Movie Review

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the best of the MCU web-slinger era

Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

Ever since Spider-Man became part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the character’s stand-alone movies have been notable for maintaining their own vision despite having to service the larger MCU storyline. The emotionality of the series reached its high point in No Way Home by bringing back two former Spider-Mans — Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield — to assist Tom Holland in a multiversal storyline.

The heart displayed in that film is superseded by Spider-Man: Brand New Day, in which Peter Parker (Holland) is now alone in the world following the events of the previous film. For years, he has done his best to stay busy by stopping in-progress crimes and checking in with Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas), but the twin traumas of losing Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and forcing girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batolon) to forget him still weigh heavily on him.

Almost simultaneously, Peter starts experiencing a change in his physiology and is challenged by a new threat who has a power he does not know how to defeat. As he struggles with both of those things, he asks for help from a variety of sources, including Professor Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Frank Castle, aka The Punisher (Jon Bernthal), and — despite not knowing who he is — MJ and Ned, who are now roommates in New York following their college years at MIT.

Directed by Dustin Daniel Cretton and written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers (who have written each of the Holland Spider-Man films), the movie has a near-perfect blend of comic book spectacle and small-scale intimacy. Spider-Man’s ability to swing through New York’s urban landscape with ease provides plenty of opportunities for great action sequences, but the character’s focus on keeping the streets safe and finding a way back to his friends makes the story still feel manageable.

This is aided by the decision to not go overboard with the MCU connections. Bruce Banner/Hulk and a member of the New Avengers show up, but in relatively small roles. The Punisher makes the leap from TV to the movies, and the interaction between him and Spider-Man feels organic. So too does the super-secret villain, whose impact is felt well before they ever show up on screen thanks to a power that is as mysterious as it is effective.

While the action is abundant in the film, the filmmakers lean on emotion much more than most other comic book movies. Peter’s journey back to a semblance of a normal life is well-earned, with his reconnection with MJ and Ned slow-walked in an admirably subtle way. And in the final act, when CGI battles typically take over, the interior lives of Peter and other characters play as much a role in what happens as anything they do physically.

Holland, who tends to take criticism for non-Spider-Man roles, remains the ideal actor for the role. His open-heartedness makes him relatable, his athleticism makes him believable, and he crushes the heavier moments. He and Zendaya, who are now married in real life, work tremendously well together, and Batalon is a fun third wheel. Other standouts include Bernthal, Colón-Zayas, Trammell Tillman, and Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink.

From beginning to end, Spider-Man: Brand New Day now owns the title as best movie in the current Spider-Man universe. By maintaining connections to past movies, solidly incorporating new characters, and pointing to the future without making it the whole story, it demonstrates a model for how comic book movies should be done.

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theaters on July 31.

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weekend event planner

Here are the top 15 things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of Bun B

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While people will be gearing up for White Linen Night on Saturday (don’t worry – that article is coming soon), we’re looking forward to Art House Theater Day on Thursday. That’s when CultureMap contributor Craig D. Lindsey (aka, me) will introduce the 1976 comedy Car Wash at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. There will also be a pre-screening reception/record swap held at Mo’ Brunch & Brews down the street.

But, of course, let’s not forget about the other things going down this weekend, from the UniverSoul Circus to Bun B performing live to a terrain race to a musical featuring tunes from a ‘90s rock icon.

Isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?

Thursday, July 30

Cactus Music presents Waterparks Meet & Greet
Local rock trio Waterparks just dropped its sixth album Jinx last Friday. So far, the reviews have been appreciative. (“Might be better than therapy!” raved one reviewer.) To celebrate the release, the band will be over at Cactus Music for an album signing/meet and greet. People can pre-order now through the Cactus Music website to get a CD or vinyl copy and receive a “priority” line wristband for the event. (One wristband per person per item.) 5:30 pm.

UniverSoul Circus
UniverSoul Circus features an all-star cast, circus thrills, stunts, and interactive entertainment. Audience favorites are returning, including the Caribbean Street Carnival, featuring 20-foot dancing puppets, fire-breathing stilt dancers, and vibrant folklore characters. Fresh the Clownsss keep the crowds entertained with their hilarious antics. And high above the big top floor, daring motorcycle stunt artists perform heart-stopping flips and dives 60 feet in the air. 7 pm (Noon, 3:30 & 7:30 pm Saturday; Noon, 3 & 6:30 pm Sunday).

Houston Shakespeare Festival: The Tempest
Exiled by her brother to a remote island and left to die, Prospera — the once loved Duchess of Milan and now an all-powerful sorceress — conjures a great tempest to wash ashore a ship of her enemies. With the power of magic, Prospera manipulates the survivors of the wreckage to weave a story of revenge, retribution, and reconciliation. Rich with spectacle, humor, and wonder, Shakespeare’s final play brings audiences to a “brave new world ” where reconciliation is possible and humanity is renewed. Through August 5. 8:15 pm.

Photo courtesy of Bun B

Bun B will celebrate 30 years of Ridin' Dirty on Saturday.

Friday, July 31

Buffalo Bayou Partnership presents Cistern After Hours
Visitors can experience the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern in a new light at Cistern After Hours, an evening of art, music, and discovery. It will feature "Undercurrents," an interactive art installation by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, live music by DJ Josh Zulu, complimentary wine and beer from Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and local food trucks. Buskers will also be on site, creating personalized poems inspired by spectators and the downtown setting. 7 pm.

