It’s hard to avoid spoilers when it comes to movies these days. Especially comic book movies. Everyone and their cellar-dwelling, wannabe casting agent selves, throwing their two cents in where it doesn’t belong. Analyzing every name, face, on-set photo, you name it! All for what? To prove how astute you are? To say to your friends, “I called it!”? You don’t impress anybody.
*End Rant*
*Ahem* where was I…? Oh, yeah! In spite of all the guessing as to who a certain Stranger Things alum would be playing, what the plot was going to be, who was in the movie’s stills and who was omitted, I looked forward to seeing Brand New Day. I had been a fan of Spider-Man for a long time.
When I first got into reading comic books, I was into the Punisher, The X-Men and, of course, Spider-Man. So, when Brand New Day said they’d have those three titles being represented? I practically burst! I thought we’d have to wait until Doomsday to incorporate the X-Men into the MCU. I guess not…
We play catch-up with Peter since we last saw him. Looking in on his friends, Ned and MJ, visiting May’s grave, being a friendly neighborhood hero. You feel for him. Longing for the friendships he can’t have for fear of putting those closest to him, in danger. Keeping to himself. Diving more into being Spider-Man than human interactions. Overworking himself. That’s about the first 20 minutes of the movie. Until the REAL action starts. Someone is leaping from psyche to psyche and you don’t know who. I was sitting there going through Spidey’s rogues gallery and I couldn’t think of a single person…who…does that…then it hit me. I’m a dumb-dumb.
Regardless of what the internet has told me, I totally forgot WHO it could’ve been. When it was revealed, I literally smacked my head. But that’s the power of this movie. I can only speak for myself when I say, I was enthralled with the story. I didn’t have time to analyze what everyone’s role was on the screen. Nor did I want to. I followed along. I was entertained. As I should be, watching this comic book leap off the page.
I think Tom Holland is the best representation of Peter Parker/Spider-Man we’ve had. Period. He shines as both, in Brand New Day. As Peter, he’s unassuming, quiet, forlorned and smart as a (t)whip. As Spider-Man, he’s everything you’ve seen on the page. Confident, wisecracking, yet fallible. He’s not perfect. Which works for him as he’s still trying to BE the hero. He’s going to make mistakes. He’s flawed but that’s what makes him relatable.
Jon Bernthal as the Punisher isn’t nerfed as the kids say (they still say that, right?). Coming off his One Last Kill, he’s used here effectively. Not as brutal or bloody but still the character of Frank Castle. Sadie Sink comes in cloaked in mystery for the most part but when we delve into her story, she mirrors Peter in loss and isolation. Liza Colón Zayas as Det. Jean DeWolff is a good tethering of Spidey/Peter with having a human connection. Even if it’s not face-to-face. It’s really a working relationship but without it, he would probably sink lower into his reclusiveness. And of course, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon are seasoned veterans as MJ and Ned (respectively). They play off each other so well. Their friendship with Tom Holland is felt on and off screen.
Is Marvel back? Is it fair to judge them on past successes or failures since Endgame? Do we keep lumping these movies together as phases or should we judge them on their own merits? These four Spider flicks are the best, most consistent of a single character’s journey. Others have dipped or have poorly received outings. The “Home” trilogy and now Brand New Day deliver and make it look effortless.
Arguing With Myself 