THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS OF THE DISCUSSED FILM. READERS DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
When producer Kevin Feige decided to continue making more stories for the MCU after Avengers: Endgame, I wished the best of luck because I assumed it would take another decade to make something as great as that. And surprisingly, it didn’t take too long to get there.
PLOT
Spider-Man: No Way Home takes place immediately where Far From Home left off. Peter Parker is framed for murdering Mysterio, attacking London with drones and his vigilante persona is revealed to the public. Despite being investigated by the Department of Damage Control, his lawyer Matt Murdock is able to drop the charges, yet the public still generally approaches him negatively, especially TheDailyBugle.net host J. Jonah Jameson. His girlfriend Michelle Jones ‘MJ’ Watson and best friend Ned Leeds lose their chances of being accepted by MIT due to their relationships with him. Flash Thompson (Tony Revolori) on the other hand takes advantage of Peter’s crisis by pretending to be his friend when he was actually his bully. So he goes to Doctor Stephen Strange to cast a spell where everyone in the world will forget he’s Spider-Man. He accidentally botches the spell when requesting at the last minute for MJ, Ned, his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and Howard ‘Happy’ Hogan (Jon Favreau) to know. Because of this, Strange contains it before it could destroy the universe. Peter then decides to meet the MIT Assistant Vice Chancellor (Paula Newsome) to reconsider offering a spot for MJ & Ned. She only agrees after he saves her from a villain he’s never met before, Otto Octavius/Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina), a scientist who lost control of his mechanical arms. He is able to defeat him by using his nanotechnology suit, the Iron Spider, to control his arms. He does briefly see another villain, Norman Osborn/Green Goblin, a fellow scientist and CEO of Oscorp Industries from his universe, who gained a super strong and evil second personality after experimenting on a performance enhancing drug. Before the conflict could continue, Strange brings Parker and Otto back to the Sanctum Sanctorum. He explains that the botched spell brought people from other universes that want to kill Spider-Man. The sorcerer himself was able to find another villain on his own and capture him, a giant lizard formerly known as Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans). The plan is to get all the villains together and take them all back at once. With the help of MJ & Ned, Parker are able to capture two more multiversal threats: Max Dillon/ Electro (Jamie Foxx) who lives off of electricity after failing in a pool of electric eels, and Flint Marko/Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) whose body is made up of sand after falling into a super collider as a result of evading authorities. Parker is able to find Norman as well at a FEAST building May works at, who is battling his split personality that is the Goblin. When he brings him to the Sanctum, the villains converse and point out some of them have been pulled at certain points in time before dying, as a result of fighting Spider-Man. When Strange returns, he plans to have a magical box called the ‘Macchina di Kadavus’, which will act as a kill switch to return the villains at once. Peter quickly decides to take the box from him, in hopes to cure them from their powers and insanity, to prevent them from dying upon their returns. He is able to trap Strange in the Mirror Dimension, steal his sling ring and give the box to MJ & Ned, while he takes the villains to Hogan’s apartment. There, he uses Stark Tech to help them. He makes a new inhibitor chip for Otto to regain control of his arms and his conscious, while making a power dampener for Electro so he doesn’t have to constantly consume electricity to survive. The Goblin personality takes over Norman, encouraging the others to embrace their powers and betray Spider-Man. As the others leave, Otto is taken down by Electro. Spider-Man fights the Green Goblin and when May attempts to intervene, she gets hit with the glider. When he throws a bomb at her, Spider-Man tries to stop it, but she gets mortally wounded from its shrapnel. As Hogan buys him some time by getting arrested, Jameson takes advantage of the event to worsen the hero’s image. As MJ & Ned wait on when to reunite with Peter, the latter uses the sling ring to open a portal and find him, only to find two variants of him that come from similar universes the villains originate. They do find him and share their experience of personal loss. When he recalls how her aunt’s last words were “With great power comes great responsibility” and that he did the right thing trying to help the villains, they encourage him to fight for her own honor so that she wouldn’t have died for nothing. After they work together to make cures for the other four villains, they fight them all at the Statue of Liberty that is in the process of being redesigned with Captain America’s shield. With Otto’s help, they are able to cure Electro, Lizard & Sandman. Strange is able to get out of the Mirror Dimension and take the box back to hit the switch, but Goblin destroys it before he could do so, which results in the multiverse being at the brink of collapsing as other variants are all coming for Peter at once. Once the Spider-Men are able to cure Norman too, Peter requests to enchant a new spell where everyone will forget he ever existed, which will also prevent the collapse. He gives a heads up to MJ & Ned, promising to find them again before it happens. After Strange enchants the spell, no one remembers Peter at all and the variants return to their respected universes. Afterwards, during the holiday season, Peter is unable to restart his relationships with his loved ones. He then carries on with his new life by living in a single room apartment and continue his duty as a superhero with a new handmade suit. The film ends with a mid credit scene where a variant of Eddie Brock returns to his universe as well, but a piece of his alien symbiote Venom is left behind.
