Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Director: Jon Watts

Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch

Review Author: Tony

Synopsis: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as he teams up with alternate versions of Spider-Man from different universes to fix a multiverse-breaking spell gone wrong. As they confront powerful foes from their past, Peter grapples with the consequences of revealing his secret identity and strives to restore order to the fractured multiverse before it collapses.

Back in 2021, Spider-Man: No Way Home was released to a massive amount of anticipation from MCU fans as well as fans of previously released Spider-Man films. However, I found myself caught between both anticipation and scepticism. For myself, the previous two MCU Spider-Man films failed to impress, leaving me unconvinced by Tom Holland’s portrayal of the iconic character. The recent state of the MCU, post-Avengers: Endgame, has also felt meandering and unfocused, with a touch of superhero fatigue setting in. The cinematic spectacle leading up to Endgame was unparalleled, and the subsequent offerings struggled to measure up, lacking the same grandeur and impact.

However, No Way Home established itself as an anomaly in the MCU landscape. Despite my reservations, it effortlessly claims the title of the best Spider-Man film in the MCU. The film’s success, oddly enough, hinges on nostalgia. Disney delves into the more beloved Spider-Man films of the past, borrowing their greatest hits, and miraculously, this is what finally allows me to appreciate their take on the character.

Setting aside cynicism, the film does an exceptional job of reintroducing familiar heroes and villains. Returning as an older and wiser Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire feels like a natural progression for the character. Andrew Garfield, too, receives redemption and closure from his previous Spider-Man series. Holland benefits from playing the least experienced Spider-Man, skillfully portraying a fish-out-of-water as he interacts with these invading villains from alternate universes.

A standout aspect of No Way Home is the resurrection of iconic villains. Each antagonist is given the opportunity for closure, revealing multi-layered characters rather than outright villains. Willem Dafoe, in particular, steals the show as Green Goblin, infusing the character with a darker edge than seen in the Raimi films. The film skillfully navigates the complexities of these characters, showcasing the circumstances that led them down a treacherous path.

While No Way Home may be one of the most unabashed examples of nostalgia-baiting in recent memory, the execution is undeniably great. The film masterfully allows these older characters and villains to have their own moments of closure. However, this emphasis on nostalgia also highlights the shortcomings of the MCU’s version of Spider-Man. It’s a testament to the film’s prowess that, despite the nod to the past, it manages to deliver an enjoyable and emotionally resonant experience. The nostalgia factor, rather than feeling forced, becomes an integral part of the narrative, elevating the film beyond a mere exercise in revisiting the past.

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