MOVIE REVIEW: Spider-Man - Brand New Day

(WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD)

I've honestly never liked the titles to the Tom Holland Spider-Man films. They sound like Sony released Spider-Man studio albums rather than movies...But that's probably just me. HA HA

I've liked the Holland Spidey films well enough. Not gonna lie, they're good, entertaining, well-made, but they're not my favorites. Per usual, me being contrary to popular opinion, the Andrew Garfield films are my favorites, flaws and all (Andrew is so good as Spidey...I cheered in the theater when he showed up in No Way Home). And still not lying, No Way Home has a special place in my heart because it incorporates Tobey and Andrew and their respective villains significantly. It was such a spectacular thing to see three renditions of Spider-Man on the big screen together. And there was none of the disappointment from the previous films. With its emotional and nostalgic weight, No Way Home holds the top spot for me. And Brand New Day is a close second.

At the first trailer for the film, I was a little worried that the movie would be unfocused because there seemed to be so much in it. I'm sure a common temptation with these big-budget films is to outdo the installations that came before, that bigger is better. But this movie was anything but unfocused. This film presents a story/character arc that draws you into Spider-Man in a way that the previous films hadn't done, I feel. Of course, Spidey is the main guy, but this film is also a highly effective introduction to Jean Grey and a setup for the future X-Men in the MCU. I had actually spoiled the Sadie Sink casting for myself sometime last week, but luckily it came at an accidental, regretful glimpse (thanks internet) rather than a voluntary search. I'd forgotten about Sadie Sink as Jean, but when she showed up in the movie, the glimpse came back. Honestly, the Jean Grey reveal was something I would have loved to have known nothing about. It was a moment that I would have loved to have experienced with a big audience around me, to hear their reactions in real time and share it (It's why we go to the movies). My experience was more of an "Oh yeah..." rather than the "Holy crap, that's awesome!" moment that it should have been. But again, I insincerely applaud the internet for being the stupid spoiler engine that it is. But that aside, it was such a fantastic introduction to Jean. Given her display of power in the finale, you can't help but wonder the spectacle that comes with her as The Phoenix. At the very least, if done credibly, it will redeem the two failed attempts that came before it.

I really don't have much to say about this movie, good as it is. But as the biggest take away, I have to say something about Tom Holland's performance. While Andrew Garfield is my favorite Spidey (sarcasm, joy, heartbreak, intelligence, confidence)...Tom Holland, man...He's such a great actor. And I do believe we haven't seen the height of his prowess yet. Dude is already firmly on the fame map, but I believe there's a project in his future that's going to send him to even greater heights. Holland's ability to portray grief and struggle, and even Peter Parker's awkwardness at times is such a testament to his craft. He just brings so much heart to the character, and even uniquely so from his predecessors, I feel. The emotional flair he brings in his acting gets me in my feels every time, and it was evident to me the moment Peter starts to fade in the Snap. As soon as he grabs ahold of Tony and says "I don't wanna go"...Stick a fork in me, I'm done. (lol) It breaks my heart every time I see it. But that's when I first noticed his dramatic flair, and you see it in its appropriate vein in this movie. Tom Holland makes you care about Peter Parker.

Anybody who knows me or that I even remotely talk to about movies knows that I'm Marveled out, and that includes Star Wars. I really had no intention to see this movie, but a couple of stellar opinions compelled me back into the theater for one more go, and it was a go that proved to be worth it.