THOUGHTS
As of writing this, I have lived to see three generations of Spider-Man to be seen onscreen, seeing each adaptation of the character in theaters since 2004’s Spider-Man 2 (I wasn’t old enough to see 2002’s Spider-Man at the time theatrically). So getting the opportunity to see this particular film in theaters, I’d have to quote the trolley kid from The Incredibles once again when I say “That was totally wicked!”. Director Jon Watts had the biggest responsibility that was making an essential chapter to the MCU, while also concluding a trilogy on a high note for Spider-Man, something that hadn’t been done since the 2000s. He is able to do just that and then some by making it a nostalgic trip worth the ride. Due to the usual blend of practical and visual effects, each fight scene was spectacular to witness. Going from the bridge fight, to the mirror dimension, to Happy's apartment, all the way to the Lady Liberty climax, I will have a hard time finding people who say they didn’t enjoy at least one of them. This one is pretty effective because this is the one that is most effective in expressing how with great power comes great responsibility. We all want to be as responsible as we think we are, but we all have to remember that there are always consequences when the decisions we think are wise get derailed. And if we don't take responsibility, maturity will be nonexistent. Once you step up and do what is necessary, you have truly grown. This is accurately shown in the perspective of Tom Holland's portrayal of Peter Parker (Peter 1) who gives his best performance of the young hero to date. This is a version who gets the most backlash and has to deal with it all at once. He tried his best to be cautious, but gets carried away when trying to make things easier, which only makes it worse. Despite losing it all, he remains a strong willed character because none of it breaks his mentality of selflessness. It is difficult to see him on his own with no advantages, but it's important for him to be in that position because it will make him appreciate it more than ever, before the possibility of getting it back happens. He wanted to save the villains in the first place because it was an opportunity he couldn't get when it came to Tony Stark. Losing his mentor still crushed him and this was an attempt to feel redeemed, until shit hit the fan harder than he anticipated. He was wise to not restart with MJ because he couldn't risk nor bare putting her in danger again. All of this again makes me look up to the character because I don’t see myself making the same decisions as him. Now that Parker is gone and he is only Spider-Man, you can only hope that things could only get better for him. Although he goes through a lot of baggage, he is not going through it alone. It wasn't a best kept secret that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Maguire would return to play their respected versions of the iconic web slinger. It was obvious for it to happen since if the villains were returning, it made sense for the heroes that made them to come back as well. Nevertheless, it was great to see them in general and the buildup was worth it. Since this is still Holland's movie, they don't overshadow him, yet still get enough depth to wrap up their arcs appropriately. Maguire (Peter 2) is easily the wisest of the three since he went through a trilogy ringer of his own. He easily gives the best advice that revenge doesn't make the pain go away. He spares the Green Goblin because that was his own act of redemption, as saving him was something he couldn't do before and if he had that opportunity long before, he would've not had bad blood with his best friend Harry Osborn. It also reminded me when his Aunt May told him how no one decides who lives or dies. Garfield (Peter 3) makes the most of it as well because while still being as experienced as the others, he becomes more mature than he was before. Even he teaches Peter 1 to not lose his will. He also felt the most youthful as he couldn't help but bond with his variants of how similar they are. In the end, he made his biggest mark by saving MJ from falling, finally redeeming himself from something he sadly couldn't get to do with the love of his life, Gwen Stacy. Since the older variants survived, I do hope that they continue to remain on the right path they've been on and continue to spread hope to their respected universes. While seeing three generations of Spider-Man is the biggest talk of the film, they're not the only characters that keep it interesting. Transitioning as the franchise’s new anchor, Benedict Cumberbatch gives another good performance as Doctor Strange. He is a new mentor to Peter 1, who teaches the latter that sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, something he definitely took notice of when encountering Thanos. Once that is understood, the second spell is made. He did not want the villains to die, but knew something had to be done to avoid things to worsen. And he was hesitant to cast the second spell because he respected Spider-Man too much for becoming as selfless as him. Hopefully, these two will reunite on better circumstances if possible. Ned & MJ are still able to mark in this multiversal madness because both Jacob Batalon & Zendaya are able to show them as the most caring figures remaining in the life of Peter 1. Despite being socially awkward, both express their own form of intelligence that was helpful throughout. Hope is not lost for MJ to remember who her Peter is since she still has the damaged necklace he gave her. The same can be said for Ned because while he doesn’t remember Peter either, he still remembers helping Spider-Man, which is something I hope is capitalized in the future. While it was great to see villains from the past return, there were two in particular that made the best of it more than the others. The first of which is the unlikely J. Jonah Jameson. JK Simmons remains as cynical as before in Sam Raimi’s trilogy, but only dials it up as the story progresses. You start hating this guy as he seems to enjoy seeing Spider-Man cornered, still mistaking him to be in the wrong. When he gives a speech of how reckless he is after May’s death, it is heartbreaking because you’re uncertain on who is right in the conversation as he can come off right at that point. Since he still remembers Spider-Man, the altitude of hatred will only remain the same