Rating of
3/4
"I'm both."
Matthew Brady - wrote on 11/08/26
Finally, an MCU Spider-Man film that feels like a true Spider-Man movie.
A vibrant movie with comic-book colors that’s full of heart and true to Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Serious, emotional scenes between characters aren't ruined by forced, unfunny humor and are allowed to play out. The action scenes and set pieces are visually striking and more memorable. And I do mean this whole movie looks colorful and is probably the best-looking Spidey film. The swinging scenes almost gave me motion sickness, which isn’t a negative but actually a compliment, as it effectively puts you in his POV during those scenes. Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, and Spidey have great chemistry, and their interactions are pure gold. The performances here are strong, especially from Tom Holland, who has never been better, and from Sadie Sink in that emotional third-act scene. Director Destin Daniel Cretton does wonders with dynamic action, but he also brings a grounded, human touch to the characters and draws out the best in the actors.
Although the visual effects at times look rough, and although I like how the film tries to give New York City a personality this time around, similar to the Sam Raimi movies, which works in parts, in other parts I can’t shake the feeling that I’m looking at a street filmed anywhere but in New York, masquerading as the city. The actual villain of the movie isn’t anything noteworthy beyond basic evil deeds. The film is a little overstuffed, and I bet there was a lot of cutting around in the editing room.
And that’s it for the issues. Overall, I walked away satisfied and happy. There’s a reason people love this character: he is the most relatable hero in fiction, and everyone can see themselves in him. The film captures that well. A hero audiences will show up for, dress up as, and be inspired by, both children and adults. Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
