Movie Review – Spider-Man: Brand New Day

BIG SPOILERS AHEAD

After 5 long years since Tom Holland’s last appearance as Peter Parker, European cinemas were treated with a 2-day early release of the next installment, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Highly anticipated indeed – my local showing was sold out and I’ve never seen the cinema so busy. I was very excited for this movie, and it surpassed my expectations. 

I’ll start with Tom Holland’s performance, because it truly deserves recognition. It’s somehow been 10 years since he was first introduced as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War, and I think he has cemented his status as the best to do it in this one. He portrays an emotionally vulnerable Peter Parker and a characteristically witty Spider-Man. 

The new additions to the cast were integral to the film. Jon Bernthal reprises his role as fellow (but much more violent) NYC vigilante, The Punisher. Their repartee was very funny and you can tell the two actors are long-time friends. There was great use of The Hulk – no longer a peaceful Banner hybrid, but a terrifying smashing machine. Sadie Sink was a marvelous edition. Although her role as Jean Grey was suspected, it was still a welcome reveal. Sink was the stand-out of the young Stranger Things cast, so it is great to see her land a big movie role. 

Though there was not a big death like in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Brand New Day is deeply emotional throughout. Peter’s loneliness and all reminders of Aunt May’s death and Ned and MJ’s lost memories are like a punch to the gut. For me, the most emotional moments were of a more cathartic, bittersweet nature. When Jean steps into Peter’s memory of Aunt May, who is still helping people even when she’s dead, tears were flowing. Even seeing how much the general public loves Spider-Man after the last film got me choked up. Peter Parker has truly been through the wringer, but things are starting to look up for him. 

That being said, I thought the ending was absolutely perfect. While Peter and MJ’s romance is adorable and it’s expectedly devastating when she doesn’t remember him, I am glad they prioritised Peter’s friendship with Ned in the final scene – his man in the chair before he was even interested in MJ! The muscle memory of their handshake is such a gorgeous idea. 

Overall, this was just a great film. It was a joy to watch in a cinema full of people – many clad in full Spider-Man suits. I think it is the best Tom Holland Spider-Man film, and possibly one of the best Spider-Man films ever made. 

I would rate this 4.5/5.

Written by, Rosie James