Spider-Man: Brand New Day * Brings This Series To A Whole New Level With Action-Packed Fight Scenes, Bone-Chilling Mysteries, Heartbreak And Emotions
July 31st, 2026
It’s a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves – a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Jackson N. comments, “Spider-Man: Brand New is a fantastic return to the MCU after last year’s Fantastic Four: First Steps – and a long-awaited return to the world of Spider-Man since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. One of my favorite things this film does that the Marvel comics do as well is present an easy jumping on point for new viewers.” Valerie M. adds, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings this series to a whole new level. With action-packed fight scenes, bone-chilling mysteries, heartbreak and emotions, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a must watch.” Rayce S. adds his two cents, “Spider-man Brand New Day is a disappointing Spider-Man film, with great sets and amazing fight choreography, but beyond that, it fails at being a true Spider-Man movie. This isn’t a bad film—it’s just a bad Spider-Man film.” See their full reviews below.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Spider-Man: Brand New is a fantastic return to the MCU after last year’s Fantastic Four: First Steps – and a long-awaited return to the world of Spider-Man since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. One of my favorite things this film does that the Marvel comics do as well is present an easy jumping on point for new viewers. This film does that especially well, considering you need little to no backstory to understand the premise.
The majority of the story takes place four or five years after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is still dealing with the repercussions of the choice he made to make the world, even his girlfriend, MJ (Zendaya), and his best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon), forget who he was. Peter deals with many villains in this film, but they all pale in comparison to his newest, and probably strongest foe (Sadie Sink).
Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivers a heartfelt, fun to watch, visually-stunning moviegoing experience. Despite not having as much levity as its predecessors, this film brings some lightness and humor to a story that could skew dark and sad. Something the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, set out to do from the beginning, is give audiences a down to earth, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The appearances of the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) add fan-favorite characters that have been missed since Punisher’s last appearance in 2025 on Daredevil: Born Again, and Hulk’s way back in 2022 on She Hulk: Attorney at Law. We also get some comic relief, including a scene that’ll be remembered in the sauna she calls her office, from one of The New Avengers, Black Widow (Florence Pugh). Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas) provides Peter with a heartfelt lifeline and a reminder of the importance of family, even in a world where he has been forgotten by the people he loves. The cinematography emphasizes intimate, street-level perspectives making New York City and Brooklyn feel like they are characters in the storyline. The falling and jumping scenes are some of the best and most immersive and really made me feel like I was riding along with Spider-Man throughout the movie. The action sequences blend real actors and sets with CGI seamlessly, creating a larger than life experience that still feels concrete and possible. The score is another standout piece of the film, connecting you into the action and emotions of the characters as they move through the story.
The film’s message is about how people are not always what they seem and that pain will always pass, as long as you can let it go. It also addresses the importance of friendship, being true to who you are, and how taking care of yourself is so critical, especially when living in stressful times. Parents should be aware that there is a lot of gun violence (thanks to the Punisher) but it is not bloody and gory. There are also scenes that convincingly mimic a panic attack, which may be hard for some viewers.
I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 31, 2026.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13
Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings this series to a whole new level. With action-packed fight scenes, bone-chilling mysteries, heartbreak and emotions, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a must watch.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland), aka Spider-Man, after everyone including his best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) have lost memory of him. He is spending his days fighting crime and following his lost friends on social media. His efforts have brought crime rates to an all-time low. However, there is trouble in paradise. A threat is arising — one that most cannot see, let alone control. Now, he must find a way to defeat his unknown foe as well as get these changes happening to him under control.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is yet another great installment in the Spider-Man series. The plot is mind-bending. It has a perfect set up and suspense. Villains, motives, and plans kept me on the edge of my seat. And let’s not forget the emotions, because this film is a rollercoaster. I laughed too, because the writers did not pass up a chance to make a good joke and, admittedly, almost cried, because this movie doesn’t go easy on tragedy. It is admirable how the characters really stay true to themselves. I love how protagonists and even some antagonists learn from each other and become better people. It gives Peter Parker a touch of reality that makes Spider-Man, well, Spider-Man. The visuals are on point. The textures are so clear I feel I could touch them (I swear I felt Spider-Man’s suit!) like I am right next to Spider-Man fighting crime and saving the day. The scenery pops out: the homes and cities feel lived in, like places I have been to before –the labs gave me a bad vibe just looking at them; dark alleys made me want to turn around and check if anyone was behind me. And then there’s the special effects!
The fine details turn this amazing movie into a piece of art. An honorable mention goes to the music: it is there to raise the energy right when a fight is about to break out and to wrap heartbreak into a beautiful sound.
The film’s message is that repressing who you are won’t help anyone. When you start to change, embrace it and grow. Note that there are many graphic scenes of fighting, shooting, blood, as well as mild profanity and risky behaviors children may imitate.
