You don’t have to understand quantum physics, string theory, nanotechnology or the multi-verse, but it might help you to better appreciate “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

The latest “Spider-Man” sequel is top-notch in all departments, from production design, to special effects, action scenes, fight sequences, dialogue and a screenplay that breathes life into the Marvel Comics characters.

It adds up to an entertaining superhero movie for the regular movie-goer and a delightful movie for Marvel fans.

There have been numerous movies in the “Spider-Man” series with several actors portraying the web-spinner, aka Peter Parker.

Tobey Maguire was in “Spider-Man” (2002), “Spider-Man 2” (2004) and “Spider-Man 3” (2007).

Andrew Garfield starred in “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012) and “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014).

Tom Holland is Spidey in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017), “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019) and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

There are plenty of twists and turns in the latest installment. There are unexpected plot developments, or at least they were unexpected to me. No spoilers here.

Suffice it to say that the movie’s closing credits include De La Soul’s “The Magic Number,” which samples “Three Is A Magic Number” from TV’s “Schoolhouse Rock!” (1971) by Bob Dorough (1923 - 2018), who resided in The Poconos.

“Spider-Man” is possibly the most popular superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, aka Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. The popularity of “Spider-Man” is because fans relate to Peter Parker’ teen-age perspective and problems.

Holland conveys the nervous insecurity of Peter Parker, a young man who rises to the challenge. He’s not unlike a high school football player who makes the big play. Holland has a likable screen presence. He displays vulnerability, an unassuming outlook and unabashed enthusiasm.

The latest film has a nice and deepening depiction of the relationship of Peter Parker and M.J., Michelle Jones-Watson (Zendaya). Zendaya projects the image of a strong, independent and smart young woman. Zendaya and Holland depict an adorable young couple.

Their sidekick, Ned (Jacob Batalon), is charming and humorous.

Marisa Tomei, as May, Peter Parker’s aunt, creates a steadfast presence. Jon Favreau has funny scenes as “Happy” Hogan. J.K. Simmons plays an obnoxious TV news show host.

Benedict Cumberbatch is solid as Dr. Strange. Anyone who can rock a cape in a film set in contemporary times has to be a very good actor.

Among the villains: Jamie Foxx (Max Dillon-Electro), Willem Dafoe (Norman Osborn-Green Goblin), Alfred Molina (Otto Octavius-Dr. Octopus) and Benedict Wong (Wong).

Jon Watts (director, “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) directs from a screenplay by Chris McKenna (screenplay, “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Erik Sommers (screenplay, “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”).

Watts achieves the right mix of action scenes and dialogue-driven character development.

The movie is based on the Marvel Comic books characters by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” tugs at the heartstrings, not unlike the web that Spidey spins. I found the movie’s conclusion to be very emotional.

The sense of home, of place, of belonging, is a powerful force. Perhaps it’s the super power of all super powers.

Just ask Peter Parker.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home,”

MPAA rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. Parents are urged to be cautious. Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.) for sequences of action, violence, some language and brief suggestive comments; Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Science-Fiction; Run Time: 2 hours, 28 minutes. Distributed by Columbia Pictures-Sony Pictures Releasing.

Credit Readers Anonymous:

Midway through the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” end credits, Tom Hardy (Eddie Brock-Venom) appears in a scene. He disappears, but leaves a trace. At the very end of the end credits, Benedict Cumberbatch (Dr. Strange) shows up in what is a preview of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.”

At The Movies:

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” was seen in the Dolby Theatre at AMC, AMC Center Valley 16, Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, Upper Saucon Township. Face masks are recommended for movie-goers.

Theatrical Movie Box Office,

Dec. 24-26: “Spider-Man: No Way Home” mixed his web with the tinsel and popcorn on the Christmas tree, and in movie theaters (well, the popcorn anyway) where the movie is playing exclusively, netting a still strong $81.5 million in 4,336 theaters, $467.3 million, two weeks, keeping many new releases as way-back also-rans.

The latest “Spider-Man” reached $1 billion in worldwide box office in 12 days. Only two movies reached that benchmark faster: “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019).

“Sing 2,” the animation feature with lots of stars as voice talent, did the best among new theatrical releases opening for the Christmas Day weekend, with $23.7 million, in 3,892 theaters, and $41 million since opening Dec. 22.

“The Matrix Resurrections,” with Keanu Reeves reprising his role, opened at No. 3, with what can be seen as a disappointing $12 million for the weekend in 3,552 theaters and $22.5 million since opening Dec. 22.

“The King’s Man,” a prequel, opened at No. 4, with $6.3 million in 3,180 theaters and $10 million since opening Dec. 22.

“American Underdog,” based on the true story of football great Kurt Warner, opened at No. 5 with $6.2 million, in an undisclosed number of theaters.

“West Side Story” dropped three places to No. 6, with $2.8 million in 2,810 theaters, $23.9 million, three weeks.

“Licorice Pizza,” by director Paul Thomas Anderson, moved up seven places, $2.3 million, in 786 theaters, $3.6 million, five weeks.

“A Journal for Jordan” opened at No. 8 with $2.2 million in 2,500 theaters.

“Encanto” dropped seven places to No. 9 with $2 million, in 2,800 theaters, $88.3 million, five weeks.

“‘83” opened in 10th place, $1.7 million, in 481 theaters.

Box office information from Box Office Mojo as of Dec. 26 is subject to change.

On The Web:

Movie Reviews on Lehigh Valley Press Focus page online include: “Nightmare Alley,” “Encanto,” “King Richard,” “Spencer,” “Belfast.”

Unreel,

Dec, 31

“Cyrano,”

PG-13: Joe Wright directs Peter Dinklage, Haley Bennett, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Ben Mendelsohn in the Romance-Drama-Musical. Cyrano de Bergerac writes letters to help Christian woo Roxanne.

Movie opening date information from Internet Movie Database as of Dec. 26 is subject to change.

Four Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes