'Spider-Man: Far From Home' Review

Synopsis: Our friendly neighborhood superhero decides to join his best friends on a European vacation. However, Peter's plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent.

Runtime: 129 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi violence, some language, and brief suggestive comments)

Who should see it? Marvel fans of all ages.

**Spoiler Warning for Avengers: Endgame**

Billed as the end of Marvel's "Infinity Saga" and third phase of superhero outings, Spider-Man: Far From Home sees Spider-Man: Homecoming creatives Jon Watts, Chris McKenna, and Erik Sommers swing Peter Parker across the Atlantic to embark on a globe-trotting adventure in the wake of Avengers: Endgame's poignant resolution. Though Iron Man is a no-show, Tony Stark's shadow looms over the production as the world mourns the heroic billionaire-philanthropist and asks who will step up to fill the void Stark left behind. All the while, Peter feels lost without his mentor. Clearly traumatized by all he's endured, Peter's unsure if he's ready to singlehandedly accept the responsibility associated with super-heroics when he'd rather partake in the pleasantries of an average teenage life. 

Peter's struggle to balance both identities has been a staple of the character across every medium since his creation, but that dilemma is especially prevalent in Far From Home. Every incarnation of the web-head deals with this eventually, but I particularly like how this version is doing so while still in High School. Fighting elemental creatures made of fire and water is just as challenging as telling a girl he likes her, and that aspect of the character makes Peter more relatable than most superheroes. Not to mention his headspace after Endgame further complicating matters.

Returning director Jon Watts ups the ante of Spidey spectacle, seemingly more confident helming action after his experience on Homecoming, as he and his crew deliver sequences I'd never have imagined to be possible on the big screen. The visual effects were noticeably an improvement over Homecoming as well while the spectacular new suits Spider-Man dons throughout the flick each have their moment in the limelight. Underneath it all, Michael Giacchino's varied orchestral arrangements provide an ideal accompaniment to the wall-crawler's international exploits.  

Swinging onscreen for his fifth outing as Spidey, Tom Holland continues to portray Peter Parker with the appropriate awkwardness and insecurity contrasting his youthful exuberance. He's solidified himself as my favorite iteration of Spider-Man by this point, and I hope he carries on with the role in years to come! Opposite Holland, Zendaya's MJ proves to be more than a strange, snarky side character as she's fleshed out through her interactions with Peter.

Meanwhile, Mysterio's live-action debut piqued my interest as I was thrilled to see he would be brought to the big screen complete with the green/gold suit, purple cape, and glorious fishbowl helmet. Underneath said helmet, Jake Gyllenhaal lends manic energy to Quentin Beck that was an utter delight to witness. Discussing the character in detail risks spoiling the movie's many twists and turns, but I was pleased it proved to be a faithful onscreen adaptation.

Filling out Peter's class, Jacob Batalon, Angourie Rice, and Tony Revolori return as Ned Leeds, Betty Brandt, and Flash Thompson while Remy Hii is introduced as new student Brad Davis. The young cast offers humorous depictions of familiar high school personalities. However, some comedic bits in the first act didn't stick the landing. 

Reprising their roles from other corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, and Jon Favreau each appear as Nick Fury, Maria Hill, and Happy Hogan respectively. One of the joys of the MCU is witnessing characters come together and interact with one another for the first time, so it was nice to watch these characters bounce off Peter. Other noteworthy adult characters include Marisa Tomei's dependable Aunt May and Martin Starr and J.B. Smoove as a pair of wacky high school teachers chaperoning the trip. I noticed people leaving my theater, so I felt it was worth reiterating that you should stick around after the ending for two pivotal post-credit scenes.

Full of laughs, action, adventure, and awkward teen romance, Spider-Man: Far From Home is a spectacular sequel that delivers everything audiences have come to expect from an entry starring the celebrated web-slinger. Far from what I'd imagined I would walk away thinking, Far From Home is also my new favorite live-action Spider-Man film.

Film Assessment: A

'The Nice Guys' Review

The Nice Guys is a buddy cop detective film set in 1977 Los Angeles. It brings the unlikely pairing of a lackadaisical private investigator and tough muscle for hire together to work on a case to find a missing girl, Amelia, and there turns out to be a much larger conspiracy at play. I won't go too much further into the details of the case since it's best going into the film with a blank slate.

The Nice Guys is the latest directorial effort from Shane Black, most well known for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3, and Black manages to seemingly recapture the atmosphere of the groovy 70s vibe (I'll never actually know since I wasn't alive) and match that with a buddy cop detective premise to provide an entertaining two hours of downright fun.

I have to commend the production design team for making what I believed to be a very convincing 70's setup along with the costume, hair and makeup departments for further adding to the authenticity. When the film didn't utilize it's groovy soundtrack that probably should be titled "Greatest Hits of the 70's," the score composed by David Buckley and John Ottman was, as those from the era would say, "far-out." Those familiar with Black's work and style won't be too surprised with what he brings to the table, pure wit.

The Nice Guys' greatest asset is it's smart screenplay penned by Black and cowriter, Anthony Bagarozzi. The two managed to craft an engaging plot that kept you guessing with interesting characters bringing charm, originality, and heart to the forefront. The dialogue in this film is literally laugh out loud hilarious and some of these one-liners had me dying of laughter in the theater. The dialogue isn't just funny because of what is said but also where it comes from, as Black and Bagarozzi craft cunning remarks and expertly stage who delivers them.

The performances from the marvelous cast only enhance these witty zingers. Russell Crowe gets to tackle the beefy role of the rugged enforcer, Jackson Healy, while Ryan Gosling slips into the role of the halfhearted P.I., Holland March.

The chemistry between these two actors is gold and the unique pairing of these distinctly different characters is the crux of what makes the buddy cop dynamic of The Nice Guys work. Both actors gave it their all and were an absolute delight to watch onscreen.

One huge surprise standout was child actor Angourie Rice, who played March's resilient daughter, Holly. Rice manages to bring both comedic gold to the film in the form of her brutally honest remarks to her father and a touch of heart as the moral center. Typically, this type of character would be brushed off as annoying, but Rice has such self assuredness that it's near impossible not to find her character endearing. Trust me, this kid has a bright career ahead of her.

I won't discuss the other actors for fear of spoilers but the supporting cast composed of Margaret Qualley, Kim Basinger, and Matt Bomer are serviceable in the capacity used. Whether it be for a few witty one-liners, villainy, or just to partake in the bizarre set pieces visited by the investigative duo, the cast certainly fill the blank spots in the narrative nicely, no pun intended.

The film has a hard "R"rating with tons of vulgarity, dark humor, and brief nudity sprinkled throughout as the missing person just so happens to be a porn star (don't worry, there's never any sex). Therefore, I feel it's only appropriate for those legally allowed to see the film (Ages 17 & up). I'd highly advise against bringing children anywhere near it.

The Nice Guys is the best original film I've seen this year in a film release schedule filled to the brim with sequels, biopics, and book, video game, and comic book adaptations. The film is remarkably charming, witty, and provides a fresh breath of originality into the film space that I feel will probably be even more enjoyable with a rewatch. I highly recommend it as a must watch for any fans of Shane Black's work or those in need of some quality original content.

Film Assessment: A-