Be careful of what you ask for; even though what you want could improve your life or solve your problems, it could also be a curse. There have been quite a few people who have one lottery jackpots that although they had more than enough money, the problems that came with it made them wish they would never have won. From finding out who your true friends are to issues with personal security, it can be an even bigger headache if not handled properly. Now, take all of that and substitute money for superpowers, and you have the issues at the core of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Destin Daniel Cretton of Short Term 12 directs this time around with a cast that includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Mark Ruffalo, Jon Bernthal, and Jacob Batalon. Taking place after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Holland) has erased any memory of his existence to those around him and lives in seclusion. His powers and his body are starting to evolve while a new threat emerges that he must stop, and fir the first time since he became Spider-Man, Peter has to face it all pretty much on his own.
The cast here is pretty consistent, but I did notice that Holland’s performance is more emotional, matching what Peter is going through, and it works really well. I also enjoyed how other characters from the MCU like Ruffalo’s Dr. Bruce Banner Bernthal’s The Punisher make appearances, especially Bernthal’s banter with Holland which made me smile more than once.
I was fortunate enough to screen this film in Dolby Cinema, and it was incredible. There is a ton of CGI in this film (as expected), but that combination with the fight choreography put the enjoyment through the roof (pun intended). I know there are 3-D options available in theaters, and I think it would be completely worth it.
If I have a gripe, it would be the same one that I have for most films in the MCU, and that would be its run time. Even though there is a lot that goes on here from a story standpoint, it felt just a tad long and a few cuts could have been made. There is a great mix of drama and action, but there is also very grounded on multiple changes and evolutions of the Spider-Man character. In the MCU, I think this deals more with the humanity of its central character, and that is done very well and does so from a number of angles. With all of that being said, I will recommend Spider-Man: Brand New Day to be seenin a 3-D at a twilight showing in a theater.