Spider-Man: No Way Home

Best MCU Spidey. That's the headline and I'm not walking it back.

Picks up right where Far From Home left off, and the story is written so damn well. Peter's emotional journey actually lands. It's not just setup for the next punch-out; you feel him wrestling with the mess his life has become, and the movie takes it seriously. This all could not have happened without Dr. Strange.

The callback villains are amazing.

The council of Peters. I love it. That's all I'll say because I'm keeping this spoiler-free, but if you know, you know, and if you don't, you're in for a treat.

The callback villains are amazing. Full stop. Bringing them back could've been a cheap nostalgia grab, but it works because the movie earns it. Every one of them shows up with purpose.

The trio is great again. Their chemistry has been the backbone of these movies from day one, and it's on full display here. The ending? It had to happen. Doesn't mean I have to like it. It's the kind of ending that sits with you after the credits roll, and mine did.

Saw this in a theater with the kids and it was the right call. Some movies play better with a crowd, and this is one of them. The energy in the room hit different during the big moments.

Way better than I expected going in, and I was already expecting a lot. Of the three MCU Spider-Mans, this is the one. It's not close.

Stuck with me. Still is.