everyone and their mother went to see spider-man: brand new day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day brought everyone into a packed theater with a story about grief, growth, and the experiences that shape us into who we are.
Fashionably late (as always) comes my Spider-Man: Brand New Dayreview. One of the most highly anticipated films of the year, and it did not disappoint. There is something about a new Spider-Man release that brings the whole community together. Everyone is ecstatic and suddenly not a single theater seat is empty. How fun is that?? Going to see Spider-Man and hearing the chatter of excitement with the majority of moviegoers dressed on theme?? That’s the best part of the whole experience. It’s impossible to not want to join in the fun of it all. Therefore, Spider-Man has to get a 4 / 5 stars, not just because it brings everyone together, but because it explores themes of loss & grief, features an A-list cast, balances action with relatability, and tells a beautiful story.
Coming from someone who is not fully invested in the Marvel universe, Spider-Man: Brand New Day was compelling and immersive. With a top tier cast (and I don’t mean just in status) how could it not be? Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Mark Ruffalo, Liza Colón-Zayas, and the insanely talented Jon Bernthal. Tom Holland brings a softness and relatability to Peter Parker that the audience can’t help but love and want to protect. He has a way of making it seem like he is a friend you already know. The growth of MJ through Zendaya has been one for the books. Her character has beautifully evolved with a maturity that still clings to the confident and witty, yet guarded and observant, teenager she started out as. The comedic yet adorable timing of Jacob Batalon as Ned was peak. The trio back together pulled at all the right heartstrings. As mentioned before, I lack some general knowledge of the Marvel Universe, so it was a pleasant surprise to see Mark Ruffalo on screen.
I will find any reason to mention The Bear, and here I am again, but I would be remiss not to discuss the incredible work that Jon Bernthal puts out into the world. Jon is the definition of a working actor right now and we all can’t get enough. He knows how to play the rugged yet soft and real character archetype just right. From The Walking Dead, The Accountant, and The Bear to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, he has given nothing but stellar performances. He brings an incredibly humane side to a morally questionable character. Also, such a joy to see Liza Colón-Zayas on the screen.
Sadie Sink is a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Her ability to connect with the audience as a performer in any role she’s in is incredible. In this film, as Jean Grey, she was layered and emotionally protective, peeling back more of herself for the audience to uncover as the film evolved. Sadie held our hand throughout the movie as she slowly introduced us to all of who Jean Grey truly is. The on-screen connection and understanding that Sadie and Tom were able to build was transferred directly to the audience.
The most beautiful part of the film was its portrayal of the ways grief and loss can manifest mentally, emotionally, and physically. A longer standalone piece on grief and loss in this film is coming soon, but oh wow, was it such an expressive way to emphasize how grief can physically make us sick in our day-to-day while trying to push forward. As people we tend to push down the pain that feels too all-consuming to process, but what happens when it walks us right into a wall? (Metaphorically and sometimes literally). The storyline focusing on the emotional burnout Peter was experiencing and how it transformed into physical changes he would need to adapt to was masterful.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day brought everyone and their mother to the movies. The most special part of seeing something new is the people you share it with. There’s a positive energy that comes with seeing Spider-Man: Brand New Day in a packed theater, and it’s not something you want to miss!
