Review: ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Creates Big Expectations…and Exceeds them with Style and Flair

Tom Holland’s third and potentially final outing as the webbed hero is the epitome of fan service; it takes Peter Parker on an emotional journey of loss and sacrifice. Jon Watts provides Marvel fans with a multiverse-sized event that manages to inject intense emotion into a high-octane franchise. 

The Continuation of a Saga…

Continuing from the end of “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” opens with the aftermath of Peter’s identity being revealed and accused of murdering Mysterio (played by Jake Gyllenhaal in the previous installment of the “Spider-Man” trilogy). Peter now must deal with the fact that his identity is out in the world and the ensuing legal problems; and it’s not long before the people around Peter soon begin to be affected by this. But when the troubled teen decides to turn to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) for help, what follows is an explosive, emotional chain of events that will affect Peter forever.   

Jon Watts (“Cop Car” and the upcoming “Fantastic Four” movie) brings fans of the titular hero a well-paced film that brilliantly ties up three generations of this well-loved hero. The slightly muddled plot spans over 148-minutes and allows Tom Holland to show off his abundance of talent; he gives a brilliant performance that puts “Spider-Man: No Way Home” up there with some of the actor’s best work. Though the film’s villains are ones we’ve seen  before, Watts presents them in a new and exciting way. As a result, the film doesn’t feel overstuffed or overcrowded. Composer Michael Giacchino returns to provide the film with a magical score that takes you through every emotion alongside Peter. 

Tying in ‘No Way Home’ to the Past and Future of the MCU

“Avatar” and “Southpaw” cinematographer Mauro Fiore supplies “Spider-Man: No Way Home” with impressive visuals that take viewers on a visual journey from New York City to the geometric mirror dimension. Fiore’s cinematography works hand-in-hand with the film’s incredible visual effects; however, at times the effects can’t help but feel like there’s a bit too much. In classic Marvel fashion, “No Way Home” ties into some of the studios previous projects as well as the future of the expanding universe. Watts gives audiences the first look at the multiverse in action after it was first introduced in Kate Herron’s “Loki” and Byran Andrews’ “What If…?” The film then sets up upcoming projects like “Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness” which also stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the Sorcerer Supreme. 

The film sends Peter Parker on an emotional rollercoaster, forcing him to deal with themes of grief, sacrifice, and relationships. It also reiterates the struggle Peter faces as he tries to balance being a teenager with being a world-saving superhero. Despite being a darker, more emotional Spidey film, Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers manage to keep the comedy consistent throughout. What follows the chaotic opening scene is 148 minutes of mind-blowing action and heart-wrenching emotion; it makes the long wait audiences waited for the film completely worth it. But even though the film’s action scenes feel slightly repetitive, intense hand-to-hand combat puts an exciting twist on Spidey’s normal fighting style. 

Building a Newer, Stronger Spider-Man

This film’s a welcome addition to the previously small amount audiences have seen of Peter and MJ’s (Zendaya) blossoming relationship. And even though the ending may put the couple’s future into doubt, subtle glances and awkward encounters will make viewers feel optimistic about Peter and MJ’s future together. The ambiguity that surrounds Tom Holland’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe makes the film’s ending a perfect send off for the character but also a perfect place to pick up from in future projects. Because, by the closing scenes, we are introduced to a new Peter Parker; we see a version of Holland’s character that feels more mature and tough. 

The third film in MCU’s first Spider-Man trilogy is a powerful affair; it sends the friendly neighbourhood webslinger to hell and back as he tries to fix the mess he finds himself in after the events of the previous film. Jon Watts creates a film that lives up to big expectations and even goes one further. Featuring an incredible performance from Tom Holland, terrific cinematography from Mauro Fiore, and great direction from Jon Watts, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is a spectacular film that makes it one of 2021’s most exciting projects. 

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is currently only available to watch in theaters.