Tom Holland proves he’s the most enjoyable movie Spider-Man to date in this follow-up to 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The story actually picks up after the events of the blockbusting Avengers: Endgame, with Peter Parker/Spidey and the world mourning the loss of Tony Stark (aka Iron Man). Things seem to have settled down after Thanos snapped half the world out of existence, only for the Avengers to save the day and return everyone five years later (don’t worry if you don’t remember – a funny tribute video made by students at Peter’s school will jog your memory) but Peter is understandably worn out and ready for a vacation after helping to save the world.
It’s handy then, that there is a class trip to Europe for him, pals Ned (Jacob Batalon) and MJ (Zendaya) to relax on, but soon after they arrive in Venice it turns out there is a new threat on the horizon in the form of mega-monsters the Elementals. While there is a new superhero on the block – Quentin Beck, otherwise known as Mysterio (Gyllenhaal) – Nick Fury (Jackson) wants Peter’s help, too, especially as Thor, Doctor Strange and friends seem to be otherwise engaged.
Mixing European locations such as London, Berlin and Prague with humour (yes, there are some jabs at Americans abroad, and neat clichés such as Stark employee/friend Happy landing his jet in a Netherlands field of tulips) and stunning action sequences, this zips along merrily and provides some light relief after the traumas of the previous two Avengers movies.
There are cute moments too, in Peter’s potential romance with MJ, and in his interactions with Happy, who shares his grief over the loss of Tony, as well as a clever nod to 2018’s animated Into The Spiderverse and some mind-bending scenes involving a Berlin train and Tower Bridge that are worth more than one look.
Light, fast and fun, it’s a perfect, easy on the eye and brain summer movie with terrific turns from Holland, Favreau, Zendaya and Gyllenhaal. (Make sure you stay until the very end for a couple of bonus scenes).
Is Spider-Man: Far From Home suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
This is a 12 A certificate in the UK and is aimed at older children and adults, but there is nothing too scary and should be suitable for the over-9s.
There are some intense action fight scenes, and Peter is often in danger. There is one sequence featuring illusions that is quite intense, but not frightening.
Peter is caught with his trousers down (literally) in one scene but it is not sexual.
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