By Faith Smith

The first film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe “Spider-Man” trilogy, “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” starring Tom Holland (“Onward”), was released July 7, 2017. The trilogy started off good, but  on a safe note. It was unsurprising and even a little choppy at times, but never bad. 

“Homecoming’s” sequel, “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” saw the trilogy step out of its comfort zone. It was quite entertaining and had a great pace to it. Not to mention the iconic revelation at the end.

Finally, the film that everyone has been waiting for. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” greatly exceeds expectations. This 2 hour and 28 minute film is the best of the franchise.

Fans likely have felt they have been waiting forever for “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” So, rest assured, it is definitely worth the harrowing long wait. 

This movie had an abundance of hype connected to it, and much like other movies, it could have quickly flopped. That is not the case for “No Way Home,” which lives up to the hype. 

The movie picks up immediately where the jaw-dropping end credit scene from the previous film, “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” left off. Fans will not be disappointed by the continuation of the storyline.

Holland is perfect in his latest swing as Peter Parker, a.k.a Spider-Man. With expectations having been the most noteworthy they have ever been for a Marvel project, and with his off-screen romance in the air with co-star Zendaya (“The Greatest Showman”) in the spotlight, the actor gave the best  performance of his young, yet storied, career. 

Holland’s home run as Spider-Man is presently not the “Mr. Stark, I don’t feel so good” moment seen in “Avengers: Infinity War.” It is his marvelous, widely inclusive evolution from a campy to broken superhero that wonderfully sets up a satisfying end to the film and trilogy.

Holland is emotionally brilliant in depicting Parker as being driven and inspired by the love he has for his family and friends and playing to that love as the equivalent of his torment in later scenes. 

Aside from the incredible acting, the cinematography, song choices, sound effects and storyline were absolute gold. 

Do not be put off by the fast, choppy pacing at the beginning of the picture. It remained longer than needed but allows the audience to feel things in a more visceral fashion when the screws come loose.

“No Way Home” might have seemed like the end of Holland’s run as our friendly neighborhood, Spider-Man, but do not worry. Marvel Studios President, Kevin Feige, has confirmed that a fourth “Spider-Man” film is already in active development with Sony Pictures.

Image from Sony Pictures Entertainment via YouTube