"Spider-Man: No Way Home" far and away the most emotionally resonant and ambitious of this MCU trilogy

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

In terms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is pretty game-changing. That seems to be said about every forthcoming MCU tentpole, but this time, new ground is broken in such a way that uses familiarity to raise the stakes and bring the most emotional weight this particular MCU trilogy has seen. Though much of this review will tread lightly around story specifics to preserve the fun and surprise in the discovery, here’s what can be said: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” delivers those tingles, trusting that you've done all of your superhero homework.

The mid-credits coda of “Spider-Man: Far From Home” left Quentin Beck/Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) placing blame for the drone attacks in London on Spider-Man and then exposing Peter Parker’s identity to all of Madison Square Garden — and the rest of the world. The word is out and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” picks up mid-swing as a shocked Peter gets MJ (Zendaya) and himself home safely away from the press branding him a murderer. Though under investigation, Peter is battling something else: college admissions. He, along with MJ and best pal Ned (Jacob Batalon), have all applied to MIT and await their letters, but with everything going on, Peter already feels like he has left his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and his friends down. To change the state of affairs in a post-Blip world, Peter decides to get help from Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to turn back the hands of time. Though Peter knows the consequences of Strange's spell being cast, he’s tired of seeing everyone else affected, until more than a few visitors from the multiverse, including the machine-tentacled Dr. Otto Octavius/Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), squeak into his universe.

Following the flat-out fun “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and solid follow-up “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” returning director Jon Watts and writers Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers strive to up the ante and the level of imagination, and the film does just that, particularly in the second half. How “Spider-Man: No Way Home” begins (read: a light, likably goofy door-slamming farce for the web-slinging kid from Queens) in no way braces one for the poignancy that’s felt and earned. One of the film’s minor hiccups is that some of the humor doesn’t always land, but it’s only noticeably in the first half and comes from the delivery of a few tertiary characters. No matter, there is such a delightfully meta nature and greater purpose to the proceedings that are more meaningful than just in the service of superficial, “here’s a thing you know!” fandom.

This isn't the last time we’ll be seeing Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, but Holland’s approach to the role has already changed over the course of these films since his relatable and excitable introduction as a member of the Avengers. He wasn’t necessarily better so much as an equally fresh (and refreshingly age-appropriate) contrast from the Peter Parkers played by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, and his boyish charm was simply infectious. Since then, Holland has matured Peter, who’s still an effervescent kid without really any cynicism but forced to grow up fast and make choices for others. Holland also shares effortlessly sweet chemistry with those playing his girlfriend and best friend, as well as a fun banter with a serious Benedict Cumberbatch. On their own, Zendaya has fully come into her own as Michelle “MJ” Jones, nailing every single comedic reaction and emotional beat, and Jacob Batalon continues to endear as Peter’s proud BFF who hopes to never become Peter’s nemesis (like a certain Harry Osborn). Aunt May also gets much more to do this time, allowing Marisa Tomei to utilize her comedic and dramatic abilities (for the former, her “tap or salt water?” question to someone is adorable). 

Without spoiling who, what, when, where, and why, it can safely be stated that “Spider-Man: No Way Home” holds real reverence for past cinematic incarnations of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko's character. Since five recognizable villains are in the trailer and on one of the posters, it's fair game to say that Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), Electro (Jamie Foxx), Sandman (Thomas Haden Church), and The Lizard (Rhys Ifans) do return after Doc Ock. Dafoe, in particular, reminds us that a truly menacing, undeniably insane villain has been missing in the MCU’s “Spider-Man” movies, and his demented-eyed glee in playing the duality of Green Goblin and Norman Osborn has not faded from almost 20 years ago. All of this will matter to those with a built-in investment. But even for those who come to these movies purely for the action set-pieces, this one definitely offers more kaleidoscopic dazzlement from “Doctor Strange" when the self-serious wizard sends Peter into the topsy-turvy, geometrical "mirror dimension." Though not purely about spectacle, it's still not lacking in comic-book fireworks and web-slinging, which is just as exciting as you want it to be (especially a bridge-set showdown and an extended sequence on the Statue of Liberty that's staged with a visual clarity in knowing who is fighting who). Just as thrilling, though, is the playful and thoughtful interplay, trialogues of oneupmanship, and answered questions that you’ve probably always had about web-shooting. It would also be a diss not to at least mention the inventive and energetic doodle design of the end credits for the third time in a row (mid and post-credits "shawarma" follows, of course).

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is certainly entertaining, and flying at 148 minutes, its length is never felt. It is also far and away the most ambitious, the weirdest, the most emotionally resonant, the most exciting, and the most momentous of the “Spider-Man 3.0” movies. A giddy rush that never loses sight of its human touch and moral implications, the film is, for once, not solely about the universe hanging in the balance but really about Peter as a functioning adult who has to move forward. Where we leave Peter is bittersweet. The film can feel like a heartbreaking betrayal to Peter Parker, albeit in ways that feel necessary and support what Peter wants for the people he loves. In any event, we all know Peter will be back, and until then, he'll probably keep his neighborhood friendly. 

Grade: B +

Sony Pictures is releasing “Spider-Man: No Way Home” (148 min.) in theaters on December 17, 2021.