Okay, we can all agree that the ending of Avengers: Infinity War emotionally wrecked us for almost a year. Yet, despite some cinematic "therapy" (and much-needed cheers) from subsequent Marvel films Ant-Man and the Wasp, Captain Marvel, and of course the record-breaking Avengers: Endgame, this writer couldn't help wondering, prior to Endgame's teaser trailer release, "Will Spider-Man's next MCU adventure (the globe-trotting sequel, Far From Home) take place before Infinity War or after Endgame?"
It's no secret by now that the resulted film, which finds Peter Parker (a terrific Tom Holland)'s overseas vacation with his classmates hijacked by supposedly-otherworldly forces, turned out to be the latter.
[WRITER'S NOTE: If you haven't seen Avengers: Endgame, this review contains minor SPOILERS from that film and this one. I highly recommend seeing that film before seeing Far From Home. In fact, just go and watch both films before reading this review.]
"You do not ghost Nick Fury!"
A full-circle epilogue of sorts to the first three phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (now officially known as the "Infinity Saga), Peter Parker and millions of others have reappeared from a "re-Snap" by the Avengers, as well as the impact of the loss of a mentor on Peter's part. Not to mention a five year gap where half the world's population has been absent and hasn't aged (while everyone else has), and are dealing with sudden, quick changes.
A European trip that starts out (at least for Peter) as a way to get away from recent events, turns into an international espionage adventure of current world events (hence the film's title), including the supposed opening of a "multiverse" and the arrival of Mysterio (who, in the comics, is one of Spider-Man's greatest adversaries, but is portrayed here as an alternate ally). Peter, for his part, doesn't want to carry the burden of the Avengers' legacy ("Who's the next Iron Man?") and wrestles between the world's needs and his own wants. He obviously wants to just be a "friendly neighborhood" hero, and have a normal teenage life on this trip, and doubts taking up hero responsibility because of the loss of a friend and mentor.
 |
| Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhall |
The first half of Far From Home (at least on first viewing) seems standard issue coming-of-age superhero story, and doesn't feel very cinematic. The second half, however, gets better, more exciting and unpredictable (like Mysterio himself), with unexpected twists and directions far more interesting than the trailers suggest. (The "Elemental" monsters, for one, initially resemble villains from Spidey's rouge's gallery, for those familiar with the comics.)
"These days, people will believe anything."
They definitely got Mysterio's look right (ditto Peter's black stealth suit and upgraded red-and-blue leotard), as well as the perfect actor to play him. Jake Gyllenhall, after all, is no stranger to complex characters, considering his impressive and versatile resume which includes roles from Nightcrawler, Southpaw, and of course Donnie Darko. The filmmakers definitely pull the wool over our eyes, as far as the story goes, what with surprising themes of false mentorship and deception.
And Marvel's underappreciated specialty (and emphasis) on character relationships between Peter and others that give the story solidity, whether it's with Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Nick Fury (the always commanding Samuel L. Jackson), his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon, hysterical) or his secret crush MJ (the multi-talented Zendaya). In fact, the chemistry among Holland, Zendaya, and Batalon, in terms of teenage romance, quirks, and comedy, is thoroughly genuine and believable, as are scenes between Holland and Gyllenhall.
 |
| Zendaya and Tom Holland |
"What are you going to do now?"
If Endgame was the end of one saga for Marvel, then Far From Home is the beginning of another one. And it's an entertaining roller coaster at that. As for what's next for the MCU? For one thing, hints of an aforementioned "multiverse" could be seen later in Phase Four with a Doctor Strange sequel, one of many MCU films and Disney+ series that Marvel head-honcho Kevin Feige announced at this year's San Diego Comic Con.
As Nick Fury says in Far From Home, "Be ready for anything."
No comments:
Post a Comment