When the [Marvel Cinematic] Universe is at risk, never count out your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Yes, the webslinger is back sans multiverse nostalgia to breathe life into Kevin Feige’s sagging creation, and breathe life it does: Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the best Marvel movie in years–arguably since Avengers: Endgame.
The MCU has had its moments in the last many years (looking at you, Shang-Chi), but there’s no arguing the shine has come off this storied franchise. Spider-Man: Brand New Day takes its title seriously by going back to basics, sort of, dropping Peter Parker into New York where no one knows who he is–literally no one, including his former girlfriend MJ and best friend Ned.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton, also known as DD-Cret, delivers an exciting, entertaining, and occasionally intense comic book flick that saves its best punches a secret. Brand New Day is simultaneously very small scale in story and massive in implications. DD-Cret (who, by the way, directed Shang-Chi) does a wonderful job. The movie stays true to the Marvel formula while not succumbing to its most tired elements; even when other previously established characters (Hulk, Punisher, etc.) show up, their inclusion feels more natural and less forced than we’re used to.
Tom Holland and Jon Bernthal have great chemistry with each other–Zendaya better watch out. The film handles the reunion of Peter with MJ and Ned well, balancing humor with heartwarming drama.
More importantly, Brand New Day lands some solid action sequences, though to avoid spoilers I won’t describe them in much detail. Marvel movies by near definition play things safe, so let’s not pretend that this Spider-Man punches too far above its weight; however, the action here feels a step above other recent MCU entries.
Further, the movie’s primary antagonist is one of the best we’ve seen from the MCU in quite some time. While I would have held onto the reveal for a little later into the story, DD-Cret presents a version of the character that is angry, intense, and incredibly dangerous. It’s also very clear that the writers have all watched Denzel Washington’s Fallen.
For those who lost hope in the MCU and are less than enthusiastic about the looming Avengers: Doomsday, this new Spider-Man sparks a new flame. Spins a new web. The movie isn’t flawless, but it’s–dare I say–a brand new day for Marvel.
Review by Erik Samdahl. Erik is a marketing and technology executive by day, avid movie lover by night. He is a member of the Seattle Film Critics Society.