The best of the three MCU Spider-Mans (just to clarify) has nostalgia, laughs, and emotions.

When we last saw Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, the Jake Gyllenhaal villain Mysterio not only framed Spider-Man for his crimes, but also exposed his real identity to the world. For the past two years, until I saw the trailer for “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” I was expecting it to be another “Fugitive” rip-off like “Taken 3” or “Angel Has Fallen,” both of which were horrible.

But instead, it wants to do what “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” did, tackle on the Spider-Verse. That’s why we have Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield as the first two live-action Spider-Mans, JK Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson, Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus, Willem Dafoe’s Green Goblin, Thomas Haden Church’s Sandman, Rhys Ifans’ Lizard, and Jamie Foxx’s Electro-all from the last two live-action “Spider-Man” franchises-appearing in the MCU. It’s really exciting, and yet emotional, and there’s more than meets the eye. That’s when your Spidey Sense really start tingling.

Ever since Mysterio threw Spider-Man under the bus, he’s been pressured by people who are fans of his work or protestors who believe Mysterio’s lies. Because his friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) know his superhero life, neither they or he can get accepted into MIT. Unless Peter can convince Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to erase the world’s memories of his identity. When Peter tampers with the spell, so that only his friends remember him, that’s when the multiverse kicks in.

The story becomes challenging and emotional, as it deals with loss and choices. Even I was curious how it would all pay off, and where it will lead. I’d rather not spoil it for you, so you can save the “No Spoilers” comments on Facebook.

This is the part where you say: “You just spoiled the cameos,” but the trailers and media reports beat me to it, so save your breath. Plus, you’re actually hoping you get to see them, and you do.

But it’s also able to have a sense of humor and nostalgia to make audiences clapping and laughing. It’s honest and energetic, and even though it can be overwhelming sometimes, you’re still having fun with how this MCU movie is able to toy with the other non-MCU “Spider-Man” franchises.

All three “Spider-Man” movies were directed by Jon Watts, who allows the title hero to have his laughs and heart, and guides Holland with the right sense of youth and spirit. Zendaya and Batalon both continue to have their levities and serenities, while Marisa Tomei as Aunt May has her positive messages, and Cumberbatch keeps his deadpan attitude and intelligence both in tack as Doctor Strange. Even the heroes and villains from the other trilogies have their moments.

I was expecting the opening to be irritable what with the protestors and accusers, but it isn’t, and I’m relieved. It’s not another ripoff of “The Fugitive,” but rather another “Spider-Verse” movie with great special effects and the faithfulness it requires. But there’s also a truth behind the fans service that really keeps you involved and supportive.

I hope you know that I meant when I said: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is the best of the three MCU movies, not the best “Spider-Man” franchise of all time. I enjoyed all three franchises for how they express the Marvel hero in their own lights. Even the animated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” deserved to be on my Best of 2018 list, and I’m excited for the sequel.

For now, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” has its heart in the right place, more so than you’d expect. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.

Categories: Action, Adventure, comedy, Fantasy, Sci Fi, Sequel