Spider-Man: Far From Home

Far From Home is not as compelling as Homecoming, but it's certainly no harm to have this instalment in the live action Spider-Man motion picture compendium.

On a writing standpoint, it's easy to place ourselves in the shoes of Peter Parker (Tom Holland). Having lost his mentor after returning from the Blip, this teenager just wants a break. A break from crimefighting and a chance to spend time with his friends, especially MJ (Zendaya). Just when he wants to free himself away, big problems come knocking at his door. You could feel the burden of responsibility mounting on his shoulders as he constantly tries to evade it. Throughout the film, we see conflicts rebutting Peter's plans, resulting in him always torn. We see the big question being posed from the opening: "Who's the next Iron Man / leader of the Avengers?". And Far From Home intends to transform Spider-Man into just that.

But, as far as the plot goes, Mysterio's (Jake Gyllenhaal) elaborate scheme to steal EDITH from Peter Parker seems far-fetched and too specific. There are loads of uncontrollable variables for this to work and meet Quentin Beck’s goal, particularly Peter's emotional state, life situations and point-to-point decision-making until he surrenders the glasses to said antagonist. We could technically classify this under 'grooming' and confirm its success if we as the audiences felt as convinced as the protagonist about Quentin being the next Iron Man. But, judging from the writing, it definitely lacks depth and development thus appearing too convenient. Also, to be fair, many Spidey's hardcore fans from the original comics including yours truly already know who Quentin Beck is, so no matter how the grooming is done, it's for sure going to be ineffective!

Speaking of things being too specific, while the first Mysterio illusion for Peter Parker featuring multiple Spider-Man, Tony Stark from grave and Peter stuck in a snow globe which happens to be the supervillain's helmet before the train accident is visually impressive (without a doubt the best sequence in the whole show), we can't help but question the plausibility. We all see how Quentin has a team behind him to program, construct, strategize and execute an illusion sequence. These meticulously grafted holographic projections cannot take place as per blueprint since there will always be external factors that are not part of the equation interrupting its flow, such as Peter's moment-to-moment reaction to the entire proceeding he's in. It's understandable that they've made this a teamwork to boost the believability, but it only raises more questions than answers. This concept would have worked way better had it hinged on mind-control - whatever Quentin envisions, the hologram drones project! By doing it this way, the illusion sequences could function impromptu with maximum flexibility, instant adaptability and endless possibility, not to mention it would also provide Mysterio a supervillain 'ability' so to speak. Wouldn't that a be technology worth boasting about rather than what was on display in Far From Home?

For some reason, all the supporting characters like Peter's teachers and fellow students behave like cartoons. Most of the humor falls flat and elementary, even cringeworthy at many parts, such as Ned (Jacob Batalon) and Becky's (Angourie Rice) relationship. How are we supposed to care when Peter's goal is to protect and save these people? There's little to no character and appeal to MJ as well, let alone a romantic chemistry with Peter. How are we supposed to bother about Peter winning her heart? Certain scenes and character motivations, such as Peter accidentally instructing EDITH to kill Brad, Ned and Becky deciding to go to the carnival out of nowhere and teachers simply accepting tour changes could have been totally revised. Quentin vomiting out a list of exposition to a set of presence who already know the information is unbearable.

There should have been development aka Act II for the absence of 'Peter Tingles' or 'Spidey Sense'. Why does he not have / utilize it? How does he struggle because of that? It's okay that Spidey's getting techy, but at the core, this MCU Spider-Man is leaning towards being Iron Man rather than the simple and plain, web-swinging, friendly neighborhood wallcrawler we know and love.

Jon Watts manages to retain the similar high school scale for this sequel, which is very appreciated. It's fresh to witness a different form of antagonist for Spider-Man and Jake Gyllenhaal nailed the performance as Quentin Beck / Mysterio. EDITH is an extremely cool system access! Spidey's stealth and winged black-blue suit are awesome. Wear effect on the Iron Spider armor is sharp and realistic! The Elementals have good design too. The mid and end credit scenes are worth sitting around for! Quentin Beck announcing to the world that Spider-Man is Peter Parker and the return of J. K. Simmons for the role of J. Jonah Jameson are pure euphoria! The future is exciting regardless, so let's see where this goes.