The latest webslinger film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, is well-directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and features a stellar performance by Tom Holland. Spider-Man purists will likely love this action-packed adventure that feels more down to earth.
Peter Parker (Holland) has been fighting a solitary, lonely battle as Spider-Man against criminals in New York City while the rest of the world including his closest friends, MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon), have no memory of his true identity (from Spider-Man: No Way Home). When a mysterious force begins to selectively control people’s minds for an unknown purpose, it points to a new, potential threat that has far reaching implications for the future. As he learns to depend on others like his reluctant companion, The Punisher (Jon Bernthal), Peter is determined to find the truth and save his beloved city.
What is remarkable is that not only is this a gorgeously shot film, the action scenes are masterfully staged and the relationships are what counts. This is a street level kind of story that focuses more on Spider-Man on his own. The film’s momentum picks up toward the end with an abundance of pathos and good will led by Holland’s wonderful turn as a hero who learns to open up to others and reconcile with his own physiological changes. He is matched by Bernthal’s vigorous support and some amusing appearances by other Marvel heroes including The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).
At
times funny and touching,
the film deftly maneuvers around the struggle by Peter to get his circle of
friends back. The audience is rooting
for him, and he never fails to endear himself to the world. (A cryptic post credit scene has enormous
implications.)
*****
of ***** stars (for Spider-Man fans)
