What do early reactions to Spider-Man: Brand New Day say?

The first American journalists discovered the film this week and their opinions are extremely enthusiastic, welcoming a return to a more down to earth, more mature Spider-Man free of the multiverse.

It’s one of the most anticipated films of the year and, according to the first reactions published on social networks after the press screenings, Marvel seems to have succeeded in its bet. As is often the case, the first feedback posted on the networks is very favorable and in no way guarantees good press reviews afterwards. But they give some indication of the strong points and directions of the film. In this case, it seems that Spider-Man: Brand New Day marks a real renewal for the saga led by Tom Holland, five years later No Way Home. Destin Daniel Cretton’s film is described as more intimate, more mature and above all much more anchored in the streets of New York than the previous opuses.

Correspondent of FandangoErik Davis talks about a film “deeper, more thoughtful and more mature than the previous trilogy.“He describes:”This maturity is also found in the action scenes. Destin Daniel Cretton signs some of the best fights in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Part police investigation, part psychological thriller and part buddy movie – the exchanges between Spider-Man and the Punisher are a real treat – the film explores new directions before becoming a true declaration of love to fans.”

Same enthusiasm from journalist Brandon Pope, who believes he has seen the best Spider-Man in the MCU: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day may be the most Marvel movie I’ve ever seen. Destin Daniel Cretton pays homage to the great works dedicated to Spider-Man – in particular those of Sam Raimi – to deliver a film that is both touching and spectacular. Hulk and the Punisher deliver. The big reveal lives up to expectations. It’s the best film in the saga with Tom Holland.”

Critic Peter Howell especially appreciates the return to a simpler approach, far from the complications of the multiverse: “Marvel finally abandons the weariness of the multiverse to return to a Spider-Man anchored in the streets of the city, faithful to the roots of the character. Tom Holland finally finds the perfect balance between sarcasm, anguish and sentimental awkwardness imagined by Stan Lee. The film cleverly handles the emotional aftermath of No Way Home while introducing a truly terrifying telepathic antagonist.”

He also praises the performances of Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo and Sadie Sink, while regretting an excessive length of 2h25 and a post-credits scene that he considers unnecessary.

For Griffin Schiller, the film is simply “a triumph : it overflows with heart, sincerity and hope. It’s a story about accepting vulnerability, remaining human despite suffering, and transforming your pain to help others overcome theirs..”

Finally, Brian Davids believes that the film marks a real evolution of the character:

“Peter Parker is changing, and so is the Spider-Man franchise. This is the most emotional, mature and atmospheric episode of the series. It will meet fans’ expectations at times…and completely surprise them at others.”