Before the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is little denying that the most significant success for Marvel was Spider-Man. Starting in 2002, the Sam Raimi-directed film became the highest-grossing opening weekend of all time and the first film to cross $100 million in its first weekend with $114,844,116. The critical and commercial success of the film spawned two sequels, a rebooted series, and the inclusion of the character in the MCU. Since the characters are included in the cinematic universe, the two standalone films remain two of the most acceptable entries in the MCU.
With Spider-Man: No Way Home, expectations were relatively high. Not since Avengers: Endgame has a Marvel film had such anticipation. It warranted as No Way Home embodies why the Marvel Cinematic Universe is at the top of the cinematic food chain.
Spider-Man: No Way Home continues the divisive run of our favorite web-slinger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. No Way Home cements this trio of films as one of the best trilogies within the MCU. Gone is the optimistic John Hughes feels to this trilogy and in its place is a darker and more serious look into the character, which is filled with plenty of jaw-dropping and tear-jerking moments.
Spider-Man: No Way Home picks up seconds after the shocking post-credit scene in Far From Home. The world knows Spider-Man is Peter Parker, and as Peter deals with the effects of that reveal, he also must deal with its impact on those around him. From MJ, Ned, and Aunt May, these individuals are being affected in their unique ways. Peter reaches out to his excellent pal Doctor Strange for assistance in reversing that folks know he is Spider-Man. What follows is madness – a multiverse of madness.
By now, we are all aware that villains from Spider-past appear in the film. First, however, credit needs to be bestowed upon director Jon Watts and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. Not only does their screenplay continue the evolution of the Peter Parker character, but it creates an interesting arc in which Alfred Molina, William Dafoe, Thomas Haden Church, and Rhys Ifans are all driven by a concept of redemption. This effectively removes the idea that these villains are simply in the film for nostalgic purposes but serve a crucial role in the film’s overarching narrative.
The film serves its supporting players well, with Jon Favreau, Tony Revolori, J.K. Simmons, Benedict Wong, and Benedict Cumberbatch each having their moments within the film to shine. Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, and Marissa Tomei easily give their best performances in the trilogy thus far. The film’s emotional crux is dependent on their performances and they deliver.
Tom Holland is magnificent in this film. I dare not call it hyperbole when stating that this is Holland’s best performance thus far. Instead, we get a much more mature and complex Peter Parker. The emotional, heartfelt layers are on full display as Holland’s Peter clashes with redemption, fate, anger, and grief. Cementing his place as the most amazing live-action Spider-Man of all time, Holland enters the pantheon of top-tier performances in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Not since Endgame has a climax of a Marvel film landed so perfectly. Yes, the traditional Marvel CGI is on full display in all its glory, but that does not detour the movie from greatness. Aiding the climax and the film as a whole is Michael Giacchino’s score, which is the best of the trilogy thus far. Giacchino continues to be one of the best composers working today, and I can’t wait to hear his score in next year’s The Batman.
Spider-Man: No Way Home enters the pantheon of Marvel greats. It’s a film that surpasses all expectations in ways you never knew you wanted but are ecstatic you got. For 18 months, many have wondered what would be the film that would welcome cinephiles back to cinemas. Finally, the answer is clear, Spider-Man shows cinephiles that there is a way home back to theaters.
Spider-Man: No Way Home hits theaters this Friday, December 17th.
