Verdict: 4.5/5
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is exactly what a superhero movie should be. In fact, it’s the best superhero film to hit cinemas in a long time.
After playing Peter Parker for a decade, Tom Holland has truly made the role his own and – controversial as it may be – I believe he is the best actor to wear the iconic red and blue suit.
While Peter Parker has always been a smart, funny and quick-witted teenager, ‘Brand New Day’ explores a much darker side of the character. Peter is burdened by loss, grief, and immense responsibility, and is forced to confront challenges unlike any he has faced before. Holland delivers one of his strongest performances yet, balancing Spider-Man’s trademark humour with genuine emotional depth that makes the character feel more human than ever.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Holland’s Spider-Man films has been the mentor figure guiding Peter. ‘Homecoming’ paired him with Tony Stark, ‘Far From Home’ featured Nick Fury, and ‘No Way Home’ saw Doctor Strange take on that role.
‘Brand New Day’ changes the formula completely by introducing Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle, better known as the Punisher. Castle is far from a traditional mentor, he’s foul-mouthed, brutal and shaped by years of trauma, making him more of an unlikely ally than a guiding hand. The chemistry between Holland and Bernthal is electric, and their relationship becomes one of the film’s highlights. It’s a dynamic I’d love to see explored further in future Marvel projects.
The movie’s supporting cast is equally impressive. Zendaya once again brings charm to MJ, while Sadie Sink delivers a memorable introduction to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Mark Ruffalo also makes a welcome appearance as Bruce Banner. This movie sees the character return to his best… I’ll let you see this for yourself.
As someone who once watched every Marvel release and eagerly followed every fan theory, I found myself drifting away from the franchise after ‘Avengers: Endgame’ but ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ feels like the perfect palate cleanser. Although it hints at wider implications for the MCU, it never loses sight of what matters most: telling a compelling Spider-Man story.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton deserves enormous credit for bringing fresh energy to the franchise. The web-slinging sequences are exhilarating, the action is expertly choreographed, and the use of practical effects wherever possible gives the film a grounded, authentic feel that often gets lost in CGI-heavy blockbusters.
Whether you’re a lifelong Marvel fanatic or simply looking for an entertaining night at the movies, ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ delivers. It’s a superhero film that reminds audiences exactly why they fell in love with Spider-Man in the first place.
See this movie at Hoyts Penrith.
