Spider-Man: Brand New Day Review | Marvel's Best Movie in Years?

Spider-Man (Tom Holland) faces off against the Hand.

Source: Marvel Studios

Overall: 7.6/10

Story 7.7/10

Peter Parker has resigned himself to being alone. He’s married to the job now. He doesn’t need friends or family. He just needs the mission. Or at least that’s what he thinks.

Everything changes when the mission hits a little close to home. The people Peter sacrifices everything to protect suddenly find themselves in danger. Peter realizes that even Spider-Man can't carry every burden alone.

The action and cinematography are excellent. But Spider-Man: Brand New Day is mainly a character driven story. And they steal the show.

Peter Parker discusses some important matters with Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo).

Source: Marvel Studios

Character  7.5/10

Tom Holland/Peter Parker/Spiderman

Peter stops living a full life. His chosen seclusion is something he thinks is for the best. His sacrifice is noble but also deeply selfish. By choosing isolation, Peter removes the choice from the people who love him.

Though he regrets it, he's willing to live with his sacrifice. But the sacrifice is meaningless if it doesn’t truly protect the ones that he loves.  

Zendaya/Mary Jane Watson/MJ

MJ feels like there is something missing in her life. It’s like she's holding her breath for something. But she’s not sure what it is. 

Mark Ruffalo/Dr. Bruce Banner/Hulk

Dr. Banner is always trying to fight what he deems as the monster within. The irony is that he has plenty of advice for Peter, when it comes to dealing with his demons, yet he struggles to follow this advice himself.

Jon Bernthal/Frank Castle/Punisher

The Punisher is Spiderman’s foil. Frank has lost every thing. He lives in seclusion. He knows deep down that Peter is not built for this kind of life.

Frank tries to steer Peter down a different path. The Punisher is the darkness. And Spider-Man is the light. But even Frank finds some solace in Peter’s friendship.

Peter Parker tears through his molting nest.

Source: Marvel Studios

Final Thoughts

Marvel fans finally have a reason to believe again. Spider-Man: Brand New Day may have singled-handedly brought the MCU back. 

Its exhilarating action and emotionally grounded storytelling make it one of Marvel's strongest movies in years. Hopefully, Avengers: Doomsday doesn’t fumble the baton.