Let’s not beat around the bush: it’s almost impossible to talk about this movie without spoilers. Anything I write here will barely even scratch the surface of the film, purely because saying too much would ruin the entire thing for anyone who’s not seen it. On that note, a lot of people have already seen this movie. It only came out 5 days ago, yet it has amassed $587,000,000 at the box office already. That’s by far and away the biggest hit since the pandemic started, and it’s only in its first week of screenings! It’s safe to say, again, that a lot of people have seen this movie. Nevertheless, I’m trying my best to avoid spoilers anyway.
Spider-Man: Far From Home is the final film in the Tom Holland trilogy of MCU Spider-Man movies. But you all knew that. At the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter Parker’s identity was revealed to New York City and the world by his most recent adversary, Mysterio (played by Jake Gyllenhaal). The basic plot of No Way Home details what Peter does to reverse this identity reveal, helped by his old friend, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch). As you’d expect, the whole thing goes horrifically wrong, and Peter finds himself in even more trouble than he had bargained for.
That’s literally all I can say. And judging by that last paragraph, I’ve told you nothing you won’t have already known from the trailer… but I’m doing my best, okay?!
I will say this, though. A much grittier, darker movie than the other MCU Spidey outings, No Way Home will please super fans, that’s for sure. But was it my favourite of all three? Actually, no. It seems from early reviews that I may be alone in that assessment, but I stand by it.
Again, it’s hard to really get deep into any criticisms or praises without moseying into spoiler territory but I will say this: I really enjoyed the second half of this movie. The first half – whilst it did have many good things within it – just didn’t quite grip me as much as I wanted it to. The second? It had everything! Big, brash superhero fight sequences, emotional tearjerker moments, a bounty of Marvel references… it was truly really great. It’s just that I enjoyed Homecoming from start to finish and therefore I consider it to be my favourite of the Holland trilogy.
Visually, No Way Home has some brilliant special effects, with 97% of them being spectacular. What got me the most? Michael Giacchino’s score. He’s been one of my favourite composers since 2009’s Up, and his work on the previous Spider-Man films was excellent too. However, this one just felt all the more triumphant, with plenty of gusto to entertain your ears as much as the visuals will entertain your eyes.
I have to give (even more) credit where it’s due: there are some really good performances here. Tom Holland specifically gets super intense in this one and brings something different to his past appearances as Peter. The star of the show? Alfred Molina. That dude is a genius. He’s the perfect Otto Octavius and may be the best piece of casting in the MCU, which is no mean feat since MCU casting is generally impeccable. And I don’t think I’ve spoiled anything by mentioning him either since he was front-and-centre in the trailers…
So why wasn’t this my favourite? I don’t know. The first half had me feeling a little empty in all honesty. It was entertaining enough, don’t get me wrong, and I loved all the stuff with Doctor Strange, but there was a lot of build-up going on that I just wish was hurried along a little more.
To summarise it all in one sentence? An ode to fan service. But you know what? That was actually kind of the best bit about it.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is available in almost all UK cinemas.
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The Quayside Review 