I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases in theaters July 31, 2026.
Spiderman Brand New Day
By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17
Spider-man Brand New Day is a disappointing Spider-Man film, with great sets and amazing fight choreography, but beyond that, it fails at being a true Spider-Man movie. This isn’t a bad film—it’s just a bad Spider-Man film.
The storyline follows a forgotten Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who lives by himself as a full-time Spider-Man until increasing pressure causes a risky shift and the appearance of a formidable new foe.
The biggest weakness is that this movie spends too much time setting up a larger corner of the MCU rather than telling a compelling Spider-Man story. As a longtime fan of the comics and films, I was extremely disappointed. On the plus side, the action sequences are some of the best I’ve seen in a superhero movie—no surprise with Destin Daniel Cretton directing. The fight choreography is outstanding, the visuals are impressive, and the performances are excellent. However, after waiting four years, my high expectations were shattered almost immediately. The film skips nearly four years of Peter Parker’s life. After the heartbreaking ending of No Way Home, I wanted to see him rebuild his life from nothing. Instead, it jumps ahead and expects us to emotionally reconnect in a matter of minutes. Because we never witness his journey during those missing years, emotional scenes that should hit hard end up falling flat. That wouldn’t have bothered me as much if the film stayed focused on Spider-Man. Instead, it splits its attention with Sadie Sink’s character. Her performance is fine, but Peter’s story feels sidelined to make room for hers. As a fan, I missed the core struggle, balance, and loneliness that define Peter Parker.
The film starts to explore those ideas, but never commits. I don’t hate this movie—there are parts I genuinely enjoyed. But No Way Home set up what could have been the most personal Spider-Man story yet, and Brand New Day sacrifices that to launch another storyline entirely. When I walked out of the theater, I was thinking about Sadie Sink’s character and the future of the MCU rather than Spider-Man. That’s the film’s biggest failure.
This film’s message is that you can’t do everything alone, and it’s conveyed through Peter’s Journey throughout the film.
I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in cinemas on July 31, 2026. Be sure to look for it.
al selections shine on the global stage! Huge congratulations to three incredible films from our lineup that recently took top honors at the Children’s International Film Festival in the UK.
A Powerful International Partnership 🌍
KIDS FIRST! is pleased to announce the addition of eight new reporters to its national KIDS FIRST! Film Critic program. Ranging in age from 9 to 15, these talented young journalists hail from across the U.S. and Canada, including Washington D.C., Houston, Miami, Arkansas, and Alberta.
Nylah A. (age 15) lives in the DC area and is the reigning Miss Fairfax American Junior Teenager. As a KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, she enjoys expressing herself through writing, public speaking, pageantry, and movie reviews. Joining KIDS FIRST! has strengthened her confidence, on-camera presence, and film analysis skills. In her free time, Nylah enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, running track, shopping, traveling, and studying law and criminal justice. Her favorite film, Bones and All, deeply moves her through its exploration of loneliness, identity, and acceptance. Her favorite actress is Taraji P. Henson, whom she admires for bringing strength, emotion, and authenticity to every role. One of Nylah’s proudest accomplishments is earning her pageant title and completing the KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Boot Camp. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career in law while continuing to explore media, interviewing, and entertainment opportunities. She is excited to share thoughtful perspectives and keep growing through every experience.
Tanaysha F. (age 12) is a dancer, actress, model, and new KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. She joined KIDS FIRST! to try something new and learn more about the entertainment industry. In her free time, Tanaysha enjoys roller skating, swimming, playing sports like soccer and basketball, and making imaginative art. Extremely creative, she loves turning ordinary items into something special—even designing clothing and accessories out of printer paper and recycled materials! Her favorite movie is Five Nights at Freddy’s because of its suspense, characters, and storyline. One of Tanaysha’s greatest accomplishments is dancing. Expressing herself through movement comes naturally to her, and people often note that her entire body tells a story when she performs. While she isn’t completely sure about her future career yet, Tanaysha is interested in becoming an artist or exploring sports. One fun fact about Tanaysha is that she absolutely loves mozzarella sticks!
Taysha F. (age 13) is an actress, singer, dancer, and new KIDS FIRST! Film Critic from the DC area. She joined KIDS FIRST! because she loves movies and enjoys sharing her opinions with other kids and families. In her free time, Taysha enjoys singing, dancing, acting, writing songs, and spending time with her family. Her favorite movie is Annie because of its music, story, and Annie’s positive attitude—a role she has dreamed of playing since she was little. Her favorite actress is Ariana Grande, who inspired her to start singing. One of Taysha’s greatest accomplishments was being cast as the child lead in a feature film, alongside appearing in commercials for Kalahari Resorts. She is also proud of her growth as a dancer; through hard work, she transformed her early struggles into solo roles and now enjoys choreographing and mentoring others. In the future, Taysha hopes to become a successful singer, actress, and director who inspires others to pursue their dreams.
