I know there are passionate superfans out there who will disagree with me, but the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been a shell of its former self since the blockbuster event that was 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame”. A total of 14 movies and 20 streaming series have released since “Endgame”. A couple were nice surprises and a few others were serviceable. But some were glaring disappointments. Even more, none have managed to build up anticipation quite like the MCU did in its heyday.
But one bankable exception has been Spider-Man. Collectively, the three standalone Spider-Man movies have made a whopping $3.94 billion at the global box office. Tom Holland has proven himself to be perfect for the role of Peter Parker, and his three solo films have mostly been solid. Yet none of them stand among the best of the MCU offerings. Well not only does the latest entry, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day”, offer a welcomed refresh for the beloved web-slinger, it’s also the very best Spidey movie of the Tom Holland era.
Destin Daniel Cretton takes the directing reins from Jon Watts and you can quickly tell the difference in his approach. “Brand New Day” has much of the same superhero energy and playfulness as its predecessors. But it stands out as the most emotionally grounded of the now four standalone Spidey films. Even more, its story offers a much needed evolution for the Peter Parker character, exploring themes of loneliness and isolation, while portraying the sacrifice that so often defines true heroism.
For those in need of a quick refresher, in 2021’s “No Way Home” Peter Parker (Holland) makes the choice to have himself erased from everyone’s memory in order to save the multiverse. He makes a pledge to his girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) to find them and reintroduce himself when the time is right. And that leads to the events of “Brand New Day”.
As a means of dealing with his loneliness, Peter fully occupies himself with his crime-fighting duties as Spider-Man. About his only means of human connection is with New York City Police Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas). Otherwise he has spent what would have been his exciting college years at MIT watching MJ and Ned from afar. Both now live much different lives without any knowledge of Peter. Meanwhile he waits, heartbroken yet determined, for the right time to reveal himself and the truth of their pasts together.
Peter’s personal journey eventually converges with his role of Spider-Man after the appearance of a mysterious antagonist who is able to telepathically hop from person to person, possessing whoever they embody. The telepath targets The Department of Damage Control which prompts its director, Bill Metzger (Tramell Tillman) to reach out the Spider-Man for help. But the telepath isn’t so easily deterred and will stop at nothing to reach the secret which lies inside of the DODC’s vault.
I danced around a lot of information and for good reason. Co-writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers pack a ton into their story, much of which is better discovered for yourself. What impresses most is their ability to balance the more intimate personal stakes with the explosive superhero action. While there are plenty of moments for laughs, the film has a more serious tone which allows us to emotionally connect on a surprisingly deeper level, more so than with any of the previous Spidey films. But then there is the action, which features some of the best captured, cut, and choreographed set pieces from the MCU to date.
Smartly, Cretton ensures the characters remain his focal point. This is Holland’s best Peter Parker performance to date while Zendaya and Batalon offer their best supporting work of the series. Beyond them, we get a wild array of side characters and guest appearances highlighted by Jon Bernthal’s killer return as Frank Castle aka The Punisher. While slightly tamed to fit the film’s PG-13 rating, Bernthal still retains Castle’s fury and grit. Mark Ruffalo also returns as Bruce Banner in a role that doesn’t feel necessary, yet that finally gives us a glimpse at the real Hulk that so many of us have been longing for.
The vast majority of the movie comes together incredibly well but there are a few minor issues. There are a couple of appearances that feel thrown in for reasons beyond this story. There’s a storyline involving Peter’s sudden spider mutations that leads to several good scenes but no real conclusion. And there are several instances of things just not making sense. For example, how do some memories click for one character but not for another? It’s a case of the movie opening doors and not always knowing how to close them.
I went into “Brand New Day” interested in it more than excited for it. Then for the first time in years, I left the theater feeling genuine enthusiasm for an MCU movie. Destin Daniel Cretton has rediscovered what makes these movies click, by shedding most of the multiverse baggage and telling a contained story that nicely balances authentic humanity with pulse-pounding superhero thrills. “Brand New Day” may not be the best ever MCU offering, but it definitely sits in the upper tier. And when you’ve put out 38 movies, that’s a pretty impressive accomplishment.
