Kim's Movie Korner

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home 

So far, the 2019 crop of movies has been very hit and miss. And the summer box office has sadly been continuing the trend.  I can’t say that I’m desperate, yet, but I certainly need one in the win column.  Spider-Man: Far From Home, In what concludes Marvel’s phase III, seemed like a good bet to turn things around.  While Peter Parker tries to cope in world that has been changed forever post snap or “blip”, I tagged along for the ride.

Going in, I admittedly was worried about Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio.  Something about the character in the trailers was off putting and cheesy, so it took me by surprise that within the first couple of minutes it was actually the soundtrack that had me rolling my eyes and groaning out loud.  No worries peeps, that was a pure kneejerk reaction from me for being exposed to Whitney Houston crooning I Will Always Love You.  I can’t begin to express how much I loathe that song.  Anywho, moving on, it didn’t last long, and I was able to settle in, get into the film, and enjoy myself.  No small feat given that I was feeling sick to the stomach and fighting the urge to spew the entire time.  Insert gripe here: Quick note on etiquette and/or common courtesy, when attending a public event like a movie where you will be in close proximity to others for extended periods of time: basic hygiene is greatly appreciated be it severe b.o.  and/or reeking of pot. I’m just saying.

After End Game there was real risk of the next Marvel film being a bit of a letdown, so while I expected good, I wasn’t necessarily expecting great.  Good thing too, because Far From Home is spectacular.  Marvel in general and Tom Holland in particular hit every chord perfectly in this film.  Having been through the $@#! And then some, the shine of being a superhero has faded, the longing to be a “normal” kid resonates, and the reality of responsibility and choices hits hard.

 

As far as Jake Gyllenhaal’s role, whew!  I’m beyond relieved that Mysterio is masterfully done/played as a fully three dimensional, complex, and more nuanced character than he came across in the trailers.  No spoilers, but damn!  While I did figure out what’s what prior to the “big reveal” it in no way detracted from the story or my enjoyment.

As for the usual suspects: Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Marisa Tomei, Jacob Batalon and Jon Favreau, etc. a pure delight having them reprise their roles.

 

Emotionally engaging, thrilling, action packed, humorous, thought provoking, killer CGI, great script, amazing cinematography, and entertaining from start to finish Spider-Man: Far From Home checks all the boxes and is the prefect shot in the arm to cure what ails the summer box office.  The interweaving of previous films/bits and characters is handled beautifully and seamlessly.

I could go on and on about what a great film Spider-Man: Far From Home is, but you’d be better off and happier for hauling yourself off to the movie theater and checking it out for yourself.  A must see in the theater film (the final battle alone is worth the price of admission, flaming Spidey anyone?) that’s not to be missed on the big screen.  A perfect ending for phase III and ooh the possibilities for phase IV.  Speaking of possibilities, once again, I must reiterate, don’t bolt when the credits roll.  You need to stay all the way through for there’s a mid-credit scene and an end credit scene to get the old juices flowing.

It's a 9.5 from me!