Anais G. (age 12) lives in South Texas. She loves learning, having fun, and spending quality time with the people she cares about most. An eager learner who tries her best every day, Anais keeps busy with school while exploring creative hobbies like drawing, crafting, writing stories, reading, and listening to music. In her free time, she enjoys playing games, riding her bike, going outside, and making lasting memories with family and friends. She strongly believes in the power of respect, honesty, and positivity. Looking ahead, Anais is focused on exploring new talents, setting personal goals, and making a positive impact on those around her. She hopes to continue building her confidence, working hard, and inspiring others to be kind, curious, and true to themselves while enjoying every step of her journey.
Bailey G. (age 11) lives in the DC area and has a twin sister. She joined KIDS FIRST! because she wants to meet celebrities and gain more familiarity with the entertainment industry. She also thoroughly enjoys researching films, their casts, character backgrounds, and behind-the-scenes stories. Outside of the film biz, Bailey loves to sing, act, and write. She stays busy auditioning for different roles and crafting her own stories. Her favorite film is the original Descendants movie because she loves exploring what happens to the classic Disney princesses and villains, as well as learning who their children are today. Her favorite actress is Jenna Ortega, whom she admires for her immense talent. Believe it or not, Bailey’s proudest moment was winning 3rd place at the County Science STEM Fair. However, her true passion lies on the stage—she has loved performing in several plays and dreams of one day becoming a professional actress, singer, and author.
Miral G. (age 12) is from Miami, Florida. She wanted to join the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Team because she loves being in front of the camera, staying up to date with the latest movies, and meeting her favorite actors. In her free time, Miral enjoys crocheting, swimming, and participating in Girl Scouts. One of her favorite films is The Parent Trap, which she loves for its story about separated twins reuniting at summer camp. Her favorite actress is Miranda Cosgrove, whom she admires for her work in iCarly—and because they share the exact same birthday! She also looks up to KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Abigail L. for her energetic, charismatic camera presence and clear delivery. Miral’s greatest accomplishment recently was being selected for 7th-grade Algebra 1. She is excited to challenge herself in math, earn a spot in the National Junior Honor Society, and get a head start on college. When she grows up, Miral wants to become a lawyer so she can help others and impart justice.
Kaylee H. (Age 13) Hailing from Arkansas, Kaylee H. joined the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team to gain deeper insight and hands-on experience in the film industry—an opportunity she considers her proudest achievement. Academically driven, Kaylee takes great pride in earning her place in advanced classes. When she isn’t studying or reviewing films, she stays active through basketball, volleyball, track, and her church youth group. Kaylee loves expressing her creativity through art, music, video editing, and contributing to her school’s yearbook, though spending quality time with family and friends remains a top priority. Her favorite movies include The Breadwinner and 13 Going on 30 for their balance of heart, humor, and exceptional performances. She also admires actor Walker Scobell for his sharp comedic timing and ability to bring characters to life. Looking ahead, Kaylee hopes to turn her passion into a lifelong career in the entertainment industry.
Nora Jane U., is a nine-year-old aspiring film critic from Alberta, Canada. Known to her family by the nickname “Monkey Man James,” Nora lives with her younger sister, Anna (6), and their lovable Bernese Mountain Dog, Maggie. Nora joined the KIDS FIRST! Film Critics team because she loves sharing her honest opinions and helping others discover great movies. When she isn’t watching films, she enjoys arts and crafts, reading, drawing, and family movie nights. Her favorite movie is Incredibles 2 for its mystery and exciting plot twists. She also admires Jenna Ortega’s performance in Wednesday and loves tuning into KIDS FIRST! podcasts to hear reviews from fellow young critics. One of Nora’s proudest accomplishments is performing in theatre productions that combine singing and acting. Looking to the future, she hopes to become either a lawyer or an actress. She also loves attending big parties and special events where she can dance and celebrate with family and friends.
From the original Arthurian lore, author Jane Yolen scripted an exciting adventure about Merlin as a young boy. Beautifully illustrated by renowned conceptual artist Alan Lee, the story serves as a prequel, following the young boy Emrys (who will become Merlin) as he discovers his magical destiny and witnesses the famous battle of the white and red dragons. Disturbed by dreams of dragons fighting, Merlin discovers his own strength, and helps change British history. Kevin Kline does all the voices; Michel Rubini did the exciting music. The narrative focuses on Merlin’s early life depicting him as an introspective young boy with magical talents who struggle with his identity and origin. Winner, American Library Association Notable Children’s Recording award.
