Five years after the release of the massive hit "No Way Home", comes the next entry in the Tom Holland "Spider-Man" franchise. This new addition takes the franchise on a fresh reset of an already successful series. Grappling with the aftermath of the events of the previous film, Peter Parker adjusts to his life without his friends, and society no longer knows who he is. This film takes him on a new journey beyond what he has ever faced.
In previous adaptations of the webslinging hero, there was not the same sort of natural-born-for-this-role mentality. In this adaptation of Peter Parker with Tom Holland at the helm, he is exactly that: born to play this iconic character. "Brand New Day" offers audiences something fresh and exciting all the while keeping the character likeable.
With an exciting story, heartbreak, action, and great sets, this film has it all. Alongside Holland are Zendaya and Jacob Batalon as MJ and Ned. Because of Peter's actions in the previous film, with the world forgetting Spider-Man, the two characters are completely unaware and have moved on with life, not knowing who they lost. Ever since 2017's "Homecoming", each entry to the franchise has improved each time. The lead cast's chemistry has been strong ever since.
New to the cast is "Stranger Things" star Sadie Sink, who dons the role of "X-Men's" Jean Grey, also known as the Dark Phoenix. The announcement of her casting was as an "undisclosed" role. So basically no one knew that this was the character she would be playing. And, oh man, does she blow it away. Picking up the mantle of both Sophie Turner and Famke Janssen, Sink had some massive shoes to fill. She matches the energy alongside Holland's Spider-Man as some of the best chemistry of heroes and villain relationships.
Director of Marvel's "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" Destin Daniel Cretton takes for for series director Jon Watts. In continuing the creative prowess of the previous films, Cretton takes on this entry with a darker tone, much more serious than the previous films. The emotional intensity is greater than that even of "No Way Home". I think that is solely because of the story itself focusing in on the mental affects that the events from that film have had on Peter.
Franchise composer Michael Giacchino returns. As with the prior installments, this film has a score that has been consistantly upbeat, action-inducing, and emotionally poignant. With a film as big as this, you would expect a score that keeps up with all the action, and this one does just like the other films.
For decades, the character of Spider-Man aka Peter Parker has entertained audiences in all forms of media. Whether it be film, the original comics, television and action figures, this character has and will continue to bring us together in the wonder and awe of this character. This film makes a name for itself and enters into the ranks of the best "Spider-Man" films of all-time.
Poster Courtesy of Marvel Studios and Sony
Rate: A
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Cast: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, Sadie Sink and Marisa Tomei
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some language, action and violence)
Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes
