Spider-Man: No Way Home Blu-ray Review
“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is a crowd pleasing comic book movie.
Having directed the previous 2 excellent Spider-Man films, director Jon Watts returned to helm his biggest Spidey movie yet with “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Set directly after the events of “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Peter Parker/Spider-Man finds his life falling apart after Mysterio reveals his true identity to the world while also wrongfully accusing him of crimes. Peter’s life isn’t the only one affected as both MJ and Ned are affected (especially in terms of their future college plans). A desperate Peter turns to Doctor Strange for help. Strange casts a spell to make everyone forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man, but the spell goes sideways after Peter interferes with it. As a result, people from other universes that know Spider-Man’s identity begin to appear in the vicinity including Green Goblin, Lizard, Doc Ock, Electro and Sandman. Eventually, the 2 previous Peter Parker Spider-Men also get mixed up in these events. Now, Peter and his allies must correct matters and stabilize the multiverse before it’s too late.
It may have been the world’s worst kept secret, but seeing Tom Holland, Andrew Garfield, and Tobey Maguire is the real draw of “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Yes, the 3 Spider-Man actors are actually on screen together and, to be honest, that is the greatest joy of this movie. In fact, you’re left wanting more of their interactions together because those moments were so delightful and emotional. Is it fan service? Absolutely, but it’s fan service done right.
On the subject of Andrew Garfield, he steals the movie 100%. Let’s be real, both Garfield and Jamie Foxx were saddled with average Spider-Man movies despite their obvious talents. Not only does ‘No Way Home’ redeem them both, but it gives their characters the proper treatment they deserved. Electro is a more layered character while Garfield’s Spider-Man is charming, troubled, and haunted by his past. Garfield also has the single best moment of this movie (you’ll know it when you see it). It would not be surprising to me if we see Andrew Garfield (and Tobey Maguire) again in a future movie.
As for the rest of the cast, everyone is on point here. Tom Holland continues to be the best Spider-Man/Peter Parker we’ve seen. Zendaya gives her best performance in the MCU here as MJ. Not only is she more proactive in this story, but she has some of the best lines. It’s been 14 years since we last saw Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, but he has no problem stepping back into the role. Rhys Ifans as Lizard and Thomas Haden Church as Sandman are both solid (albeit shortchanged), but Willem Dafoe and Alfred Molina are fantastic in their reprisals of Green Goblin and Doc Ock. Jacob Batalon continues to shine as Ned, Benedict Cumberbatch has fully made Dr. Strange his own, and Marisa Tomei gives a truly heartfelt performance as Aunt May. Last, but certainly not least, it was an absolute blast to finally see Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock in the MCU. More of him, please.
At the end of the day, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” may be a satisfying cinematic experience, but the script by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers isn’t without its shortcomings. To be fair, it’s a challenge for any writer to create a story that manages to balance so many characters. The 2 writers do a tremendous job in doing so, but there’s some elements that don’t quite work. For me, it was a bit strange not to see a villain from Tom Holland’s era. Granted, there was enough going on here, but it feels like Vulture or even Mysterio should have been included. Mysterio was apparently even included in pre-production.
Speaking of the villains, it seemed a bit odd that the story revolved around curing them and essentially retconning their deaths. Yes, the plot was all about second chances (as the dialogue not so subtly proclaims), but the concept of fixing villains is a bit hard to swallow.
The action set pieces are also generally a bit flat. With the exception of the climactic Statue of Liberty sequence with all 3 Spider-Man characters (which is downright perfect), the other set pieces felt a bit too small and not so creative. It’s a minor quibble, but it felt like some of the set pieces should have been bigger since this was such an event film.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a nice pristine hi-def print. Note: This title is also available on 4K.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Although I’m surprised a higher quality audio track wasn’t included here, the 5.1 track is still satisfactory (especially during the action sequences).
Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* An amusing 4 minute blooper/gag reel.
* “Action Choreography Across The Multiverse”- A featurette on George Cottle and team’s fight choreography and stunt work.
* “A Spectacular Spider-Journey With Tom Holland”- An extra about Tom Holland’s tenure as Spider-Man. Interviews with Holland and others are included.
* “Realities Collide, Spiders Unite” is all about the 3 Spideys.
* “Graduation Day” covers the characters of MJ, Ned, and Flash. Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews are included.
* “Enter Strange”- A featurette on Doctor Strange and his part in this sequel.
* “Weaving Jon Watts’ Web” revolves around the director and his journey in making the 3 Spidey films.
* “Alternate Reality Easter Eggs” points out some things you may have missed.
* “A Multiverse Of Miscreants” is an extra about the villains featured in this sequel.
* “A Meeting Of The Spiders- Heroes Panel”- A conversation between Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Easily the best extra here.
* “The Sinister Summit- Villains Panel”- Much like the above extra, this is a conversation between Jamie Foxx, Alfred Molina, and Willem Dafoe.
* “The Daily Bugle”- 3 full J. Jonah Jameson segments titled “Spider-Menace Strikes Again,” “Web Of Lies,” and “Spider Sycophant.”
* Stunt Scene Pre-Vis for the Apartment Fight and Shield Fight.
* 3 Theatrical Marketing Materials featuring a Georgia Promo, Tom’s Press Tour and a Tom and Jacob Lie Detector.
* Sony trailers
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