I fell in love with the animated short film Merlin and the Dragons. Its color scheme and animation choices are both nostalgic and comforting, but its unique plotline made me excited to watch the story unfold.
What I find most enjoyable about Merlin and the Dragons is the style of animation used. The background in the very first scene used watercolor portraits for the sky, a theme that continues throughout the rest of the film. It is reminiscent of fantasy movies such as Cinderella, and really sets the mood for the story unfolding. The characters themselves are animated in a way that is not used in mainstream media anymore. They are two dimensional and roughly drawn, and I found that it makes each of the characters feel more raw and personalized–as if I had opened up a storybook and peered inside. Additionally, the film isn’t dulled by its own plotline. Like many, when I think about King Arthur, my first thought goes to the infamous story of The Sword in the Stone. I feared that I may be rewatching a story that has been told for centuries, but was pleased to find that the movie features entirely different elements (such as dragons), which made me genuinely interested in where the film was going.
This film is a tale of how having confidence in yourself ultimately brings you great rewards. Though self-doubt is a trait no one can fully avoid. This film reminds us that when we put trust in our actions, we succeed.
I absolutely adore Merlin and the Dragons because of the amazing storyline, the unique animation, and the expert voice acting.
I absolutely love the storyline of this film. I like how Jane Yolen, the screenwriter, makes it accurate to Arthurian lore. The way the story is delivered made me feel like a little kid hearing a story told to me by my mom. The movie was made in the early 90s, but the animation has been re-mastered so it gives a certain aesthetic that makes it feel like I’m watching a book. I also think that the animation gives older viewers a sense of nostalgia, and younger viewers a look at what TV was like when the film was originally created. I also like how Kevin Klein voices all of the characters. It truly amazes me how Kevin Kline can voice everyone in the film perfectly. He manages to sometimes make me forget he voices everyone. My favorite part is when the villagers crack open the rocks under the tyrant’s tower and something magical happens.
Merlin and the Dragons is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about an outcast who realizes his differences are what make him who he is. The animation is good – it doesn’t have the wow factor of a full blown animated film, yet it still enables you to empathize with the characters.
The story takes place when King Arthur has pulled the sword from the stone and is dealing with feelings of inadequacy. Merlin tells him a story of a boy who did not know who his father was and spent most of his childhood ridiculed by the other kids. He uses visions of the future to impress them, but when he takes it too far, the townsfolk shun him even more, to the point where he must live on a hill far away. Then, a false king comes to their town and makes them build him a castle. The townspeople build it, and it falls down; they build it again, and still it falls; before building it again, they “must find a boy who was born from a demon and spill his blood” to make the gods happy so they will let his tower be built. That boy is the same boy from earlier, which leads to a chaotic fight with dragons, the dethroning of the false king, and more.
Merlin and the Dragons has some truly great details worth appreciating. The animation starts off feeling a little clunky and rough around the edges, but it soon finds its footing and transforms into something really fun to watch. The improvement feels like it might have been intentional, as if trying to mirror the story’s momentum. I especially love the design of the dragons. They struck me immediately as a kind of yin and yang. The two creatures look weirdly similar on the surface, sharing the same forms, but they stand for two completely different things, embodying two forces in a way that feels both visually elegant and helpful to the story.
Based on Peter Spier’s Caldecott winning picture book, this is probably the best version of the universally told Bible story ever created. Winner, Action For Children’s Television Award and the Parents Choice Gold Award. Incredible music by The Police’s Stewart Copeland. James Earl Jones tells it like no other could. Accepted by all religious groups.
I truly enjoyed watching the charming animated short film Noah’s Ark. Its well thought-out script paired with detailed visuals make the film pleasant to watch.
The animation’s attention to detail with the various animals, combined with creating unique personalities for each of the animals, truly drew me into the film. I began to care for each of the creatures when I saw how each of them reacted to being on a ship for such a long period, and I was happy to see that strange and obscure animals are included in the film.
My favorite part is the character of Noah. His facial expressions are funny, but more importantly he is a great role model for how to lead your life. Noah is in an unprecedented situation, but because of his faith and righteousness, he is protected from the harm that other people experience.
Noah’s Ark is an engaging animated retelling of a classic story. I like this film because it shares an important message about faith and perseverance, features strong narration by James Earl Jones, and tells a familiar story in a way that is easy to follow. The film combines meaningful lessons with simple but effective animation.
The animation is simple, and it effectively shows the enormous ark, the many animals, and the power of the flood. Some of the most memorable scenes show pairs of animals boarding the ark and working together during the journey. The music also helps create a sense of wonder and adventure. Together, the narration, animation, and music make the story easy to understand while highlighting the importance of Noah’s experience.