from here. The biggest mark goes to Willem Dafoe, who becomes only ten times more terrifying as Green Goblin, compared to his first outing 19 years prior. Since Norman is just as helpless as before, the unstable and sadistic Goblin takes control to spread the same chaos as done in his universe. He starts by mentally breaking Spider-Man (Peter 1) because he knows he can. Seeing how he laughs maniacally when being punched only proves that he was succeeding. Luckily, it wasn’t as permanent as he hoped and the monster inside was rid of. With Norman gaining control again, I do hope things get back on track for him rather than have a continuing downfall. Last but not least, I thought Tom Hardy’s Venom cameo was clever, making me glad he wasn’t in the climactic battle because it would’ve been forced and misplaced. Since a piece of the symbiote is left behind, you can only imagine how chaotic it’s gonna get depending on who becomes the next host. Although I will always adore this movie for what it’s done, it doesn’t excuse some issues I caught when rewatching. Like for instance, how did anyone in Midtown High believe that Flash was friends with Spider-Man? Everyone including Betty Brandt (Angourice Rice) knows damn well that he was a bully, which makes it infuriating that no one said anything. It’s more stupid than the fact that he wrote an entire book of his fake relationship with Spider-Man in less than a year. Ned & MJ get an excuse because Peter likely would’ve not wanted them to make a fuss about it. If his bleached hair implies that it did take a year, than please confirm that. And isn’t it a little abusive for the college admission system to reject people connected to Spider-Man. But in that film’s climate, they should’ve put in some consideration of how cool it’d be to have a superhero in their college. They’re really messing up their clout by rejecting Ned & MJ, the best of friends Peter could ever ask for, while accepting the liar Flash is, whether or not they see through him. I never thought I had to question the power of the mystic arts, but since when did Wong (Benedict Wong) need to open a portal from just a thought? I ask this because his hands full on his way out and I don’t see Strange opening it for him. You could say it’s off of how he has more training than him, but I don’t buy that. If it was one of the students that were unnecessarily picking up the snow at the Sanctum, then that should’ve been clear as well. I say its unnecessary for them to pick up snow because Strange could’ve done another spell to get rid of it. I do respect the tension to build up the introduction of Peter’s variants, but how was there no news report that there was a second Spider-Man? Peter 3 was in costume the whole time, so it’s odd that Ned & MJ didn’t catch that on the news before they meet him. I know the movie relies on Peter 1 constantly messing up, but why didn’t he consider a spell in which Mysterio didn’t exist? If that were the case, there would be no controversy towards Spider-Man. And while it is mostly his fault, there has to be partial blame on Strange as well because he should’ve consulted him about how the spell would’ve worked. All he had to do was ask him who he would’ve wanted to remember him and from there, the spell would never have been botched. Or he could’ve just stopped the spell immediately once Peter 1 started making his exceptions on who he wanted to remember him. It was even pretty convenient to bring him and Otto back to the Sanctum, but how did he not capture Green Goblin as well? He could’ve used another portal to get him. I also respect Peter 1 for being cautious about fighting the villains because he worries it could worsen his image, depending on the damage that can get made in the process. But since he saved the Vice Chancellor, he should know that would strengthen his case even more. I was satsified to see Charlie Cox return as Matt Murdock, because it confirms Daredevil and the other Netflix produced Marvel shows to be canon, but am I the only one wondering where was Karen & Foggy at? I can’t help but wonder since the abrupt/anticlimactic finale showed them start a new form together. They defended the Punisher together, so fingers crossed we see them again. It is pretty convenient for Ned to have magic in him all along, but how come he doesn’t practice it in between? It would’ve things a little earlier during the climax. And how the hell does Connors know who Electro was? Max was an outcast in Oscorp, so it’s hard to believe he remembered how he looked before he got his powers. It even felt odd how Max never said anything when he saw a variant of his boss Norman. That should’ve blown his mind like how he got his body back. I understand that Strange only exposits the purpose of the box for the sake of the audience to know what’s going on, but did he need to explain it to Parker? All he had to do is press the button and the problem would be quickly solved. I do respect that Peter 1 cures the villains for the sake of a second chance, but does Otto die again? The other villains will likely go to jail, but Otto got pulled right before his original sacrifice to drown with his fusion reactor. If he has to go through that still, then that sucks big time, especially since the Goblin severed one of his arms. It is kinda funny that Lizard chose to stay in the truck, but why would Peter 1 allow that to happen unattended? That‘s the bigger gamble than letting four villains into your home. I thought it was funny to see the three Peters to converse on how different they are and reference more iconic moments from the past, but wouldn’t it be cooler if we got to head Peter 2 & 3 talk about fought their own versions of Vulture or Mysterio? Wouldve been a clever way to talk about what could’ve been. And lastly, I gasped the loudest when Peter 2 got stabbed from behind, but how the hell did he not sense it? His spider sense/Peter tingle was on point during the majority of the climax, so how’d he not sense what the Goblin was gonna do? It’s not like he was going through another existential crisis. Other than that, this movie is still a blast for what it is. In conclusion, Spider-Man: No Way Home is another superhero masterpiece for satisfying every generation at once with its nostalgic energy. Whichever kind of fan you identify, I assure you that you will be satisfied either way.
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