4.5 out of 5 stars
For those who survived Avengers:Endgame and are looking for the next instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man: Far From Home gives audiences a light and entertaining option. Coming into the of this longstanding superhero narrative approximately 6 months after the cataclysmic events of the post-Thanos era, this review will contain spoilers from Endgame, but not of Spidey’s European holiday. Stop reading if you are one of the few people who have not experienced the Endgame experience.
Peter Parker (Tom Holland) has been displaced for the last 5 years along with half the world’s population as a result of infamous ‘snap’ seen at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. Now with the Avengers work through time and the adverse effects of Thanos’ plans being reversed, the ripple effects of the death of Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) have hit the youngest Avenger hard. Peter is trying to come to terms with the passing of his mentor and is looking forward to a school science excursion to Europe as a holiday and a break from having to do any superhero work.
Besides the educational challenge and the emotional break, Peter attempts to find a romantic moment with MJ (Zendaya) during the trip and hopes that she feels the same way about him. All of these elements are put on hold when it is revealed that elemental creatures who represent different aspects of the elements (earth, wind fire and water) threaten the world and attack Europe. During the attack, a mysterious superhero labelled Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) comes to the aid of humanity and eventually shares that he is from an alternate multiverse. In amongst the action, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) appears to ask for Peter’s help in dealing with the creatures and challenges Spider-man to join the fight. The high schooler must figure out how to juggle the task of protecting everyone in the city, including his classmates while maintaining his secret identity.
Even though most would say that Avengers: Endgame was the culmination of phase three of the MCU, this film proves to fulfil this role. Far From Home not only provides a conclusion to this part of the superhero-narrative and a worthy follow-up to Spider-man: Homecoming. Similar to most of the previous Marvel films, it has action, romance, intrigue, humour that takes the famed web slinger’s too new heights and maintains his legacy with an outstanding story, special effects and casting.
On par with most of the MCU films and deserving of a solid rating and after the final post-credits scene, it became even more exciting to experience. (Unlike Endgame, there are two post-credit scenes) Even for those who might be feeling a fit of superhero fatigue, this film is an excellent choice from the beginning to end. Spider-Man: Far From Home will be satisfying for fans and may open the door to anyone who may not have been along for the ride over the 23 films of this cinematic universe.
REEL DIALOGUE: What are some of the bigger questions to consider from this film?
Spider-Man is seen as the hero for the ordinary person, proven by his moniker of ‘Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man.’ However, this film allows audiences to look behind the mask and see that Peter has doubts about whether he can live up to these expectations. With Tony Stark’s passing, he is given access to a powerful weapons system and questions whether he can live up to the legacy left behind by Iron Man. Ultimately he makes some unwise choices such that an even more significant threat emerges than that posed by the elemental creatures.
One thing that can historians have proven about leaders throughout history is that opposition is part of the process. Most of the celebrated leaders throughout history may not be perfect, but despite their flaws, they can rise above themselves to impact history. In our current portion of history, there seem to be few leaders to celebrate, which forces people to look to the past for examples. A great example of an unassuming leader who rose the challenges set before him is a servant of a king who became the saviour of a nation. The story of courage, considerable opposition and the right man at the right time in history. Nehemiah's is a fascinating study of leadership and exceptional focus on achieving the goals set before him that rivals and possibilities exceed that of Tony Stark.
