Movie Review: Spiderman - Brand New Day

 Movie Number 30 of 2026

The Movie: Spiderman: Brand New Day

The Cinema: Hoyts Victoria Gardens

Runtime: Two hours 25 minutes

Stars: 4

I was talking to a friend earlier today. She said she'd seen the latest Spiderman film. She's not seen the ones before, nor has she been a part of the Marvel Universe. 

I might have to convert her. I say this with a big smile on my face. My friend and I talk movies a lot, so we're going to watch the other two Spiderman films (Far from Home and No Way Home) to compare and contrast. As somebody who's au fait with the Marvel Universe, recommended going through from the start - from Iron Man, so you get the gist of everything. Regardless, we've both seen this new Spiderman film, we both enjoyed it, and I'm happy to recommend it for a lot of reasons, whether you're into Marvel or not. A good action film is just that. 

Regardless of whether you're a Marvel ticket holder or not, there's a lot to enjoy in this film. You do get more out of it if you've got some knowledge of the MCU - but it's not essential. 

Spiderman: Brand New Day takes place four years after the end of No Way Home. Peter Parker/Spiderman (Tom Holland) is still fighting crime with the NYPD. He's also living the life of a recluse. Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) died at the end of the last film. Ned (Jacob Batalon) and MJ (Zendaya) have had their memories wiped regarding Peter - and they've been at university in Boston. It's lonely. Making matters worse Peter's spider abilities are acting up and there is a new threat in town which the perceived good guys, led by Bill Metzger (Travis Tillman) are trying to keep under wraps. 

It wouldn't be a good Marvel film if some of the old crew didn't come back. Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) is there to help out. The scenes with Yelena Balova/ The Black Widow (Florence Pugh) are some of the best bits of the film. And of course, there is a lot of action, as Spiderman and the crew try to work out just what is going on with this new threat - which comes in the form of Jean Grey (Sadie Sink). If you're an X-Men fan, you'll know what we're on about. Also, a shout out to Jon Bernthal who plays Frank Castle - a character from the MCU's Punisher series - he's very cool. Another character who has a great arc.

The addition of Jean Grey also signals that work is in the offing to bring the X-Men in with the New Avengers films. Just watch. 

If not, you'll work it out.

What I really liked about this film is we're seeing a man who's growing up. Peter's now a young man. Sensitive, kind and still wanting to do everything to make a better place - yet he's contemplative - and thinks things out. He sees the bigger picture. This film has a lot more going on at an emotional level - and it is wonderful to see. 

Also, the clip at the very end - after the credits - is small but informative. I will say no more. 

Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers have taken Stan Lee's thoughts and run with them. This script is great. Fun and action-filled, but also contemplative. This film looks at what matters most - family and friends, and finding your place in the world.

Which, when you think about it, is what Marvel movies are all about. 

This was great. It's worth a look - particularly if you're a Marvel fan.

(And I will be gently convincing my friend to start at the start and work her way through these films. Some are fantastic, some not so good - but it's a worth universe to be a part of.)

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