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Star Rating:
Spider-Man: No Way Home is the third film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man franchise. It picks up right where the second film left off. The Daily Bugle reveals Spider-Man’s secret identity as Peter Parker and falsely accuses him of murdering Mysterio. As a result, Peter’s life, as well as the lives of those around him, takes a negative turn. He then asks Doctor Strange to cast a spell that will erase everyone’s memory of Spider-Man’s secret identity. However, the spells fails, and Spider-Man villains from other universes are transported to Peter’s. Peter must then capture and return them.
I don’t want to spoil, but the trailers show some of the villains, so I believe it’s safe to say that the villains are from previous Spider-Man films. All the previous actors play the villains again, too.
This is a fantastic film, probably one of the best MCU films made by Marvel thus far. The amount of nostalgia, references to previous films, and respect shown to them was perfect. It brings together 20 years of storytelling to create an amazing, action-packed adventure that fans will enjoy.
It’s incredible to see all of the original actors reprise their roles, and they still do it so well. Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin laugh remains hauntingly amazing. Both he and Alfred Molina feel like they picked up the character right where they left off, despite a 20-year gap. The same can be said about all of the other actors who play the returning villains.
And, while the older films are heavily featured in this film, it is not a rip-off of any of them. It’s still its own movie with its own plot, and it fits within the universe that has already been established. I did notice a couple plot holes, so the story isn’t perfect. However, they’re holes that aren’t a big deal, especially when you’re enjoying the action and interactions between certain characters.
For those who think the MCU’s Spider-Man is too much like Iron Boy, by the end of this one, he truly becomes his own Spider-Man. He finally has his moments that truly distinguish him as Spider-Man. The movie’s final scenes are both an ending and a new beginning, so the MCU could go anywhere with Spider-Man at this point.
Peter’s relationship with Michelle Jones is an important aspect of this film, but I think the MCU isn’t very good at writing romance. She’s “his MJ” and it makes sense to focus on it in the context of the comics and other Spider-Man films, but despite being a huge romance fan, I just can’t get into their relationship.
I’m not a fan of Michelle Jones, and even though the character improved in the second and third films, I still don’t care what happens to her or their relationship. I don’t understand and have no interest in their relationship because they developed their feelings off-screen.
He had a long-time crush on Liz Allen, but he now likes Michelle despite being Spider-Man, fighting Thanos, disappearing, and then returning to fight Thanos again? When did he have time to develop feelings for her? I’d be more interested in the relationship if the second film showed the two of them falling in love, rather than him trying to get closer to his crush, who clearly already liked him back.
Why am I telling you this? Because their relationship plays a significant role in the film, and it was the only aspect of the film I didn’t care about. It also feels like it pushes Peter’s friendship with Ned out of the way, and it sometimes feels like he doesn’t even need to be around.
Aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed Spider-Man: No Way Home. The acting is superb. They have an excellent respect for the other films. The action is entertaining to watch. It has some great comedic lines, especially during a particular scene later in the film. I strongly recommend this film, but I also suggest that you watch all of the other Spider-Man films first. You will need to know about them in order to fully understand and appreciate what Spider-Man: No Way Home does.
You cam get Spider-Man: No Way Home on Amazon.
Check out my other Marvel reviews too.
What did you think of Spider-Man: No Way Home? Leave a comment.