Marvel Studios’ “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a pure adrenaline-fueled love letter to the entire IP and the legacy of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, reminding audiences why the wall-crawler reigns supreme in the hearts of fans and will never go stale. The film culminates in a juggernaut debut for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the studio inches closer to “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Director Destin Daniel Cretton, no stranger to the Marvel sandbox after helming “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021), makes his presence felt immediately. He crafts a balance of on-set practical web-swinging with stunning visuals, ample practical effects and surreal camerawork from cinematographer Brett Pawlek that rekindles the joy of the timeless formula director Sam Raimi remains revered for. Cretton also leans into the shifting points of view reminiscent of the Marc Webb films, bundled with the fluidity and frantic momentum that Insomniac’s video games built their reputation upon, creating a Spider-Man film like no other.
Tom Holland is once again spectacular in every aspect of his performance as the web-head. It may be time to crown him the definitive portrayal of the beloved wall-crawler. His shift in mannerism, from once living in the glory of the Avengers to now being a full-fledged adult drowning in depression and isolation, takes refuge on an island of guilt and shame. The film’s narrative remains solely from the lens of a Peter Parker who longs for a place in a world that no longer remembers him. His new red and blue costume acts as a suit of armor masking his desperation, as Holland’s pupils peer through the thin layer of expressive lenses, echoing the internal conflict bubbling to the surface.
Holland is reinforced by defining performances from the entire cast, backed by a well-written and compelling script. The Punisher, once again reprised and brought to life with grit and conviction by Jon Bernthal, is a bona fide standout who fits seamlessly into the film’s PG-13 tone. The chemistry between Holland and Bernthal feels true to the comics and countless animated series as both squabble over differences in morality, echoing prior appearances from darker Marvel adventures now folded into the ever-expanding MCU.
Mark Ruffalo shines as the Hulk, well worth the price of admission and, at times, feeling like a soft pitch from Cretton for a future Hulk-led project. Cretton’s vision exceeded expectations, particularly during the second and third acts.
Tramell Tillman (“Severance”), Liza Colón-Zayas (“The Bear”) and Michael Mando (“Spider-Man: Homecoming”) clearly had fun throughout their strong supporting turns despite minor roles. Each could potentially return down the line, as the chemistry with Holland and this world feels too infectious for one-and-done appearances.
Zendaya is quite powerful in this portrayal of MJ, and her role had many audience members reaching for tissues, especially during scenes where she and Holland let their real-life chemistry lead the way.
Sadie Sink, without spoiling specifics, fits perfectly into the Marvel brand. Cretton and the production team brought her along with creativity, instilling purpose and importance while keeping the narrative moving. She is sensational during the third act in particular, and audiences can expect her to return down the line.
Composer Michael Giacchino continues to excel, delivering a score that serves as the perfect backdrop and expository consonance necessary to pull the audience in. Well-placed needle drops never feel forced or out of place.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a triumph, and a simple reminder that Marvel Studios continues to find its focus and groove. The studio has shifted away from a pursuit of gluttonous quantity, now spearheaded by a mindset of pristine quality, led by one of its most prolific heroes and IPs. Holland and Cretton are only getting started, and that’s a beautiful thing to accept as audiences step into this new chapter and take in the radiance of a brand new day.
About ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
In “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” it’s a brand new day for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him, and facing the pressure of watching his old friends move on without him, sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. That transformation might be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves: a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.
The film’s cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. The film is produced by Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal, Avi Arad and Rachel O’Connor, with Louis D’Esposito and David Cain serving as executive producers.
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