Spider-Man: Does No Way Home Retain Its Magic through Multiple Viewings?

Marvel's hype appears to be fading. The initial excitement of seeing beloved characters on the big screen has waned. The cinematic universe is no longer experimental, and unsuccessful attempts have dampened enthusiasm for the concept. Simply relying on the brand name is not enough for MCU films to thrive. Spider-Man: No Way Home was an extraordinary event that made the experience unforgettable, although it slightly diminished the enjoyment of watching it at home.

The decline of the home video market has been discussed as a blow to movie studios. Despite still earning billions, failure to surpass previous quarter earnings is perceived as a setback. With streaming services impacting movie sales, each project must recoup its costs at the box office. This drives the need for every movie to become a notable event. No Way Home serves as a highly memorable example of this approach.

What still works in Spider-Man: No Way Home

The Spider-Men

The main selling point of the film was the inclusion of all three live-action Spider-Men. Rumored for years, their presence on screen was nothing short of spectacular. It was particularly enjoyable to see Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield back in their Spider-Man suits, as their respective franchises had concluded on a somber note. The true delight, however, came from witnessing the unique interactions between the three versions of Peter Parker. Tobey's portrayal showcased a more mature and experienced Peter, while Andrew's Peter appeared unexpectedly emotionally vulnerable. Tom's Peter, on the other hand, maintained the wide-eyed enthusiasm and excitement typical of someone who has been longing to connect with someone who shares similar experiences since acquiring his powers. The heartwarming friendship that develops among the three ultimately culminates in the simple, yet profoundly satisfying, pleasure of teamwork. It is worth noting that even though the inclusion of all three Spider-Men could have simply served as a marketing tactic, the exceptional writing ensures that Peter, Peter, and Peter's dynamic is compelling every time.

The Villains

The returning villains, alongside the Spider-Men, delivered exceptional performances. Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Electro, while hindered by a terrible script in the past, becomes much more captivating in his appearance in No Way Home. Alfred Molina's rendition of Otto Octavius was outstanding in 2004 and remains just as impressive in 2021. Villains who were initially weak were given a fresh opportunity to shine. Even adversaries that are often mentioned in retrospectives were able to showcase their potential once again. Although a film with five foes can't allocate enough screen time for each one, No Way Home effectively addresses and showcases every enemy they bring back.

The Action

The battle sequence between Doctor Strange and Spider-Man often goes unnoticed by fans but is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable fight scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Unexpectedly appearing in the second act of No Way Home, this particular scene showcases Spider-Man's exceptional combat skills. Throughout the film, every encounter offers a visually stunning display of Spider-Man's agility and prowess, taking full advantage of the diverse range of movements made possible by the cast. Although not as diverse as the battles in Infinity War or Endgame, No Way Home consistently presents captivating moments that would seamlessly integrate into those grand-scale events. Watching Peter Parker, an endlessly captivating character, is truly a treat. His powers are both unique and visually compelling, retaining a tangible impact without veering into abstract concepts. With a handful of outstanding action sequences, No Way Home manages to recreate the thrill of experiencing it for the very first time.

What doesn't hold up in Spider-Man: No Way Home

The Cameos

Introducing characters from different corners of the MCU and beyond might seem like a good idea, but the way they appear on screen can be problematic. The problem lies in the loud and awkward applause that interrupts their first appearance. One particularly jarring example occurs when Andrew Garfield's Peter Parker enters Ned's house through a portal. He takes off his mask and stands there in silence, creating an extremely uncomfortable moment that feels like it lasts forever. It's surprising that no one says anything. This moment was already a bit too much in a theater, but watching it at home only emphasizes the fact that the film was primarily made for a different audience. It's definitely a rough moment.

The Ending

The conclusion of No Way Home is widely regarded as the weakest aspect of the film. While some viewers may notice the issue upon their initial viewing, it becomes glaringly obvious upon subsequent watches. The perplexing question arises: why does Peter Parker find it necessary to erase his identity in order to resolve the multiverse dilemma? This decision lacks both narrative and emotional coherence. It mirrors the controversial comic book event known as One More Day, wherein Parker struck a deal with the devil that entailed the erasure of his marriage. In both instances, the writers seemingly struggled with the newly established status quo, prompting them to contrive an absurd rationale for its alteration. The treatment of MJ within the film is particularly egregious, as it undermines her character and casts Peter in a monstrous light. With each rewatch, the unfortunate truth becomes ever clearer - this woeful conclusion is driven by profit-driven motives, leaving behind the unfortunate consequence of a once enjoyable movie deteriorating in its final moments. It is truly disheartening to witness such a promising film come to such a lackluster close, all in the name of two companies engaged in a battle over their beloved action figures.

Spider-Man: No Way Home remains one of the most captivating superhero films available. While revisiting the movie at home may not match the initial thrill of watching it in theaters, it is still exceptional. Consider organizing a Spider-Man marathon with your friends, complete with popcorn. Introduce those who have not seen it to their first experience with the film. Unfortunately, for those hoping to stream No Way Home on Disney+, it is not available. They will need to subscribe to Starz or pay a small fee to rent it. Nevertheless, Spider-Man: No Way Home guarantees an enjoyable viewing experience. Just remember to savor it in moderation, as there is no certainty about Peter's return.