SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

By -
Spider-Man: Far From Home movie poster
Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland) needs a break after the Avengers battle against Thanos. A school trip to Europe provides the perfect vacation getaway and a chance to hook up with classmate MJ (Zendaya). But his plan gets interrupted by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Quentin Beck/Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal), a visitor from an alternate Earth that has been destroyed by Elementals - powerful creatures in the form of elements like fire and water. Before Peter can woo the girl of his dreams, he must save the planet once again.

Twisty surprises, humorous teen angst and a dose of sci-fi action spin a
more lighthearted tale than the last Marvel epic. Director Jon Watts plus screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, the team that handled the same chores for "Spider-Man: Homecoming", keep the grimness to a minimum while giving the superhero much to do and think about. Tom Holland continues to grow in the role and is turning into an amazing Spider-Man. Zendaya plays MJ as tough, but a girl worth chasing. Some of the film's best moments are the teenage encounters. The performances are solid throughout and many franchise characters return. Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) works closely with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) to complicate the superhero's life. Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), Tony Stark's right-hand man, looks after Parker and has his eye on Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). Among Peter's classmates are best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon), Ned's new girlfriend Betty (Angourie Rice), Flash Thompson (Tony Revolori) and rival for MJ's love, Brad Davis (Remy Hii). Providing comic relief are chaperones/teachers Mr. Bell (J.B. Smoove) and Mr. Harrington (Martin Starr). Jake Gyllenhaal is a commanding presence as the new hero on the block. Also demanding attention is E.D.I.T.H., Stark's expensive high-tech glasses that have been willed to the supposedly worthy Parker. Reality gets tampered with and is confusing at times. The effects range from so-so to fantastic. It's all set to another terrific Michael Giacchino music score. There are spoilers throughout, including scenes during and after the credits. No revelations will be exposed here. This is a comfortable follow-up to the stressful "Avengers: Endgame". Weaving an energetic story, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is a trippy ride. (3.5/5 CAMS)

Rated PG-13 (for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments)
Running Time: 129 minutes

Popular posts from this blog

THE MARKSMAN (2021)

By -
Image
Trying to save his Arizona ranch, the last thing loner and ex-Marine Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) needs is more trouble. When he encounters migrants Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) and her 11-year-old son Miguel (Jacob Perez) running from drug cartel assassins, more trouble comes his way. Promising Rosa he will get Miguel to relatives in Chicago, the hardened Hanson and the young fugitive reluctantly take a dangerous road trip. An unlikely friendship develops as the killers, led by relentless Mauricio (Juan Pablo Raba), get closer. With Liam Neeson the main attraction, a full-blown action thriller is expected. But this latest attempt at making a modern western is surprisingly short on action and thrills. Director Robert Lorenz, who helmed the Clint Eastwood baseball drama "Trouble with the Curve", spends most of this film's length on drama and emotion. Mr. Neeson is up to the task, but this is not what the fans look forward to with a title like "The Marksman". The screenplay by
Read more

THE RHYTHM SECTION

By -
Image
When depressed, drug-addicted prostitute Stephanie Patrick (Blake Lively) learns the plane crash that killed her family wasn't an accident, she sets out to avenge their deaths. With the help of a former British MI6 agent (Jude Law), Stephanie trains to become an assassin. Under various disguises, she takes on missions that will lead to vengeance. A strong performance by Blake Lively and sudden bursts of action can't save this mostly lackluster thriller. Based on the popular book by Mark Burnell, who also wrote the screenplay, director Reed Morano ("Meadowland") relies heavily on
Read more

THE WAR WITH GRANDPA

By -
Image
Widowed Ed (Robert De Niro) moves in with daughter Sally (Uma Thurman) and son-in-law Arthur (Rob Riggle). While granddaughters Jennifer (Poppy Gagnon) and Mia (Laura Marano) are delighted, grandson Peter (Oakes Fegley) must give up his bedroom to grandpa. Relegated to the creepy attic for living quarters, he wants his room back. With neither side willing to budge, the battle for the bedroom begins. Humor, sight gags and Robert De Niro keep this family comedy moving along. Based on Robert Kimmel Smith's novel of the same name, the screenplay by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember dives quickly into "Home Alone" territory. The pranks come fast and furious, with many being malicious. Director Tim Hill ("Hop") does manage to lighten things up around the mayhem while delivering a heartfelt message about relationships. As usual, Robert De Niro is the main attraction. But Oakes Fegley (2016's "Pete's Dragon") is an impressive match for the iconic star. Their
Read more