Spider-Man: No Way Home
One of the most beloved super-heroes of all time is back in his biggest, boldest sequel to date. Yes, that’s right, Spider-Man is swinging his way back into cinemas across the globe for another adventure in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Director Jon Watts’ returns for his third instalment, completing his Home trilogy. Spider-Man: No Way Home is the direct sequel to his Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019). Tom Holland reprises his role as the webbed wonder, making it his sixth outing as Spider-Man if you include his films as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Or MCU for those playing at home).
There has been much speculation and anticipation in the build-up to this films release, about what, or more importantly WHO else could be involved. One look at the franchises legacy and it’s easy to see why. Spider-Man: No Way Home makes it a whopping twelve live action movies in twenty years for the character. Sam Raimi’s original trilogy starring Toby Maguire arrived back in 2002, before a reboot helmed by Marc Webb and starring Andrew Garfield delivered The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2 in 2012 and 2014 respectively. But it was the landmark deal in 2015 between Sony and Marvel studios that really opened up the Spiderman multi-verse as we now know it. The deal agreed to introduce and incorporate Spiderman into the ever-expanding galaxy of content of Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. With recurring characters and subplots woven throughout the MCU’s multiple tv-series and movies, there was literally endless directions Spiderman could now go. Take into consideration that Spider-Man: No Way Home is the twenty seventh feature film in the MCU and you start to understand the scope of the world our hero now plays in.
So without spoiling the fun, here’s what I can say about Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Spider-Man’s true identity as Peter Parker is revealed to the world. In an attempt to return his and his loved ones lives to normal, he seeks help from Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and begs him to cast a spell to make the world forget who he is. The spell inadvertently breaks open the multiverse and allows supervillains from alternate realities to enter Parker’s universe, wreaking havoc and causing chaos for our heroes.
This is a hugely ambitious film. There is so much to unpack here for fans of any the past films. There are subtle and not-so-subtle references to so many characters of films past that it’s a treasure trove for the fans. It captured the audience and had them cheering at the screen on many an occasion, myself included, an experience seldom seen in movies these days. Watts’ succeeds in expanding the mega-franchise’s scope, upping the stakes in mighty fashion whilst still retaining the humour and heart which is central to the characters enduring popularity. This is how superhero films should be; big, explosive out-of-this-world fun.
Holland really owns the role at this point, his youthful energy is perfectly cast to bring out Peter Parker/ Spider-Man’s characteristics which make him so popular. He’s young, impulsive and reckless… a kid with real world problems that just so happens to have amazing powers. I love Cumberbatch in his recurring role as Dr. Strange too. His measured, serious tone plays off against Spider-Man’s excitability really well, making for some very funny moments. Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, and Marisa Tomei all reprise their roles from the earlier Home films and all have their moments to shine.
Watts and Holland really have delivered the biggest and best Spider-Man film to date. Do yourself a favour and get to your local cinema before somebody ruins the fantastic surprises this film has to offer. Loved this movie!
Movie Review By Samuel Phillips