Spider-Man: No Way Home is culmination, celebration of 20 years of Spider-Man

Ethan Glick, Co-Entertainment Editor

****SPOILER WARNING: IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN IT STOP READING****

 

After months of speculation, rumors and leaks, Spider-Man: No Way Home was released in theaters on Dec. 17. Prior to release it was confirmed that Alfred Molina, Willem Dafoe and Jamie Foxx would be reprising their roles from the previous Spider-Man iterations as Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin and Electro, respectively. 

For months leading up to the release, there were rumors that other characters would be returning from previous franchises, namely Tobey Maquire and Andrew Garfield as their respective Spider-Men. These rumors were vehemently denied again and again, especially by Garfield, who was doing press for Tick, Tick, Boom at the same time the Spider-Man cast was doing press. As you can imagine, this resulted in a constant barrage of questions that Garfield expertly avoided and navigated, denying the rumors in a way so convincing, people actually began to lose faith. However, all was revealed after the release of the film, and it’s true: both Spider-Men reprise their iconic roles along with other cameos that make the film one of the most mind-blowing cinematic experiences to come around in a while.

All of the actors turn in incredible performances, and Tom Holland brings a nice new depth to his version of the web slinger that fans haven’t seen before. There isn’t much that can be said negatively about the film. The action sequences are fantastic, the humorous bits actually get a laugh and the sad, melancholy moments will bring a tear to your eye.  

All the hard work that clearly went into this film has paid off, as Spider-Man: No Way Home currently sits at #6 on the list of highest-grossing films of all time. The film is the first since the beginning of the pandemic to show that the business of movies is still alive and well. The film was Marvel’s first time truly experimenting and utilizing the multiverse, and they pulled it off brilliantly.