Updated: Dec 6, 2019
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Released on July 2, “Spider-man: Far From Home” has made itself the movie of the summer. The film had a lot riding on it. Being the first Marvel movie to come out after “Avengers: Endgame” all eyes were on the cast and the promotions. The movie received a lot of judgement form its promotional posters. There were very high expectations and most of them were met.
As Tom Holland’s fifth Marvel movie, “Spider-man: Far From Home” fulfills a major goal for him. In past interviews he has expressed wanting to film with Jake Gylenhaal and that is exactly what happened.
Gylenhaal plays a slightly suspicious character that shows up out of nowhere, properly dubbed “Mysterio.”
The first half of the movie is see-through; the problems are solved too quickly to be the real conflict. However, that does not make the movie any less amazing. The first half of the movie is filled with character buildup, much needed explanations and teenage angst.
Being a movie about high schoolers, there is the typical and hilarious out of nowhere relationships and obsession with technology. All the teen characters just want to fit in somehow, they just are not that good at it, but who is?
One thing that is constant throughout the movie is the mention of Tony Stark. From the memoriam on the morning announcements to tributes in Europe to Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) using it as blackmail, Tony seems to be haunting Peter Parker (Tom Holland). The teenage superhero just wants to enjoy his summer vacation and spend time with MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon), but he has the pressure of being the next Iron Man resting on his shoulders.
This film is a literal visual masterpiece. The special effects of special effects and intricate webbing is so detailed. The set and costume team constantly made nods to previous films and what it is like to be a teen in the real world.
Holland has many movies in the making all to come out in the next two years. The next Marvel movie is still unknown and far from being released, but fans will still be following closely, ready for anything.
Release to Netflix on May 24, “Rim of the World” is yet another story about kids saving the day. It shows that with every single issue that teenagers face, from dysfunctional families to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, working together can solve any problem.
Alex, played by Jack Gore, must stop an apocalyptic alien invasion after being deserted at summer camp. He is not alone, though; with him are ZhenZhen (Miya Chen), Dariush (Benjamin Flores Jr.) and Gabriel (Alessio Scalzotto). The travel travel across southern California, facing several dire decision and trials, to get to a NASA lab. These kids hold their only way to stop the invasion and destroy the Mothership.
The movie starts off a bit rocky, but it seems to have been all part of the plan. The camp counselors were so aloof and narcissistic that they treated the campers terribly, even leaving some behind when the world began to end. Seeming unimportant plot lines and minuscule details come back up by the end of the movie.
However, at one point there is a completely unnecessary, slow-mo dance sequence to “Hot in Herre” by Nelly. It seemed as though Adidas sponsored the entire scene .
To add to that, the featured alien and its canine counter part seem familiar and viewers who have watched “Stranger Things,” another Netflix original, may even say it looks like the Demogorgon and Demodog.
The whole film is filled with references either mocking the current state of living or the science fiction community. It is an extremely eye opening comedic satire, exposing the human need for technological communications and lack of independent survival skills. Each of the kids has their own set of assets. Alex is an antisocial brainiac; ZhenZhen is a brave and independent leading female; Dariush starts off as self-centered but turns out to be self-sacrificing; and lastly there is Gabriel, the caring and considerate “bad boy”.
Over all, the movie is a simple buddy-comedy that tried a bit too hard. It is still enjoyable and can give a good amount of laughter and tears.
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