Spider-Man: Far From Home Review

Spider-Man: Far From Home
Director: Jon Watts
Cast Headliners: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Jacob Batalon, Zendaya, etc
Original Release Date: July 2nd, 2019

  Believe it or not the Marvel Cinematic Universe's “Phase Three” / it's overall “The Infinity Saga” isn't done yet. One more round-up epilogue and Spidey adventure is already here in Spider-Man: Far From Home. This time not only is Peter's New York City world seen but literally the rest of his supporting crew and the world reaction to both the events of earlier this year's Avengers: Endgame as well as a new threat as they have a Europe class trip. It's a wild silly ride along the way even if its typical.
Watch out for some emotional feels to occasionally pop-up as the world mourns the loss of Iron Man, apparent Captain America, and more along with the disappearance off-world or elsewhere of Thor and other Avengers. Some people have also, mostly comedically, been returned from the “Snap/the Blip” including the tall handsome rival to Peter in Brad(Remy Hill). This really leaves Peter Parker/Spider-Man(Tom Holland) as the only superhero left as a truly fresh era begins in a reality that's desolate in that regard but filled with life and happiness again. However being a hero is even more the least of his concerns now as he wishes for a temporary retirement or in this case a literal vacation. Like any good high school experience, teen movie, or the early 2000s movie Eurotrip it's an adventure of wacky cities and characters aside its treacherous villain drama. 
He's joined on this trip by his usual supporting cast. This includes once again brief sassy appearances by the now-knowing-his-identity Aunt May(Marisa Tomei), the former Tony Stark's assistant Happy Hogan(Jon Favreau in much more of a funnily adventurous role than usual), and the paranoid teachers Mr.Harrington(Martin Starr) and Mr.Dell(J.B. Smoove who is slightly underused but has some great strides). Of course much of the charming heart comes once again in the likes of classmates like Peter's best friend Ned(Jacob Batalan) particularly with his new crush Betty(Angourie Rice) or perhaps in the perhaps exaggeratedly annoying jerk Flash(Tony Revolori). These all have their moments in a very funny script although it tends towards slapstick than brilliance  but it will certainly put a smile on ones face as , like many things, everything's tamped up a little more in this sequel. 
An important distinction comes from some who change up the dynamic. In lieu of his former love ( much like the likes of Liv Tyler, Natalie Portman, and Rachel McAdams never forget) Peter's main attempted romance is now the classic MJ(Zendaya). Zendaya continues her different sort of approach to the character with her edgy 1990's Daria hipster attitude to things but it's nice to see her get  a solidly more involved role this time. She has some fun stuff with Holland's Peter and Batalon's Ned truly joining the action at times. 
What may ultimately be a bit of a controversy to hardcore fans is its attachment to the larger MCU as mentioned. There's not quite an equivalent to Tony Stark's involvement last time but actually it's almost as if he was never gone due to how much his influence is felt. Perhaps the MCU will always feel his shadow although maybe that makes sense. Holland , when he isn't quipping or throwing punches or webshots, has some decent emotional depth when it comes to the past. The presence of “legacy” is here more than ever. His interruptions by this-time main Marvel guest stars of SHIELD agents Nick Fury(Samuel L Jackson) and Maria Hill(Cobie Smulders) are brief with just a few chuckles amid-st the exposition but help make things just that much more epic. 
The most major supporting character of all (not counting the monstrous Elemental fire/water/earth/air creatures that have mysteriously appeared for which Peter is recruited by SHIELD to fight) is in Quentin Beck/Mysterio(Jake Gyllenhaal). He's quite an interesting character from the moment he's on-screen. A man claiming to be from another multiverse dimensions world who packs some very Doctor Strange style magic blasts as well as an apparently advanced usage of technology in his suit and knowledge. This new hero on the block helps Spider-Man in battle and even as a bit of a mentor. Gyllenhaal has quite a range from being such a nice friendly guy with some of his own wisecracks to having his own dark past and paranoia. It's a story that has to be firsthand for how they stop the Elementals but it's an intriguing one. One wishes for just a bit more “oomph” from Gyllenhaal's performance no matter the aspect but the great news is that his powers are so incredibly comic accurate in portrayal. 
On visuals director Jon Watts has slightly upped his game from last time. The various Spider—Man suits (including a cool new black stealth one) look great. The Elemental creatures have some cool designs although the CGI overload can (perhaps purposefully as one thinks of their “other' nature) seem a bit rough but it's rarely if ever. Exciting (even more) action is aided by a fun score by Michael Giacchino filled with some fun foreign rock. This “foreign” international aspect helps it stand apart for a Spider-Man film (although the rest of the MCU is no stranger to globe trotting) since there's some gorgeous scenery outside of New York whether its in the watery Venice streets of Italy, the Czech Republic during a  Prague carnival,  London, Austria, or the Netherlands.  The absolute spectacle of highlights come from Mysterio's wizard-like powers and most of all his “illusion” abilities but that's all that will be said on that.
It's not a movie that will re-define superheroes or the MCU but it acts as a nice little summer Spider-Man adventure. There's a mix of laughs, action, and emotion that one comes to expect from this franchise and it delivers again with a few more twists if less traditional between the very traditional. One hopes for this larger stakes aspect to be handled well ahead especially after that credits scene. Come for a easy breezy time as ever. 8 out of 10