'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is "the Best Film of the Tom Holland Series", Reactions Say

The highly anticipated Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters this Friday (31), and the film has already been screened for critics. The first reactions are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a more grounded, emotional, and character-driven adventure. Among the praise, some critics even called the production the "best film of the Tom Holland era."

Erik Davis of Fandango said the movie is "deeper, more thoughtful and more mature than the previous trilogy". According to him, director Destin Daniel Cretton delivers some of the best Spider-Man action scenes ever starring Holland. The journalist also described the film as a mix of crime story, psychological thriller, and buddy comedy, praising the dynamic between the hero and the Punisher and calling the production "a genuine love letter to fans."

Wendy Lee Szany said she had "no notes" on the film. The critic highlighted the top-tier action and said the production also delivers "tearjerker" moments.

Brandon Pope was also full of praise and said that Spider-Man: Brand New Day may be the Marvel movie that impressed him the most. In his view, Destin Daniel Cretton pays tribute to the hero's classic stories—especially Sam Raimi's trilogy—to create an exciting adventure. The journalist also praised appearances by Hulk and the Punisher and concluded that this is "The best film of the Tom Holland spidey series."

Along the same lines, Peter Howell said the movie leaves behind the "multiverse tedium" to deliver "a grounded Spider-Man tale," bringing back the character's street-level roots. The critic also wrote that Tom Holland "finally nails the sarcasm, angst and love hassles," while also highlighting the villain played by Sadie Sink and the supporting cast.

Finally, Kevin Verma of Nexus Point described the film as "the refresher Marvel needed." The journalist said that "Tom Holland has never been better," praised the chemistry between Spider-Man and the Punisher, and highlighted that the script is "thrilling, heartfelt and confidently character driven".