Although I enjoyed the previous Spider-Man: No Way Home, I’ve always felt that the story ended on a weird note. Having Peter Parker ask Dr. Strange to perform a spell that would make the world forget that he ever existed seems like a cop out. However, I admit, the setup sort of works as a basis for Spider-Man: Brand Day. And while people of the world don’t remember Parker in the movie, they still remember Spider-Man.
Four years after No Way Home, Peter (Tom Holland) lives a solitary life. He has virtually no friends except his computer companion, E.V. (voiced by Naomi Watts), and Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas), whom he has never met in person—at least not as Peter. Afraid people will discover he is Spider-Man; he avoids conversations entirely.
Instead of going out to movies or hanging out with friends, Peter has become a workaholic fighting crime in New York non-stop. DeWolff cautions that he will burn out if he continues in this manner. When he isn’t fighting bad guys and popping pain killers, Peter reminisces about the good times with his friends. He follows former girlfriend M.J. (Zendaya) and best friend Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) on social media. (The latter LOVES the superhero and has developed a “Spidey Tracker” app.) As expected, Peter feels a sadness as they continue to live their lives without him.
The reminiscing becomes a bigger problem than simply dealing with sadness. Somehow it triggers his Spidey senses, and they become heightened during times of stress. This sends him on a quest to talk to Professor Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) for advice on how he controls his Hulk personality.
Meanwhile, a new threat has arrived in town. A mysterious villain is causing havoc which of course involves taking Spider-Man out too. The problem is that this villain is invisible. It’s a unique premise and truly a frightening one. (I was surprised by the reveal of who this villain – and I’m not supposed to tell – but hardcore Marvel fans at the screening knew right away.)
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Brand New Day is almost too crowded with characters including a bunch of other Marvel Comics characters. Surprisingly, they fit in with the story just fine. They don’t get in the way or overpower the film. In addition to Bruce Banner, these include Frank Castle/Punisher (Jon Bernthal), Mac Gargan/Scorpion (Michael Mando) and Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) who hilariously describes Spider-Man as “small potatoes” compared to the New Avengers who are, in her mind, “big potatoes”.
Although I haven’t always enjoyed some of the direction that the different “Spider-Men” movies have taken over the years, I have enjoyed all these movies. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the best of all the movies that came before it. It still has plenty of action (the scenes that feature “The Hand” are especially cool), but it doesn’t dominate the story or go into eyeroll territory during the climax that so many other superhero movies do.
When there is a break in the action, Brand New Day reveals a story with a lot of heart. Unlike some other Marvel characters like Tony Stark or Thor, Peter Parker is relatable. Sure, he gets his share of snappy dialogue, but he’s not a hot shot. Even after all this time he continues to have an innocence about him and it’s refreshing to see. Despite his trials, he remains optimistic, selfless and even squeaky clean. When he’s in costume, Peter gets respect, but without it, he’s treated just like the rest of us. It is during those times that it deals with life struggles like the rest of us.
Tobey Maguire’s and Andrew Garfield’s take on the character have been good, but Holland has captured the true essence and personality of Parker. When he’s not saving the world, he still must deal with life’s struggles like we do.
This is a movie that adults will enjoy and one that serves as a good role model for their kids without getting all soppy or preachy. It’s the whole package. You’ll leave the theater with a warm feeling and maybe a desire to reconnect with friends.
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