I want to preface this by saying that there will be NO SPOILERS within this review. Spoilers suck and I don’t want to give anything away about this amazing film. As one of Marvel’s most anticipated projects of the year, Spider-Man: No Way Home is everything fans could have hoped for and more. Marvel is ending the year strong with No Way Home and Hawkeye, as well as setting up for anticipated 2022 projects, such as Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It’s hard to find a starting point, as the film as a whole was one of the best Marvel projects that we have gotten to experience in a while. Finally having a packed audience on opening night definitely adds to the experience, considering that reactions are raw and real to the new content being presented to us. This was more than a film, it was a whole new experience that Marvel has created.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man is definitely a fan-favorite, and it’s clear to see why. He truly embodies the character of Peter Parker in a brand new way, especially in this new film. His boyish charm that makes audiences cry with laughter to his emotional execution of the more depressing scenes that made sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience, his version of Spider-Man is one that audiences often think of fondly. The new challenges that Peter faces in this new film give audiences a chance to see Holland’s acting in a new light, one that we can truly appreciate. Holland’s Spider-Man continues to grow with each new film, and No Way Home is no exception.
Zendaya’s Michelle Jones (MJ) is like a whole new character in this film. From a minor character in Spider-Man: Homecoming to one of the main leads in No Way Home, the growth of her character is something to truly appreciate. It’s great to see how she has taken inspiration from the characters of Mary Jane Watson (Spider-Man (2002)) and Gwen Stacy (The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)) and how she has incorporated some of their best traits into her own character. MJ is a character that surprises audiences in each new film, and continues to surprise audiences throughout No Way Home.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr. Strange was a true standout to me. His performance in No Way Home has gotten audiences even more excited for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. His sassiness and seriousness is what made audiences fall in love with Dr. Strange and this film is no exception. Cumberbatch’s performance reveals a new side of Dr. Strange and audiences were quick to fall in love with him, too. The banter and relationship between Dr. Strange and Peter is something to truly appreciate and is definitely one of the best aspects of the film.
Jacob Batalon’s Ned has always been everyone’s favorite best friend, and No Way Home reveals new sides of this beloved character. It gives audiences a new perspective on Ned, and it makes you love him even more. It also gave Batalon a chance for audiences to see more of his own style of acting and truly appreciate everything he gives to the character of Ned. His character was also a standout, as we got to see more of a relationship within the friend group that is Peter, Ned, and MJ.
The multiversal villains of No Way Home were a shocking standout. Their performances were jaw-dropping and the fact that they brought these characters back and into the MCU really gave audiences a chance to appreciate those who played them. Willem Defoe (Green Goblin), Alfred Molina (Doc Ock), Thomas Haden Church (Sandman), Jamie Foxx (Electro), and Rhys Ifans (Dr. Curtis Connor) all had fabulous performances within No Way Home and gave audiences a chance to see the original villains back in all of their glory.
Overall, Spider-Man: No Way Home has definitely been worth the wait. As it has been confirmed by Marvel and Sony Pictures, Spider-Man’s story will continue in a new trilogy, and based on No Way Home, his story is only just getting started. Marvel did a phenomenal job with this new MCU entry and it was great to see them pay homage to the Spider-Man stories that started it all. Make sure to go see Spider-Man: No Way Home in theatres now, and make sure to stay after to see the post credit scenes that are sure to leave you in shock.