No Way Home has undoubtedly been the most hyped movie of the year. Probably the most hyped movie since Endgame released back in 2019. But hype can be a dangerous and deceiving thing. Often, audiences leave the theater with their hopes doused by the reality of a movie that couldn’t live up to their expectations. However, in the case of Spider-Man: No Way Home, I’m here to tell you this… believe the hype.
Tom Holland’s run in the MCU has been a strong one. After first appearing in Captain America: Civil War, Holland went on to appear in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame while also receiving his own solo trilogy. The third film in that trilogy, No Way Home, picks up immediately following the events of Far From Home. Spider-Man’s identity has been revealed, and as a result, his life is in shambles. That’s really all you need to know going into this movie. Marvel, in typical fashion, has held the plot points and details close to the vest. Doing their best to keep their secrets and keep theatergoers guessing.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to shift throughout phase four, the films and stories are becoming more ambitious. That was certainly true for Eternals, love it or hate it. And it is absolutely true for No Way Home. This is the largest scale adventure that our favorite wall-crawler has experienced thus far. It’s his darkest, as well. For the first time on the big screen, Spider-Man’s identity is exposed. The repercussions of the revelation cause a ripple effect that spans further than Peter could have possibly anticipated. It’s that revelation, delivered by Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) to the world in his final moments of life (allegedly), that drives the plot.
MJ (Zendaya) plays a much larger role in No Way Home. Joining Peter’s best friend and official “guy in a chair,” Ned (Jacob Batalon), with a more hands-on approach. The relationship between Peter and MJ is one that’s been handled perfectly. Never rushed. Never forced. Slowly growing into a romantic bond that feels genuine and real. The connection between Holland and Zendaya is undeniable. Their natural chemistry spills onto the screen and into their characters
Phase four is building the Multiverse to be the focal point of this new story arc. Following the events of Loki and coming right before Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, places Spider-Man square in the center of it all. It’s a major leap for the franchise, but a necessary one following the conclusion of the Infinity Saga. There are threats in the MCU bigger than Thanos, and Marvel is preparing to bring them in.
No Way Home spins a web of action, adventure, joy, and tears. It is an experience that Spider-Man fans around the world will rejoice in. One that demands to be seen on the big screen and demands to be seen more than once. 9/10
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