Mitochondria Gallery presents "Between Flame, Stone, and Tide" opening reception
Mitochondria Gallery will present its summer exhibition, "Between Flame, Stone, and Tide," bringing together the practices of Alex Peter Idoko, Chika Idu, and Ejiro Fenegal. Each artist investigates the ways memory, identity, and belonging are shaped by the elemental forces that define both personal and collective histories. The exhibition ultimately invites viewers to reflect on the enduring relationship between material, place, and the environments that sustain us. Through Saturday, August 22. 7 pm.

Punch Line Houston presents Chris O'Connor
Chris O'Connor will be in town for a two-night stint over at Punch Line Houston. O’Connor is a Philadelphia native comic now living in Austin. These days he’s best known for co-starring (and co-writing) in the hit Netflix series Tires, alongside star/co-creator Shane Gillis. O'Connor also wrote and acted in Gillis’s sketch series Gilly and Keeves and is one-half of the podcast Stuff Island. 7 & 9:15 pm. (7 and 9:15 Saturday).

Cultural Center "Our Texas" presents "The Summer Mood" opening reception
Cultural Center "Our Texas" presents their new exhibit, "The Summer Mood," a group exhibition featuring artwork from Vladimir Shkred, Iryna Sheytman, and Tatiana Gobert. The exhibition brings together an array of colorful floral compositions alongside delicate soap flower bouquets and the natural beauty of fresh flowers. Together, these works create an atmosphere of warmth, color, and summer joy. Visitors are invited to enjoy a glass of wine as they explore the show. Through Friday, August 28. 7:30 pm.

Saturday, August 1

Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair
The 16th annual Mayor’s Back 2 School & Health Fair, going down at the George R. Brown Convention Center, will help approximately 20,000 Houston-area elementary students prepare for the new school year with backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies. Families will also have access to health, vision and dental screenings, immunizations, mental health resources, community organizations and family-friendly activities. It’s free, but advance registration is preferred and space is limited. 8 am.

Terrain Race Houston
At the Houston Terrain Race, runners take on mud, ropes, walls, and water in an obstacle-packed course designed to test grit, balance, and determination. This is an untimed, choose-your-pace event, so participants can sprint for a personal challenge or move steadily with their crew and still feel like a champion at the finish line. Expect rope climbs, monkey bars, cargo nets, tire jumps, and mud pits that keep things wild from start to finish, with multiple distance options so both new obstacle racers and seasoned athletes can find the right level of challenge. 9 am.

Company OnStage presents A Taste of the Season
Company OnStage will celebrate the new theater season with cake, creativity, and community. The inaugural baking competition and family-friendly event brings together local bakers, theater lovers, and community members for a day of sweet treats and artistic inspiration. People can admire the entries, enjoy tastings, and experience a fun day centered around creativity and community pride. Proceeds from the event support Company OnStage’s mission of providing affordable, professional-quality theater in Southwest Houston. 11 am.

Axelrad presents KG BBQ pop-up
Austin's Michelin-recognized, Egyptian-influenced barbecue restaurant returns to Houston for another pop-up at Axelrad in Midtown. With his trailer in tow, pitmaster-owner Kareem El-Ghayesh will served a menu that includes smoked lamb chops, spice-rubbed lamb shoulder, brisket, sides, and more. Pre-orders are available now via KG's website. Later than evening, Axelrad will host country dancing with a live band. 12 pm.

Bun B in concert
Rapper, icon, hip-hop pioneer, smash burger entrepreneur – these are all things Bun B is known for. But let’s not forget about 30 years ago, when he and the late MC/producer Pimp C dropped Ridin’ Dirty, their third album as hip-hop duo UGK (aka Underground Kingz). Bun will return to the stage for a one-night-only performance, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Dirty. He'll be joined by some special guests. 8 pm.

Sunday, August 2

Asia Society Texas presents A Nice Indian Boy
Asia Society Texas and Aerial Roots Theatre Company bring Madhuri Shekar's A Nice Indian Boy back to Houston audiences. Naveen Gavaskar just wants a traditional Hindu marriage to a nice Indian ... boy. Naveen brings his new boyfriend home to his Indian-American family, just as his sharp-tongued sister, Arundhathi, returns with news of her own. What follows is an uproarious journey as the family navigates duty, tradition, and self-discovery in their quest for happily-ever-afters. Through Sunday, August 9. 1:30 & 7 pm.

Art Factory presents Jagged Little Pill
Set behind the facade of a picture-perfect suburban family, Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill follows the Healys as their carefully constructed world begins to crack wide open. Built around songs from Morissette’s era-defining album, Jagged Little Pill became a Tony-winning theatrical sensation for its fearless storytelling, electric score, and unflinching emotional power. Art Factory will present the first locally-produced staging of the musical to Houston. Through Sunday, August 9. 5 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Tower
On August 1, 1966, a sniper rode the elevator to the top floor of the University of Texas Tower and opened fire, holding the campus hostage for 96 minutes in what was a previously unimaginable event. Combining archival footage with rotoscopic animation, this 2016 doc is based entirely on testimonies from witnesses, heroes, and survivors, in a suspenseful retelling of the unfolding tragedy. Director Keith Maitland and cinematographer/executive producer Sarah Wilson will be around for a post-screening discussion. 5 pm.

things to do art house theater day alanis morrissette houston weekend events event-planner