After five long years since Tom Holland’s last appearance as Peter Parker, European cinemas were treated with a two-day early release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the franchise’s latest instalment. Highly anticipated indeed – my local showing was sold out, and I’ve never seen the cinema so busy. Many people were 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 with this latest instalment he has cemented his status as the best of the actors to play the role. 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 violent, fellow 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 also a marvellous edition. Although her role as Jean Grey was suspected, it was still a welcome reveal and an exciting introduction to the X-Men characters in the MCU. 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 the previous film, Brand New Day is still 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; namely when Jean steps into Peter’s memory of Aunt May, who is still helping people even in death, and also in how much the general public love Spider-Man, even after the last film’s events. 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 precious and devastating in this film, I am glad they prioritised Peter’s friendship with Ned in the final scene. Truly his man in the chair. The muscle memory of their handshake is such a gorgeous inclusion.
Overall, this is by far one of the best MCU movies of recent years, and feels like a refreshing, mature and thoughtful evolution from its Spider-man trilogy. Perhaps the directorial change is responsible for its new tone. Either way, it was a joy to watch in a cinema full of people – many clad in full Spider-Man suits. I think it is Tom Holland’s strongest Spider-Man film, and possibly one of the best Spider-Man films ever made.
4.5/5
Image Credits – Sony Pictures
