Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Spider-Man: Brand New Day as a film is a lot like where Peter Parker is in life at this point. It is struggling with several aches and pains along the way; but still trying to do the right thing. Does it hit the mark every time? No. It doesn’t give up either though, and manages to bring some humor, heart, and hope into a franchise that seems never ending.

Synopsis: 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. | 2h 45m | Rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence and some language.

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Peter Parker is doing what many will do when they are alone with no friends or family. He throws himself into his work. Literally. New York has never been safer or rid of bad guys. This has taken a toll on Parker in more ways than one as both his physical and emotional health have taken a beating. While he tries to figure out what is going on with his ever changing spidey DNA – which could end it all – there is a new enemy in town that needs taken down.

More is less?

When it comes to characters old and new this one throws a lot into the mix. While it is good to see them there is less time to enjoy them. Even in a movie that is well over two-hours we don’t have the opportunity to spend time with our faves. I appreciated the surprises when they showed up – I try and avoid trailers and promos so I can be surprised. Some characters they have been showing us may not be in it as much as hoped. But if you like a little of a lot, you should be fine.

We have seen past franchises deal with Spider-Man inner turmoil. Spider-Man 3 (2007) is by far my least fave of any in the Spidey Universe. Luckily this one does not go nearly as dark. The lesson is simple in that we aren’t meant to do life alone. The heart of Spider-Man: Brand New Day is just that. Tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity at life. Though it flirts with the dark side, it never commits. Some may have wanted that? I for one did not and am happy with the choices. For the most part.

An emotional web

Let’s talk Parker (Tom Holland) and MJ (Zendaya). The fact that we adore these actors off screen transfers to the big screen. They are so cute as a real life couple that when we see Parker’s heart break at MJ not knowing who he is, it is even more elevated. We want the characters to reflect what we see them as in real life. Sometimes that can be a distraction, but in this franchise story arch, it works for the good. Holland is to me the most endearing of all Peter Parker’s of the past.

If you have not yet seen the previous Holland Spider-Man movies you may want to do some online recaps. This one does a solid job of reminding us how we got here and all the memory wipes, but a pre-refresher wouldn’t hurt.

Is it funny and actiony?

Well, it isn’t an Avengers movie so there are some building let standing at the end. There are enough fight scenes spread through out to almost balance the yap-yap and angst filled rooftop longings. The prolonged battle at the end is what you would expect from the MCU, but the wars within the wars are shorter and less impactful. They are there to simply move the story along. What if you trimmed them out and made the movie shorter? I think if you cut anything it would be the fluff between the battles. Peter swings around NY a lot in this one, so if you like watching that you are good.

The humor comes in spurts and most of the funnier lines we have seen and expect. Granted we do not want a Deadpool movie, but the organic light humor of Parker, MJ, and especially Ned (Jacob Batalon) is an important part of this world. We could have used a bit more of that, but at the same time, they literally do not know each other any more. That takes away the humor but most certainly adds to Parker’s issues.

Honestly the best humor comes from one MCU character who luckily we get a lot of in this film. Frank “Punisher” Castle (Jon Bernthal) is such the polar opposite of Spider-Man that seeing them work together is the best part. The Punisher is a great anti-hero and Bernthal is so amazing at delivering the no BS, sarcastic, I hate the world persona that is Castle. I am so glad we get a strong dose here.

But who is the Villain?

Life! Life is the villain! I was shocked when I found out who we are fighting in this one. And I will not spoil it here. It is a crossover we have seen of late but I was not expecting in this movie. So that was very cool. I will say that this foe is scarier than any other if I was a crime fighter. Or even just being around it. Sure a guy with a big scorpion tail is scary and can tear stuff up. Oh and what it that? A mobster with bad teeth? Oh no. But what if it was something you couldn’t see. But could be right beside you and you wouldn’t even know it? How do you fight that? Technology.

There have been a long list of bad guys in the MCU and we see many here in short segments – so don’t get too excited by who you see online – but this might be my favorite. Only because it takes more thought and writing ability to create rather than just a giant alien that tears stuff up.

There is a 50-50 chance you will enjoy this movie or you will hate it. Love would be a stretch for even the most die-hard, forgiving, fans. But it is a fun watch regardless what the nay-sayers say. Grab a large popcorn, put on your fave Spider-Man tie, and head to the biggest screen possible. For many the summer blockbusters end here, so we might as well enjoy it.

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