Spider-Man: Brand New Day * Brings This Series To A Whole New Level With Action-Packed Fight Scenes, Bone-Chilling Mysteries, Heartbreak And Emotions
Friday, 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.
Lightyear Entertainment’s release of The Snow Queen is an acclaimed animated adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Famously featuring all voices narrated by Academy Award-winner Sigourney Weaver, this version boasts a Grammy-winning original score by Jason Miles and is brought to life with classic, storybook animation.
he Snow Queen, a remastered animated version of Hans Christian Andersen’s story, is a sweet tale of friendship, love, and bravery. The animation is beautiful, and the music is vibrant and impactful. The story, which contains many elements that inspired Disney’s Frozen, is engaging and moving.
The storytelling and representation of positive themes are the standout aspects of The Snow Queen. The story is engaging throughout, with all major plot points clearly explained. Additionally, the animation plays an important role in telling the story and conveying many of the central themes. The animated backgrounds are beautiful and captivated me throughout. Specifically, the animation of the snowy hills and the river background are stunning, contributing to my consistent engagement in the film. The animation of the characters is also incredibly detailed, with the facial expressions and clothes matching each character’s personality. The engaging story and breathtaking animation allow the film to deliver the themes most effectively. The positive themes make this film an excellent watch for many young children, with The Snow Queen promoting friendship.
The Snow Queen is a beautifully animated and narrated film retelling of the classic story by Hans Christian Anderson in high definition. With fun characters, an amazing score, and outstanding animation, there’s never a moment of boredom.
The characters are so well designed, especially the titular Snow Queen; the way the colors are used in her outfits, particularly her excessive coats, which show us how she’s surrounded by a constant winter. The characters are all very likeable, especially the main character, Gerda. She’s always shown as trying her best, thanks to her pure heart; this makes the hardships she endures even more heartbreaking as you want the best for her. One issue I have with the film is the pacing; it’s extremely fast and it’s sometimes hard to understand exactly what’s going on. This is specifically shown through the characters who, while enjoyable, are quickly introduced. Some don’t serve much purpose to the overall plot, which means less time is used to develop more important characters such as the Snow Queen and Kai. Another remarkable aspect of the film is its score by Jason Miles. It’s gorgeous and compliments every scene, giving tension to action scenes, especially towards the end, while also showing the peacefulness of winter at the beginning. It is incredible to listen to as the songs themselves are beautiful. The narration and voices by Sigourney Weaver are outstanding; not only does she deliver so many unique voices for the characters, but also conveys the perfect emotion as the narrator. Every character has a distinct voice, making it easy to tell them apart.
I absolutely love The Snow Queen because of the amazing animation, the heartfelt storyline, and the beautifully orchestrated music.
stories timeless and The Snow Queen is a wonderful example of his ability to combine fantasy with heartfelt emotion, creating a tale that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. His storytelling reminds readers of the importance of love, courage, kindness, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Props to producer Joshua M. Greene who intentionally sourced the animation to the Russian artists at the Classica Studio in Moscow to utilize the distinguished tradition of Russian animation, which trace its classical, storybook aesthetic back to the 1930s when Russian animators were originally trained by Disney. Also of note is the extraordinary work of composer Jason Miles, who created the score for this film; Miles has collaborated with legendary artists such as Miles Davis and Michael Jackson and his creativity, and innovative composition add depth and emotion to the film’s soundtrack. The music beautifully complements the animation, helping every scene feel more magical, emotional, and memorable. My favorite part is the brave young girl’s journey to rescue her best friend. Her determination, courage, and kindness make the adventure inspiring, and watching her overcome every obstacle shows the power of love and loyalty. Combined with the beautiful animation, heartfelt narration, and moving music, this journey becomes the emotional heart of the film and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
I really enjoyed The Snow Queen because of its beautiful animation, magical atmosphere, and heartfelt storytelling. The film brings Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale to life through stunning visuals and Sigourney Weaver’s gentle narration, making it feel like an enchanting storybook.
One of my favorite parts of this film is its unique storytelling style. Instead of having each character speak, Sigourney Weaver narrates the entire story, creating a calm and fairy tale-like experience that is both relaxing and engaging. The animation has a classic hand-drawn look with rich colors and imaginative designs that capture the magic of the story. My favorite scene is when Gerda finally reaches the Snow Queen’s palace and confronts the icy challenges standing between her and Kay. It is emotional, suspenseful, and beautifully animated. My least favorite part is that some scenes move a bit slowly, and younger viewers who are used to fast-paced animated movies may lose interest. However, the slower pace helps create a dreamlike atmosphere that fits the story perfectly.
In “Moana,” Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved Oscar® nominated animated adventure, Moana (Catherine Lagaʻaia) answers the Ocean’s call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with the infamous demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
This live action remake of the well-known 2016 Disney film Moana does not disappoint. Using colorful and creative designs, uplifting scenes and songs, and most of all, an accurate storyline that honors the original Moana, this movie shares the classic tale through a new, invigorating lens.
Minions & Monsters follows the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.
I am BANAAANAS about Minions & Monsters! This film is a laugh-a-minute; making it feel like the movie is over in a flash. Even though this is the seventh Minions movie, it still feels fresh and funny.
When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. Supergirl is a 2026 American superhero film based on the DC Comics superheroine Kara Zor-El / Supergirl. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, it is the second film in the DC Universe (DCU). Milly Alcock stars in the title role, alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, David Corenswet, and Jason Momoa. In the film, Kara Zor-El travels across the galaxy on a murderous quest for revenge. The film is produced by Peter Safran and James Gunn of DC Studios.
Supergirl brings a classic hero storyline with tons of action and fighting scenes. While it has some exciting moments and performances, the storyline is predictable and overused, and therefore lacks the surprise element.
The main characters are Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), Superman (David Corenswet), Krem, and Lobo (Jason Momoa). Milly Alcock wonderfully represents Kara’s determination and emotional side, especially in scenes where she struggles to balance her Kryptonian past with her life on Earth. It addresses people finding themselves throughout life. This is something a lot of people struggle with and I like that Kara’s journey can help viewers not feel so alone. Kara isn’t a glamorous superhero. She’s different from others in that she isn’t really well put together, which I think makes her character interesting. On the other hand, the other characters don’t feel well developed and their roles don’t enhance the backstory very much. They aren’t really connected and lack interaction.
The costumes, however, are extremely well-made – the aliens look very realistic, as close to what I imagine aliens actually look like! It definitely has an outer space mood. The visual effects are impressive, and the battle scenes are filled with fantastic sound effects. However, at times, the CGI is not very convincing, especially when Supergirl is flying. Also, the soundtrack is disappointing, especially when sad pop songs play during a huge battle scene – it’s a complete mismatch. For the most part, the plot feels very expected and I could guess exactly what would happen next. It’s similar to every superhero movie without extra things to spice it up. My favorite part is when Kara embraces her powers during a huge battle scene. The camera rotates in a circle while everything is in slow motion. It’s definitely an impactful scene.
The film’s message is about choosing the right thing to do, even when it may be difficult. Ruthye wants to avenge her family’s death and kill Krem, but Supergirl assures her that it won’t make her life any better. Revenge isn’t always the answer, but the right decisions do matter. Be forewarned that there is some intense action and fighting, but nothing too extreme for most older kids.
