A movie about Jake Gyllenhaal gaslighting people that all Swifties can get behind.

This movie more than its predecessor shows the limits of Spider-Man in the MCU. Spider-Man is at his best learning how to navigate a social life, and solving smaller-scale crises. Marvel, of course had to include Spider-Man in the events of Infinity War and Endgame, however that involves sending him to space, and putting him in battles with aliens. This changes the character from innocent high school kid in over his head to savior of the universe.

I have trouble believing that everyone went back to a relatively normal high school environment after the events in Endgame, and half of the people disappeared for five years. It's difficult to imagine that wouldn't fundamentally upend society, and in a way in which it couldn't return to a relative normal.

Believability aside, I had fun with the events of the movie. Aside from too many Stark connections, I love the comedic teacher team of JB Smoove and Martin Starr navigating overtly stereotypical European locales, and Peter's relationship with his classmates. Gyllenhaal is great in this, I love his character evolution, and Peter Parker's personal journey of learning to trust himself.

It's got its issues, namely showing the MCU can never be the DEFINITIVE Spider-Man story, but it's far from bad. Look forward to Now Way Home tonight!