Columbia Pictures, Marvel Studios and Pascal Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is yet another film in the Spider-Man franchise.
After Dr. Stephen Strange’s spell at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), the world has forgotten Peter Parker and that he even exists. But four years later, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) keeps protecting New York City anonymously as Spider-Man. He is called upon by the Department of Damage Control to investigate a powerful new threat. How he rises to the occasion forms the crux of the drama.
Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers have written an interesting story which has all the ingredients of a mass entertainer. It has drama, humour, romance, emotions and, of course, action and stunts. The story has several layers because of which it keeps the audience’s interest alive all through. The duo’s screenplay is pretty engaging as well as entertaining. There isn’t a dull moment in the drama. Yes, the pace does drop soon after mid-point but that is not to say that the drama becomes boring or dull. The slow portions also keep the viewers thoroughly engaged.
Tom Holland is entertaining and endearing, and plays the character of Peter Parker alias Spider-Man with all the conviction at his command. He shines. Zendaya essays the role of MJ, Peter’s former classmate and ex-girlfriend, with confidence and elan. Sadie Sink plays Jean Grey with complete authority and owns the character wonderfully. Jacob Batalon lends lovely support as Ned Leeds, Peter’s former best friend. The scene in which he tells Peter Parker that he has made an app called ‘Spidey Tracker’ brings the house down with laughter. Jon Bernthal is remarkable as Frank. His changing chemistry with Peter Parker is heartwarming. His appearance to help Spider-Man after MJ asks him to go is clap-worthy. Tramell Tillman lends dignity to the character of Bill Metzger, head of the Department of Damage Control. Michael Mando makes his mark as Scorpion. Mark Ruffalo plays to the gallery as Bruce Banner/Hulk. Liza Colón-Zayas is terrific in the role of detective Jean DeWolff. Olivia Booth-Ford is supremely natural as Jean Grey’s sister, Sara Grey. Zabryna Guevara (as Sheila Riviera) makes her presence felt. Marvin Jones III plays crime boss Lonnie Lincoln/Tombstone in a realistic manner. Eman Esfandi is good in the role of MJ’s new boyfriend. Others provide the desired support.
Destin Daniel Cretton’s direction is outstanding. He has made a film which doesn’t let the viewer’s interest diminish for even a moment. Also, he has extracted great work from out of all his artistes. Michael Giacchino’s background music is terrific. Brett Pawlak’s cinematography deserves distinction marks. Charles Wood’s production designing is of a high order. Editing (by Nat Sanders, Gina Sansom and Harry Yoon) is super-sharp. Dubbing is superb.
On the whole, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a blockbuster. It will appeal to the young and the old alike, to girls and guys, to the masses as well as the classes, and to the audience in ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ class centres. Not just the original English version (which has been released simultaneously) but even the dubbed Hindi version will do wonders at the box-office!
Released on 30-7-’26 at Metro Inox (3D; daily 4 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay by Sony Pictures Films India Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: outstanding. Opening: extraordinary. …….Also released all over. Opening was terrific everywhere.
