Grade: A+… Spider-Man has always been one of my favorite superheroes. I have seen all the movies, played most of the video games and have always loved what Spidey has been about. Spider-man touts himself as “Your friendly neighborhood Spider-man.” He has always helped out his community; be it saving the world from the latest villain to finding someone’s beloved cat. He does it all without anyone knowing his real identity, the humble Peter Parker.
In Spidey’s latest movie “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” nobody knows who Peter Parker is, not even his love, Mary Jane. At the end of the previous movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Doctor Strange casts a global spell to make everyone forget who he is in order to protect the multiverse. As no one remembers who he is, Spidey must still remain Spider-Man to save the world from the newest enemy (I will not spoil who it is).
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is quite the emotional rollercoaster. It was tough to see the two people closest to him, Mary Jane and Ned, not remember him at all, due to the spell. However, it was heartwarming to know that Spidey made that sacrifice of knowing them to protect them. Spidey literally gave up his love for Mary Jane to protect her.
We have had several actors slip into the Spider-Man suit and accept the fact that “with great power comes great responsibility” but, in my opinion, Tom Holland does it best. In real life, he is married to his “MJ” (Zendaya). While “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” takes on a more serious tone than the predecessors for the obvious reason, it does manage to deliver a few chuckles. You still get the highly entertaining action sequences, along with the laughs and a side order of romance (as much as was allowed in Spidey’s circumstance this time around).
I was fortunate to view “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” in the new format called Screen X where there are three panels serving up a panoramic effect. It was the first movie to be shot specifically for the Screen X format. Previously, I did see “The Super Mario Bros Galaxy” movie and “Masters of the Universe” in Screen X as well, but Screen X for those movies came off more so as a gimmick. I am pleased to say that Screen X for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” does not feel like a gimmick. It includes great breathtaking panoramic shots of New York City and it is cleverly used during some of the action scenes as well. It was worth going to the 12:15am showing to have the Screen X experience. Needless to say, the movie held my attention all the way to 3am with its two hour and twenty five minute run time.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is one of, if not THE best Spider-Man movies to date. Swing by the theaters with your friends and you will be entertained!