In his Spiderman: Brand New Day review, Kevin Bourne calls the latest Spidey film “superhero storytelling at its finest”, and “the most mature, human, and grounded Spidey film yet”.
It’s been a big week in superhero land. It the midst of all the new Marvel announcements, one of the most beloved superheroes makes his return to the big screen this week. The recently (and secretly) married Tom Holland and Zendaya return as Peter Parks, aka Spider-Man, and MJ in the first live action Spidey film since 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home.
I went into the film with no big expectations, but the usual Marvel fare—amazing CGI, action scenes, and of course, some explosions here are there—but it was so much more.
As you would expect from Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon (Ned), the performances were exceptional, even more than in previous films. Perhaps maturity and having more life experience to draw from has made them even better actors. It’s interesting to study the on screen dynamic between Holland and Zendaya now that we know they’re married. Looking at the subtle details, including facial expressions, for example, the longing in his eyes as he watches his love interest move on, without the need for dialogue, is beautiful acting.
But what’s even more impressive is the story. Spiderman: Brand New Day is a superhero movie that doesn’t feel like a superhero movie. There’s a humanness to it; an actual story. Is there action? Yes. Fight scenes? Absolutely. Does it touch on the supernatural? You bet. So what makes this film different? It feels “simple” proving that less is more. Where other Marvel films feature menacing masterminds that threaten the world as we’re taken on a grand international adventure, this film stays true to the franchise’s “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” roots and is set in a local context. And although he faces one of his most powerful foes yet, they completely break the mold of what we’ve come to expect from a Marvel antagonist. Dare I say, the story feels kind of…real…and relatable.
There are so many layers and subplots to the story. There’s a coming-of-age story, as both Peter Parker and Spider-Man transition into adulthood. In fact, this is the most mature, human, and grounded Spidey film yet. There’s Peter Parker adjusting to being alone, having lost his best friend and the love of his life at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Lines are blurred between villain and hero. There are connections made to other parts of the Marvel Cinematic Universe which set the stage for future films in the MCU. When you’re just looking at the art of storytelling, Spiderman: Brand New Day is superhero storytelling at its finest. In fact, this is one of the best examples in storytelling for a superhero movie that we’ve seen in recent memory.
Kevin Bourne is SHIFTER’s editor-in-chief and Senior Arts & Entertainment Reporter focusing on film & TV, music, and fashion. He was named one of 340 international voters for the Golden Globe Awards and a Tomatometer-Approved Critic by Rotten Tomatoes.
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