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Does Spider-Man: Brand New Day stick the landing? In this The Cinematic Schematic mini-review, Caleb Masters provides his initial spoiler-free review.
Tom Holland’s Peter Parker Is Reborn By Going Back to the Basics
After spending a decade living in the shadow of Tony Stark’s failures and battling multiversal shenanigans, Spider-Man: Brand New Day finally remembers that Peter Parker’s greatest battles aren’t fought against his colorful rogues’ gallery. They’re fought in the everyday struggle to balance the competing responsibilities of being Spider-Man, being there for the people he loves, and taking care of himself.
What begins as a “back to the basics” Spider-Man story about grief, loss, and isolation quickly expands in scope with every new character who enters the picture. The film is at its best when it leans on the chemistry and genuinely heartfelt scenes between Peter, MJ, Ned, Sadie Sink’s *TOP SECRET CHARACTER*, and newcomer Frank Castle.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day Loses the Plot Thread without Losing Its Heart
Sadly, these characters’ journeys get buried beneath an overstuffed plot. As more MCU figures and Spider-Man villains enter the story, the film becomes increasingly caught in a tangled web of plot mechanics, losing sight of its emotional core. Even the best moments between Peter and MJ don’t have the time they need to breathe. There are simply too many MCU guest appearances that don’t serve the characters, and arguably aren’t even exciting fan service.
The action sequences are a mixed bag. For every visually striking street-level fight or dive into the NYC streets(and there are several), there’s another web-slinging sequence that never escapes the artificiality of the Volume. Brand New Day an undeniable improvement over the choreography of the previous three films, but that’s not a high bar to clear.
It’s refreshing to finally get another Spider-Man film with a strong emotional thesis reminiscent of Raimi’s emphasis on responsibility and sacrifice. It’s admirable, and its ideas linger long after the credits roll. However, I can’t help but feel the script and edit needed another draft or two to keep the film centered on its thesis: losing your support system as you step into adulthood is extraordinarily difficult and lonely. How do the best of us adapt and evolve without forgetting who we are? It’s just too bad the movie can’t help but get distracted by setting up for future MCU projects.
Lastly, let’s hear it for the film’s real MVP: Michael Giacchino’s “Suite New Day.”
Grade: B-
About Spider-Man: Brand New Day
A forgotten Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change and a powerful new enemy emerges.
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