Peter Parker is back in the NYC after a five-year “blip” and he’s ready to save the world again in Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Actually, that’s not true. He’s ready to go on a class trip with his friends and take a break. Saving the world is tough work, y’know? Even a superhero needs a vacation.

But can any movie live up to the spectacular debut that was Spider-Man: Homecoming? And how is the MCU handling threats now that its two greatest heroes are gone? I’ve got answers below.

A warning, if you’ve stayed away from everything after the first trailer, there’ll be some minor spoilers in here, but for everyone else, I won’t stray far from what’s already been shown.

Do we really need another Spider-Man movie?

Like a webslinger needs his web fluid. Spider-Man is the beating heart of any Marvel universe. Grimdark is OK. Serious can be good. But without a relatable, loveable character to sympathize with – even worry about – things start to collapse under their own weight. Tom Holland is 100% believable as Peter. His Parker is the kid that wouldn’t hurt a fly and just wants to do good in the world. Watching him on screen is a treat, and getting an entire movie of his antics is refreshing after the events of Avengers: Endgame.

Does Far From Home live up to Homecoming?

That’s a heavy lift to put on the latest Spider-Man movie. Homecoming was nearly the perfect origin movie, zippy and unencumbered by the laborious unpacking of how and why Peter Parker became a kid who swings around NYC. Without going too far into spoiler territory, Spider-Man: Far From Home mostly avoids the sophomore slump. There are moments when the movie stumbles a bit as it tries to juggle multiple, seemingly equally weighted plot lines: Peter’s crush on MJ, his worry that he’ll be unable to live up to Stark’s legacy, and Mysterio and the elemental threat to Earth. But it’s ultimately a satisfying trip that gives some real insight into how the next phase of the MCU will be played out.

I’ve read the comics. Isn’t Mysterio a bad guy? And is that really Hydro Man and Molten Man?

From how he gets his name to the role he fills in the MCU, just about everything related to Mysterio is unexpected. He’s the perfect character to introduce right now to the Marvel movies. In fact, I don’t think he could have been introduced any sooner. For those of you who know the character well, you’ll get some impressive comic-inspired beats. The update of his goofy suit alone is well worth his inclusion in Far From Home. And, yeah, there are some brilliantly executed nods to some of the goofier rogues in Spider-Man’s history.

Does MJ really figure out that Peter is Spider-Man? Is Nick Fury back for good? Does Ned recover from the tranq dart? Is Happy really dating May?

Well, those would all be spoilers now, wouldn’t they? Suffice to say, the supporting cast in Spider-Man: Far From Home is just as important as its main character. Peter Parker is very much a teenager and, like most teens, he needs people to help guide him, direct him, and remind him who he is and why he’s doing what he’s doing. They also serve as perfect foils for Parker’s affable, puppy-dog naivete. It’s one of the most enjoyable ensemble casts I’ve seen in a while.

Should I see it on the big screen?

Most definitely. The action scenes are incredible, and the majority of the movie was filmed on location. So there’s awesome shots of European vistas (and the subsequent destruction thereof). Thankfully, there’s no 3-D cut. Hollywood seems to have let that gimmick die out once again. Just find the biggest screen with the loudest speakers you can stand.

Are there stingers?

You bet there are! There’s one very important mid-credits scene (right after the animated credits) that sets up the next film (and has one of my favorite character cameos). And if you stick around until after the credits, you’ll get another very important scene setting up… something larger.

Spider-Man: Far From Home opens today. Grab some popcorn and be prepared to be entertained.