(Some spoilers follow.)

A few short months ago, a little superhero movie called Spider-Man: No Way Home came to the big screen. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and it pleased critics and general audiences alike. Movie lovers like myself flocked to the theater to revel in the experience of seeing three generations of Spider-Man heroes and villains come together. Cinematic events like this rarely happen these days, so it was with great satisfaction that I watched my favorite characters assemble. However, what pleased me just as much was to see a movie as big as this teach me something good and beautiful about my everyday life. 

I was delighted to see all three actors who have played Spider-Man in the past twenty years interacting in the same movie together. As I watched, I couldn’t help but see my own three brothers in the web slingers on screen. I am my brothers’ only sister, so I can often be the natural target for teasing and typical brother behavior, but seeing this film reminded me of some qualities I love about my brothers. Spider-Man: No Way Home also seems to give some good examples of what brotherhood looks like:

1. They build each other up

In No Way Home, when Peter Parker’s (Tom Holland) identity is found out, it has dire consequences for him and those he loves. When he messes up fellow superhero Dr. Strange’s spell to make everyone forget that he is Spider-Man, it sets off a chain reaction, opening up the multiverse and setting Spider-Man villains loose from other universes. This ends up endangering his friends and family even more, eventually resulting in the tragic death of a loved one. Peter is filled with vengeance, and he doesn’t think anyone can understand what he’s going through. Then two more Spider-Men show up, and he’s proven wrong. They’ve both been through similar trials, and in Peter’s darkest moments, they appear and tell him to find a better way, even when it’s hard. Instead of lowering himself into the depths of despair, they tell him to rise above revenge to become the man he was meant to be.

2. They protect and serve

All three Peter Parkers in the film know that their calling as superheroes is a great responsibility. Yet even when they’re just getting acquainted with each other, they already know their common goal: To preserve and aid those around them, even the villains they face. In every family, all men are called to defend their loved ones and serve their needs. This comes into play in an interesting way for brothers. A brother is often told to watch over his younger siblings when the parents are away, or help dad with home maintenance. In my own experience, I can find many times where my brothers were eager to defend and serve. For example, there have been times in my life when, the moment I mention that I spoke to a guy my brothers are unfamiliar with, they’ll be up in arms, asking who this boy is, or if he was nice to me, or whether he gave me any trouble. I know they won’t admit to it, but I get a certain satisfaction when I see my brothers want to stand up for their sister in their own way.

3. They share the laughs

Brotherhood wouldn’t be complete without some light-hearted teasing. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, the jokes abound. Tobey Maguire stars as the eldest Peter Parker in this movie, and a few gags from his previous roles as the webhead make it into this outing. Andrew Garfield plays the third version of Peter Parker, and his character can’t help but poke fun at Tobey’s Spider-Man. “Are you going to go into battle dressed as a cool youth pastor?” he quips before the elder hero reveals his suit underneath his everyday outfit. There are many more hilarious moments, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much all the playful banter on screen reminded me of real life. I said to myself in the theater, “I’m basically watching my three brothers do comedy.” Planning pranks (within reason) and laughing until your sides hurt seem to be essential parts of brother bonding. Now if only I could make some money from my siblings’ home videos.

4. They work as a team

During the final battle, the three Peters start off a little rusty. Tobey and Andrew’s characters have never worked on a team before. To help them out, Tom Holland’s Peter mentions a familiar superhero team. “I don’t want to brag, but I will. I was in the Avengers.” The two other Spider-Men, new to the universe they’re in, are equally confused. “You were in a band?” Andrew’s Spider-Man asks in awe. Clearly they’re off to a shaky start. But they quickly organize themselves, and what results is efficient teamwork, not to mention a cinematic shot of the three Spider-Men swinging together, which had me giddy with excitement in the theater. There are times when brothers may seem a bit uncoordinated with each other. They may bicker about little things and have their moments of conflict. When they choose to come together though, it’s something to behold. Whether playing backyard football or fixing a house, the cooperation of brothers is an unstoppable force.

5. They love through sacrifice

By the end of the movie, the trio of Spider-Men have sacrificed so much for both those they love and those they barely know. With the help of his old and new friends, Tom Holland’s Peter makes a difficult decision which results in his isolation, in order to protect the people he loves. Andrew’s Peter seeks a sort of redemption when he saves the life of a character who, in a way, helps him cope with the loss of his girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. Tobey’s Peter helps Tom Holland’s Spider-Man choose to spare a villain’s life, even in the most painful of circumstances. As brothers-in-arms, the Spider-Men lay down their lives for each other. They aren’t afraid to show their brotherly love either. “I always wanted brothers,” Andrew’s character says to his fellow Peter Parkers at one point. Before they go into the heat of battle, he can’t help but enthusiastically shout his appreciation to his fellow web slingers. “I love you guys!” he shouts. Later, when they’re about to go their separate ways, the three Peters have a big group hug, and I’ll admit, I had to shed a tear. Yep, No Way Home definitely had some good instances of what brotherhood should look like. Brothers are ready and willing to love each other and their families, even when the going gets tough. I’m glad to say I see this kind of love in my own brothers. Now, if I can just get them to dress in spandex and recreate that Spider-Man meme… I think you know the one I’m talking about.