VERDICT – 4 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
I’m going to miss in theaters as I got spoiled again before even thought about seeing it. Every time when a new MCU Spider-Film is out, someone spoils it whether it is on YouTube or through other means. Although what I did learn was hardly a spoiler but it kind of kills the surprise. I think we’re about to enter the dark ages when it comes to the MCU.
I despise when people spoil movies. It infuriates me!
Why is it always with Spider-Man? Goddamnit.
Saw it earlier today, Keith. Actually saw it in 3D, and I must say it was the most impressive 3D I’ve seen in awhile. They absolutely nailed it. I think everyone who has enjoyed the prior Tom Holland films should see this one as well. They may not get the “resolution” they (or I) hoped for, but I believe it will satisfy most fans. This is the most emotional film our current edition of Spidey has made. I felt Sadie Sink was a wonderful, worthy adversary – she did a fantastic job. Zendaya and Jacob Batalon were outstanding as usual. I admittedly am one of those Marvel geeks who like to get some glimpse into what the next film or films might reveal, but for me this just became another chapter in the Spider-Man story and not a harbinger of what might come with Doomsday or Secret Wars. Time will tell. Honestly, after the spectacular storyline and massive success of No Way Home, I knew Marvel could not top that…and I definitely feel they didn’t do that here. Still, I enjoyed the heck out of this movie. Holland has kept the Marvel image “afloat” while they continue to try to find their way back to reeling in casual fans before Doomsday arrives. This movie might get some of those fans back. The Spider-Man franchise has been a true savior for Marvel Studios. I agree…definitely an upper tier film in the MCU. Great review.
Thanks so much. For me this brought back memories of the MCU’s glory days. I agree about the end credits scenes. This one was wildly underwhelming and did nothing to get me excited for the future. But I sure enjoyed this one!!!
Keith, I haven’t seen any of them, but after reading your review, I feel I could see this one without feeling totally lost by the plot. I’ve also watched all of The Punisher and loved Frank Castle (except couldn’t get into that “one last kill” movie. Will probably see this when it comes to streaming.
Castle is a lot of fun in this movie and he and Peter have a really good chemistry. I think you’ll enjoy it. I will say the events of the previous movie do play heavily into this one, at least with Peter’s personal life.
It’s good to know that movie spoilers infuriate you. What about fake spoilers though? 😉
Not a fan of those either! LOL. They set wrong expectations. 👎🏼
Well, just so you know, you’ll never have to worry about me spoiling a current in-theatre movie for you. One thing you can check off of your Big List of Things That Keep You Up At Night 😉
I didn’t like the first one with Holland, seemed so juvenile compared to the Tobey Maguire ones, so haven’t seen any of the rest. Probably won’t see this as I can’t be sitting through the others to get to it.
I 100% agree. The first one is the worst by far IMO. But it gets CONSIDERABLY better after it!
I’ll take your word for it 🙂
absolutely not. Far from home Is by far the worst. Homecoming is probably the second best. NWH just get over loved because of tobey and andrew
Awesome review Keith 💜
Thank you!!!!
No worries
Great review Keith.
I liked this one a lot, but it still isnt better than NWH IMHO. I would rank them NWH, BND, HC, FFH.
Yes, it has an emotional impact, but I still think that NWH was more emotional because it helps him deal with his grief, here its about love which is important, but not as powerful.
As you mentioned, there were a few plot holes and that actually hurts things a bit. There were also far too many inconsistencies with the ‘villain’, but we’ll see where they go from here.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much. It’s definitely my favorite of the Holland movies. I liked NWH too but it annoyed me with some things that I couldn’t get past. HC is easily my least favorite.
I loved this movie overall but there were a few things I got hung up on how it fits within the greater MCU (mostly with Daredevil) but I had fun, so I’ll call it a wash. Glad you liked it too!
I really did. More than I expected to. I haven’t seen Daredevil but I do like how the movie feels more contained.
I thought it was first rate. Your comment about remembering not remembering him seems correct, I thought it was partly the Jean Grey interference. Only quibble is they did kind of shoe horn in the Hulk, where it would be the same movie without him.
It surprised me so much. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. Looking forward to seeing it again.
I haven’t seen Jon Bernthal as The Punisher yet, but I enjoyed him in The Accountant 1 and 2. Where should I start with his role as The Punisher?
I think the Punisher series is pretty good. But I also think if you have a basic knowledge of the character you can go right into this movie and get him.