“Spider-Man: Far From Home” captivated audiences and became a box office hit following its June 28 release. Earning over $1.11 billion worldwide, the movie quickly overtook its predecessor “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” claiming a spot in the top three highest grossing Spider-Man movies of all time.
Although this was only the second Spider-Man movie to feature actor Tom Holland, it was his fifth time playing the character in a Marvel movie. Before “Far From Home,” he appeared in other box office smashes like “Avengers: Infinity War,” and more recently, “Avengers: Endgame,” the concluding movie to Marvel’s “Infinity Saga.”
The new Marvel movies gained popularity among diverse audiences by finding common ground between superhero and teen movie genres. The film also featured a star studded cast, including reappearances of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and Zendaya opposite Holland as Spider-Man’s love interest M.J. Jon Favreau reprised his role as Happy Hogan, filling in more of a caregiver role in the wake of “Endgame’s” destruction. The newest cast member in the Marvel movies was Jake Gyllenhaal, who played Mysterio from the Spider-Man comics.
The movie follows Peter Parker on a class trip to Europe, shortly after he is exposed to a new threat — a group of water, fire, wind and earth themed creatures nicknamed “Elementals.” As Mysterio fights the Elementals, who are ravaging cities across the world, he meets Spider-Man. Mysterio tells Parker he’s from Earth in a different dimension, where he had already fought the Elementals and lost. As the movie progresses, the threats Parker faces evolve into an unexpected challenge that puts both him and his classmates in danger.
“[The movie] gained popularity among diverse audiences by finding common ground between superhero and teen movie genres”
“Spider-Man: Far From Home” follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by including a great deal of comedic relief, keeping everyone, including those who aren’t Marvel fans, engaged and entertained. A substantial amount of jokes and lighthearted moments are smoothly woven into both the main plot and the romantic side plot. Audiences also see the inner conflict surrounding the hero as he chases after his chance at a normal life, which, with each villain he defeats, seems like less of a possibility.
With detailed special effects and shocking stunts, the latest Spider-Man flick upheld its reputation as a thrilling movie. Holland and Zendaya settled into their iconic roles of Peter Parker and M.J., easily filling the shoes of the classic portrayals that came before them.
“Spider-Man: Far From Home” smoothly transitioned from the first movie, despite all of the changes within the Marvel Universe, successfully developing Parker in his role as a superhero, as well as incorporating classic Spider-Man villains and plot lines from the comics that had been neglected in the first movie.
“Far From Home” managed to wrap up some loose ends from “Avengers: Endgame,” and provided some closure regarding lost characters. That’s not to say viewers left the theatre appeased, however, since writers were sure to include plenty of surprises and cliffhangers to keep the audience on their toes until the next movie.
