‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ lacks the thrills to trap us in its web

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‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ stars Tom Holland as the titular superhero. (Supplied)
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The film is directed by Jon Watts. (Supplied)
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The screenplay was by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. (Supplied)
Updated 07 July 2019
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‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ lacks the thrills to trap us in its web

  • ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ stars Tom Holland as the titular superhero
  • The film is directed by Jon Watts

CHENNAI: Tom Holland returns as 16-year-old Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, in Marvel’s latest adventure, in which the awkward teenager hits Europe to spend a summer vacation with his schoolfriends. 

Parker is excited about the break, mainly because he has a secret agenda: He hopes that his crush on MJ (Zendaya) will transform into mutual admiration and love as they cruise through picturesque, romantic European destinations. One of the film’s most endearing scenes comes right at the start as Parker tries to ensure that he’s sitting next to MJ on their flight to Venice, with some amusing results.

As Parker tries to avoid the burden of responsibility placed on his “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” alter-ego, it is easy for the audience to sympathize with this story of a teenager who simply wants to be a kid, despite his superhuman powers.

As the school group — with some wonderfully comedic members — explore the byways of Venice, things get Marvel-ish as a watery beast rips through the canals and Parker has to switch between his two lives — one as a socially inept teenager, the other as the world’s favorite superhero.

Mayhem follows the school group as they travel through Prague, Berlin and London and we are introduced to a new villain (although the villain’s motivations, once revealed, are less than convincing).

Also falling short are Parker’s efforts to combat the other-worldly villain — somehow the special effects here pale in comparison with previous “Spider-Man” movies, and Holland himself never really seems comfortable in Spidey’s suit. It’s all a little tame.

One cannot blame the screenplay by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers or Jon Watts’ direction, but the movie just fails to overwhelm in the way that Spider-Man’s earlier exploits did. 

The relationship between Spider-Man and MJ is sweet, and it is enjoyable to watch two shy young teens grapple with their feelings for one another, but the action sequences could have been amped up to match.


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.