"SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME" spoiler review
The latest Sony-Marvel collaboration, Spider-Man: Far From Home thwips into theaters this week, offering laughs, action, and some tingly nods to the future of the MCU. The vast amount of easter eggs and information shown here don't lend themselves well to a non-spoilers discussion, so beware ahead.
The MCU continues its breezy high-school approach with this film, offering viewers a fresh look at the future and past of this bustling universe. A silly, divisive 'in memoriam' opens the film off with comedy that remains throughout, although director Jon Watts tries to play up dramatic elements later on. Tony Stark is arguably a main character in this film even as a dead man, from his gift of EDITH ('even dead I'm the hero') to his birth of the Mysterio team. Marvel summarizes the entire Iron Man trilogy in this film, from supplanting disgruntled employees (Obadiah Stane and Mysterio's crew) to overcoming personal issues (Tony discovering a new element & Peter re-discovering his spidey-senses) to a villainous ruse ('hero' Mysterio and 'actor' Mandarin). Marvel has seemingly fully embraced the apprenticeship of Spider-Man and Iron-Man to my chagrin, although they execute it permissibly. Their reliance on Stark at this late in their historic success seems to display fear at a universe without him in it. It's disappointing that an iconic character with as much heart as Peter Parker is not interesting enough on his own, without the technological prowess of Stark Industries backing his adventures. Nonetheless, Watts & Co. do a very nice job with Far From Home—it's hard to not like this movie, as it commands your attention with laughs, twists, and very solid visual effects sequences.
As good as the movie is, it is inevitably overshadowed by the terrific post-credits scenes, which I will break down in informal fashion:
1) Stark tower sold—the clear ownership change of the iconic Stark Tower is noteworthy for speculative fans. I believe it belongs to either: a) Oscorp (the proper intro to Norman Osborn / Sinister Six); b) Fantastic Four / Baxter Building. Marvel is incredibly sly and taciturn when it comes to details and foreshadowing, so I am eager to see how they weave this building into the future.
2) J Jonah Jameson = J.K. Simmons—the ultimate fan casting. After his memorable performance in the great Raimi trilogy, Simmons was a sore actor to replace for his boisterous portrayal of Jameson. Marvel was smart to bring him back with an Alex Jones-esque twist. I am excited to see how he figures into future installments and how his journalistic ethics play out. His backing of the conniving Mysterio was an insight into a potential Sinister Six battle—we have Vulture, Scorpion and likely Quentin Beck (he's not dead) already, with the character of 'Dmitri' in this film probably being Chameleon / brother of Kraven; we would only need Osborn to make a killer six...
3) Skrulls reveal—it seems like Nick Fury will be a galactic Avengers connection now. With the knowledge that Talos and his girl were Fury and Hill in this movie, one can question how long the real Fury has been away from earth: did he leave after Stark's funeral, or has he been gone since the events of Captain Marvel? I expect the Fury-Danvers dynamic will continue into the future, with Fury advising the new Avengers team as he is known for.
Marvel continues to deliver fulfillment and surprises, which is what draws in the historic crowds. Far From Home is far from the MCU's best, but it doesn't have to be, as it is a friendly neighborhood film that gives audiences a delicious taste of what's next.
Sean Kelso is the founder and editor-in-chief of Greyscale.
