Following Marvel’s epic conclusion with Avengers: Endgame earlier this year, the stakes have never been higher as the cinematic universe pivots and plots a new course for the first time since its 2008 inception. And who better than the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to pave the way for this new era in the MCU? Director Jon Watts returns with Spider-Man: Far from Home, a cozy and familiar sequel that ushers in a new Marvel figurehead and crisply handles its central antagonist in 2019’s finest summer blockbuster.

After the tragic concluding events of Endgame, there’s nothing Peter Parker (Tom Holland) wants more than to relax and enjoy his chaperoned summer school trip to Europe. But just as he leaves for his trip away from being Spider-Man, Peter’s vacation abroad becomes quickly interrupted by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Strange attacks by elemental creatures put his relaxing summer on hold as Peter fights to protect a world that will never be the same again.

There’s no denying the pressure that was on Jon Watts and everyone behind Far from Home to smoothly transition the MCU following Endgame. Yet, the film rises to the challenge by boasting a wide collection of valuable storylines, otherworldly visual effects, and a brilliantly captured villainous foe to Spider-Man that's sure to satisfy the biggest fanboys. Far from Home carries a primary “passing of the torch” theme that proves an obvious, but also necessary, pathway for this bridging entry in the MCU. Consequently, Peter Parker’s character experiences quite a bit of turmoil in his quest for introspection. This enables Tom Holland to really shine as a performer, something we’ve all known that he could do quite well since his exceptional dramatic debut in 2012’s The Impossible. There’s also a hearty romance plot here, one that sometimes feels like it’s getting in the way, but one that stands as a major source of the film’s humor as well. From top to bottom Far from Home’s branded formula of intense action and relentless comedy fits the bill and offers a comforting first step into the dawn of a whole new era for the MCU.