deal with. Batalon’s a scene stealing sidekick this time out. Ned has most of the film’s funniest lines and Batalon displays a great comedic touch.

Jake Gyllenhaal is solid as Quentin Beck, a man who both Fury and Parker look to for answers about what’s causing the elemental creature attacks and how to stop them. Gyllenhaal’s performance as the possible new superhero partially fills the obvious void in the film.

Although the movie has less stirring action scenes than the first Holland Spider-Man film – focusing a lot of time on teen romance – the big CGI action battle near the end pays off huge and is both impressive and exciting.

Overall, this post-Avengers: Endgame Marvel release is a breezy fun adventure considerably lighter than Avengers that shifts the emphasis to being funny rather than thrilling. It’s what superhero fans need after the emotional roller coaster of Endgame.

GRADE: B

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments

Running Time: 130 minutes

Release Date: July 2, 2019

Directed By: Jon Watts