342. Spider-man - No Way Home; movie review

 

 

SPIDER-MAN - NO WAY HOME

Cert 12A

148 mins

BBFC advice: Contains moderate violence, threat

It's already taken more than any other film except James Bond at the British box office and our kids are eulogising about it.

So, it was essential that we made space for Spider-man No Way Home before the end of the year.

And, despite the predictable smashing to rubble of swathes of New York, it has enough points of difference to make the outing worthwhile.

Unfortunately, I cannot be more specific because I would be guilty of a giant spoiler.

Anyway, the movie runs straight on from Far From Home with Spidey (Tom Holland) framed for the killing of Mysterio and being named as the alter-ego of teenager Peter Parker.

Peter and his girlfriend (Zendaya), best friend (Jacob Batalon) and aunt (Marisa Tomei) are questioned by the authorities over Spider-man's activities but escape jail because crimes cannot be pinned on them.

Sadly, however, the young people's hopes of university places are blighted by their involvement with the damaged superhero.

Thus, he goes to his new friend, Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to see if he can right the wrongs of the recent past but chaos ensues when Parker interferes in Strange's complicated spell.

I know how important the nuances of Marvel films are to their fans, so I shall reveal no more of what happens for the ensuing two hours.

I will simply add that, in my opinion, the movie follows a fairly humdrum path until a moment that literally made the audience at Nottingham Cineworld gasp.

Thereafter, Jon Watts' film grabs hard.

Meanwhile, I was very taken with the way that Holland has developed Spider-man, showing an admirable range of emotions.

I could make comments on the contributions of other surprise cast members but mum's the word.

Reasons to watch: A superior Marvel movie

Reasons to avoid: Ridiculous amounts of building smashing

Laughs: One

Jumps: One

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Did you know? Marisa Tomei spoiled the ending for her therapists because she was unable to handle the stress of keeping the spoilers to herself. Fortunately, they were bound by confidentiality.

The final word. Tom Holland: "I think what’s really exciting is to see how nervous he was on his first go-around with the Avengers in Captain America: Civil War, to then how confident he was in the final battle in Avengers: Endgame. And to now, in Spider-Man: No Way Home, having the confidence to just go and knock on Doctor Strange’s door and sort of say, “I need a favour, mate, can you help me out?” Coming Soon

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