SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY Review

Let’s start with some context, OK?

Obviously, I’m a huge Batman fan first and foremost. By default, I grew up a DC Comics fan with Superman being my second favorite comic book superhero. BUT…

I loved Spider-Man as a kid and depending on my mood and the day, I could say that Spidey is my #2. Grew up with the 1960s animated series and when it came to Marvel, Spider-Man comics were the only ones I bought and read. (Well, that’s not 100% true. I also quite liked The Hulk comics and WEREWOLF BY NIGHT, but that’s a topic for another day!)

So yeah, you can say that I’m a Spider-Man fan.

When it comes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) version of the character, well, let me just say it isn’t my favorite incarnation. Liked all three previous solo films and I think Tom Holland is a fantastic Peter Parker/Spider-Man.  But frankly, the MCU stuff being so “IN YOUR FACE!” with those films wasn’t my cup of tea. Enjoyed HOMECOMING, FAR FROM HOME, NO WAY HOME, but let’s be real: None of them are genre classics like SPIDER-MAN 2 and I give them an average grade of B+ combined.

Thus, with the way NO WAY HOME ENDED, it looked like Tom Holland, and company would finally be able to make a true “Spider-Man” movie. One set exclusively in a Spider-Man world with only Spider-Man characters and doing Spider-Man things.

You know, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”.

Out comes SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY and says, “Not so fast my friend!”

The first 30 minutes or so is genuinely promising. Peter’s back to basics, dealing with street‑level threats, and familiar Spider‑Man characters, like The Scorpion (Michael Mando). Unfortunately, Scorpion is barely used — he pops in, teases a grounded direction, and then gets shoved aside once the MCU pivot hits. Peter even has a NYPD ally in Det. Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas from THE BEAR). There’s a grounded tone, a sense of identity, and it truly feels different than its three predecessors.

Then — and here’s where the mild spoilers begin — the film pivots hard. A new threat emerges that’s less a Spider‑Man villain and more about expanding the MCU. The story suddenly becomes less about solo Spider-Man and more about “Cool MCU Stuff, YO!” and introducing another Marvel property Disney wants folded into the MCU.

Did The Incredible Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) really need to be in this movie? Well, the answer is yes because it’s obvious that Marvel Studios went into this project wanting to prop up the MCU.

The good stuff, and there’s a lot of it, mostly comes down to the cast and that first part the film. Tom Holland is, once again, fantastic and he continues to be a genuinely great Peter Parker/Spider‑Man. He even gets a strong emotional beat late in the film — a moment that reminds you why Holland works so well in the role. The returning supporting cast — all of them — do a wonderful job (though Jacob Batalon’s Ned doesn’t get enough screentime as he has previously).

Then there’s Sadie Sink and, well, who she’s playing. We were asked at the press screening to not reveal her role so folks can enjoy the film unspoiled, and I 100% will honor that request. But I will say that while she gives a good performance, why is her character in this film?

Well, we know why.

Her character’s inclusion feels like another Disney/MCU‑driven decision rather than something that organically belongs in a Spider-Man film.