REVIEW: 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Is The Best Marvel Movie Ever With Incredible Action and Tense
- Jakub Wytrwal
- 13 minut temu
- 3 minut(y) czytania
Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in his fourth solo film. This time, the scale isn't quite as massive as before; however, he faces new challenges, complications, and choices that will determine his future.
Four years have passed since the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is now a full-time Spider-Man, fighting crime in New York City. Since the entire world has forgotten who Peter Parker is, he has no friends and operates solo, viewing heroism as a job he loves. At one point, however, he must confront an entity capable of mind control, a threat that menaces New York and repeatedly attacks the Department of Damage Control. To make matters worse, Peter Parker’s DNA is mutating, significantly complicating Spider-Man’s operations.
Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringa, has done a fantastic job. He has a brilliant grasp of the Spider-Man, but an even better understanding of Peter Parker. He manages to distinguish between the two, giving each the screen time and narrative depth they deserve. He introduces something Spider-Man needed after his previous films: a fresh start. He is no longer fighting aliens or multiversal villains; instead, he focuses on his immediate surroundings and truly becomes the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Cretton’s New York, unlike Watts’s version of the city, is full of life. It is stunningly rendered and meticulously detailed; it tells a story of its own, inviting us to explore its streets, public transit, and building interiors. There are also plenty of easter eggs for MCU fans, such as a poster for Wilson Fisk’s mayoral campaign. And that is exactly what I wanted in the previous Spider-Man movies in the MCU.
The script is excellent. It is thoroughly well-crafted, with strong character dynamics; every character gets adequate screen time, and none feel like mere filler, as they all play significant roles and possess distinct personalities. They are far from hollow.
The friendship between MJ (Zendaya) and Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) is finally fleshed out, too. I had feared they might drift apart after No Way Home given Peter Parker’s absence from their lives, but the creators have given us a beautiful relationship defined by mutual support, understanding, and care. After graduating from MIT, they live together, share secrets, and are always there for one another. Their presence seems to spur Peter into action; it is clear that, despite the passage of so many years, they remain vital to him.
The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) returns, this time in a less profane incarnation, though he remains the same old Frank. While he occasionally makes life difficult for Spider-Man, he is also ready to step in and help when it counts, offering support (in his own unique way) and standing by him during the action. Cretton succeeds in humanizing the Punisher, likely leading most viewers to understand, and perhaps even like, him.
Sadie Sink delivers an incredible performance. Her character is vital to the plot, and although one feels she could have used more screen time, she is well-written. The same goes for Mark Ruffalo, returning as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Peter turns to him first for help regarding his mutation, leading to a transformation into a Hulk we haven't seen this lively and enraged since Avengers: Age of Ultron, when Wanda Maximoff was manipulating him.
However, Tom Holland undoubtedly steals the show. As the lead, he carries the film on his shoulders; compared to earlier entries in the series, he has made immense strides in his acting and in the development of his character. His portrayal of Peter Parker is superb. He continues to grapple with the death of Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) while simultaneously living life as Spider-Man, New York’s favorite hero. This film made me realize that he is the best Spider-Man we could ever imagine. He doesn't copy Andrew Garfield or Tobey Maguire; he has his own style, which he isn't afraid to showcase, and he experiments with the character, adding layers of depth. He is aided by Cretton, whose direction works in perfect harmony with the actor, creating a memorable and incredible duo.
Overall, this film could well be considered the best Marvel movie ever. It offers plenty of action, emotion, and humor, but above all, a solid story and characters brought to life by actors who clearly had a blast making the movie. If a sequel is made, and that is all but certain, I hope Destin Daniel Cretton returns to the director's chair. He has a brilliant understanding of the characters and the city, and he knows how to craft an amazing cinematic experience. He is a visionary.
✮✮✮✮✮
Special thanks to United International Pictures for the invitation to the special screening of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
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