Who knew this summer’s “Spider-Man” and “Devil Wears Prada” sequels would have something in common?
Both films take for-e-ver for their actual stories to kick in. Time is money, people! Chop chop!
It’s a lesser problem for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” Anytime Tom Holland’s Peter Parker is on screen is a plus. The young actor remains perfect as the unlikely superhero, so when the conflict finally kicks in, it’s worth the wait.
Mostly.
We’d prefer a meatier MCU protagonist – Josh Brolin’s Thanos spoiled us silly. “Brand New Day” still has so much to offer that we’ll accept the world-building happening on Spidey’s watch.
Holland’s hero is now a full-time crime fighter, and the Big Apple has never been safer. Imagine that – arresting bad guys can reduce crime. Don’t tell the DSA!
That do-gooder streak comes at a price. The last film erased Peter from the minds of his closest friends – girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Battalion). Now, they’re having the time of their lives at MIT while Peter spoils petty crimes and mopes around his clanky NYC apartment.
He’s resigned to a life of loneliness when his spider powers start to flicker. Before you can say, hey, didn’t they do that in “Superman III” (1984) and “Spider-Man 2” (2004), the real story kicks in.
A mysterious force is taking over the minds of innocents and making them commit serious crimes. That gets Spidey’s attention, which leads him to not one but two MCU favorites.
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Jon Bernthal’s Punisher is as cranky as ever, and his scenes with Holland offer an unexpected treat. Oil and water can mix, apparently.
Our hero also seeks out Dr. Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to see if the cagey scientist can explain his unstable powers.
Dr. Banner has a vested interest in that subject.
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We’re also reunited with MJ and Ned, which adds serious pathos to the saga. Oh, and “Stranger Things” alum Sophie Sink shows up in a pivotal role.
It’s important to dance around key plot points to keep select elements unspoiled. Just know that director Destin Daniel Cretton (“Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings”) has a firm handle on the action beats (strong, not epic) as well as Peter’s emotional arc.
Spidey’s torn over losing the love of his life but resolute in keeping her safe at all costs. Where does that leave him?
“Brand New Day” weaves in those familiar faces so well it doesn’t feel like MCU nostalgia berries. Oh, and one of the “New Avengers” shows up, but mostly for comic relief.
The focus remains on Holland’s wall-crawler, who isn’t a kid anymore and understands the stakes in play.
His character’s bond with a local police chief is a fresh new angle, and the sturdy screenplay allows that connection to show Spidey’s maturation. We can’t pretend Holland isn’t 30 years old, or that we didn’t watch Peter Parker go to hell and back in recent adventures.
“Brand New Day” isn’t obsessed with the same ol’ CGI slugfests. There’s action, of course, but it’s Spidey’s soul that stays in sharp focus. Holland does the rest, grounding his character and making his heartache ours.
This is easily Zendaya’s best Spidey performance, too and “Brand New Day” refuses to ladle out easy compromises on the home front.
Yes, “Brand New Day” is a very long sit – two hours and 25 minutes. And you can feel the length, even when the story is throwing everything not bolted down at the screen.
What emerges is a satisfying superhero film that leaves us eager for more. Take that, superhero fatigue!
NOTE: There is one very short post-credit teaser, and once you see it you’ll wish you had left as the end credits started to roll.
HiT or Miss: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is both grounded and ambitious, an unusual sequel that needs time to warm up but delivers once it does.
Who’s your favorite on-screen Spidey … and why?
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