I rarely write about movies that have just come out, but Spider-Man: No Way Home just calls for me to discuss it. Be warned, this entry contains spoilers.
Having found almost every single post-Covid MCU entry underwhelming, I am happy to report that No Way Home is a splendid return to form for the Disney-owned cinematic franchise. The thing is that it is far from perfect, but almost all the big swings taken by it knocked it out of the park, and I was able to go along for the ride in the third Jon Watts-helmed Spider-Man movie.
Let's start with my gripes, which to be honest are quite a few.
My first issue is Peter Parker 's dependency on other characters. Despite the death of his mentor Tony Stark in Endgame, Spider-Man still relies on other superheroes, two entries later. I was hoping that he would be able to have his own adventure in his latest movie, but another major player is still featured in this movie; Doctor Strange, whose magical shenanigans drive the plot of this movie. I understand the producers inserting Iron Man in Homecoming in order to lure the fans by leveraging the popularity of the character that had made it all happen for MCU, but Spider-Man is a character that is more memorable for his solo arcs in the comic book source material.
My second complaint is on the recklessness displayed by Peter and Doctor Strange are in this movie, by toying around with dangerous spells. Character-wise, I kind of understand that Peter is just a teenager looking for an easy out from his woes, but Stephen is so blasé about the whole thing that it's almost out of character for him.
But these two objections that I have are quickly overwhelmed by the positives, of which there are many. What can I say? Again, massive spoilers contained in this entry! Many characters from previous cinematic Spider-Man adaptations featured in this movie, courtesy of Strange's magic, tying them up in the same 'multiverse'. The second act introduced Sam Raimi-era's Doctor Octopus, Sandman and Norman Osborne aka the Green Goblin, as well as Lizard and Electro from the Marc Webb-helmed adaptations. (Coincidentally, Raimi is directing the Doctor Strange sequel which is set to be released next year).
The third act meanwhile is when the big boys come out to play. The two previous Spider-Men (Spider-Mans?) make their entrances, portrayed by none other than Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield themselves, as they too have been transported into the Tom Holland Spider-Man's universe.
But to be honest, I sort of had already known about these characters' appearances in the movie, so the cameo that got me hyped up the most is of Charlie Cox's, as yes, Matt Murdock aka Daredevil himself. I had not come across any substantial rumours about his appearance, so seeing him at the beginning of the movie as Peter's lawyer was such a huge surprise. This also means that the Marvel series that made Netflix their home such as the Punisher and Jessica Jones are part of the MCU.
However, it takes more to make a good movie than just cameos and surprise appearances, and all the actors portraying the superheroes and supervillains bring their A game. Alfred Molina relishes every second of his return as Doctor Octopus after 17 years, while Jamie Foxx got to put a more delightfully devilish spin on his Electro, this time a more confident version antagonist who is unwilling to part with the sinister power that he has come to possess.
But the one who steals the show has got to be Willem Dafoe and his portrayal of Green Goblin. Norman initially misleads Holland's Spider-Man by painting himself as a tortured, confused villain, but later on reveals his deception in a terrifyingly deadly manner. Dafoe does not hold anything back when Goblin sheds his façade, and it is clear that the experienced actor had a terrific time returning as the character he first played all the way back in 2002.
But of course the biggest reveal in No Way Home is the Spider-Men themselves, with Maguire and Garfield reprising their previous takes on the web-head. It's a testament to how good the movie is, that amidst all these show-stealing performances, Garfield still manages to delight with his portrayal of a more neurotic Peter. He makes it evident that the problem with his earlier two Spidey movies lies not with the performances, but with subpar plot and the lack of a strong vision.
Maguire's performance may be a little subdued as compared to the two younger Peters, but it is the correct depiction as he is a more mature and calm version of the character we last saw in 2007. His is a Spider-Man who has made peace with his hardships, and even managed to carve out some semblance of balance, while imparting the wisdom of a big brother to the younger two other Peters.
Holland's Peter remains the naïve, wide-eyed character whose problems he take on are at the edge of his abilities, but in his third solo outing he has been allowed to show more of his depth and range as an actor, especially in the final act.
Although I am not a big fan of the decision to bring Doctor Strange into this movie, it's not because of I don't enjoy this character. His inclusion does bring over one of the aspects that I enjoy immensely in his solo movie; the mind-bending spectacles. MCU movies' overreliance on CGI is a fair target of criticism in my opinion, but the freaky reality-warping powers he possesses and displays are one of the most gorgeous and artistic work in the franchise, and they are taken to even crazier heights in No Way Home, in the chase scene involving the two superheroes. I wish the studio would put more thoughts into making their CGI effects more visually stylistic in their coming movies.
I'm not a big nerd, but for me this movie did fan-service better, that these moments are more impactful here than even in the really strong Avengers: Endgame. Perhaps because No Way Home characters have been around on screen and in pop culture for longer, seeing them again in the movie made the movie not just an enjoyable experience, but also a nostalgic one. It works on an emotional level too.
But most crucially, I rate this movie highly because of something that we rarely see in these MCU movies; impactful consequences. On top of a major character's death, it ends with Peter being literally forgotten by everyone who had known him, including his friends and his Avenger acquaintances. He's literally all alone in the world and he has no big brother Iron Man or Doctor Strange to back him up anymore. More than simply as an interesting plot point, this plot decision will allow him to be portrayed in his next 'solo' movies more closely to his original comic book depiction, a down on his luck young man who is always trying to do good using the powers he has, despite the setbacks in his private life. I mean, only in the third Holland appearance as the character, Spidey was already flying off to space and socking it to Thanos. It's kind of weird that it takes three solo movies for us to get the more authentic Spider-Man, but better late than never I guess.
Ultimately, No Way Home is a return to rip-roaring form for MCU post-Covid, after their underwhelming Black Widow, Shang Chi and Eternals, as well as their television releases. Where will they take the character next? Will Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige continue to helm it, or will Sony take over once again, to feature him with their Venom and Morbius cinematic interpretations?
My VERDICT: 9/10
TRIVIA: I read somewhere that Maguire's Spider-Man was supposed to die at the end after being stabbed by Green Goblin at first, but they reshot the scene so that he survives it. I can't say I enjoyed the jokey way he was able to brush off the attack, but ultimately I think him surviving was the right call. It's just too cruel and a little superfluous, considering that a major character has already died earlier.
