The biggest problem with most films in the Marvel Universe is their connectivity. If you haven’t watched most (or all) of them, you may not understand who’s who or what’s what in any new outing.
“Spiderman: Brand New Day” bears the scars.
If you remember, folks who knew Peter Parker had a mind wipe and don’t know him now. His Aunt May is dead, and his girlfriend, M.J., and best pal Ned have no knowledge of him out of tights.
Tom Holland as Peter Parker in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
That puts Peter (Tom Holland) in a very lonely world. But there are outside forces who’d like him to disappear entirely. Also, his innate spidey skills need a bit of mechanical help and aren’t always reliable.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton clearly has a lot on his plate. He serves each course fully, then mashes together a little too much for the dessert.
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When you get characters like the Hulk and Yelena Belova, you’re in fairly familiar territory. But then he tosses in Frank Castle (from several television series), and you begin to feel like you’re not worthy of following the narrative.
Luckily, Holland does a masterful job showing his isolation, love and determination. You could ignore all the additions and embrace what he’s doing. Several times, his actions bring tears. And when he gets a chance to tell all to MJ (Zendaya, who is underused), you know those loving looks were inspired by their real-life relationship.
Zendaya and Tom Holland as MJ and Spider-Man in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day."
Ned (Jacob Batalon) doesn’t get as much screen time as he should, but he’s there when the chips are down, pun intended. When the three friends are together, “Brand New Day” is extremely comforting.
Cretton uses inventive cinematography to keep Spider-Man off guard, but his real treat is knowing when to get him back on track.
Like some of the better Marvel films, “Brand New Day” looks like plenty of money has been spent and spent well. The Department of Damage Control has an elaborate “lair” that holds one of the new additions after a life-altering experience. The segment isn’t necessary, but it does extend a branch to yet another tree in the Marvel family.
Bruised and battered, Holland is now the franchise's most relatable character. In a post-credits scene, producers indicate Spider-Man’s days aren’t numbered anytime soon. That’s the most hopeful news of all.
