Half of our crew (okay, we’ll be honest - everyone on our crew) is what the kids would call “unc” these days. Unc, if you didn’t know, is a gender-neutral term for calling someone old as hell.
We bring that to your attention because many of us grew up on Tobey Maguire’s Spiderman with Sam Raimi at the helm. That doesn’t stop us from loving some Tom Holland and whoever the HECK is directing his movie’s these days.
This one was a real treat - let’s get into it!
Concession Stand Scorecard: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Watchlist Worthy: Academy Award Winner Michael B. Jordan
ICYMI Pod: Best Movies of 2026 (So Far)
This week’s movie - Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Letterboxd Description:
A brand new day starts now.
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 Parker 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.
Best Watched With
Once again - anyone with a strong bladder (this is pushing Odyssey and Project Hail Mary runtime territory).
But seriously - virtually anyone would love this movie.
End Credit Thoughts
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton (who is the director of a crew-favorite Short Term 12), this installment in the Tom Holland Spider-Man series was a treat. I don’t just mean the content on screen - but the overall experience.
We watched this movie at 9 PM on opening night. When we walked out of the theater, it was pushing midnight. And what did we see? Scores of people debating the post-credits scene (SPOILER - yes, there was one), wishing they saw X, Y, or Z in the movie, laughing about certain scenes, discussing the next Avengers and how this ties in, and planning trips to McDonald's. We also saw SCORES AND SCORES of people LINING up for their showtimes or waiting for concessions with their best Spidey outfits and blankets.
Let us tell you, if you have not been already - the theater IS ALIVE AND WELL. Now, this has been a great year for movies already. We’ve had some real treats, and The Odyssey is closing on a billion dollars worldwide at the box office. But that aside, the Spider-Man energy this week was insane. The parking lot was full and the night was just getting started at midnight. It made our pretentious film hearts OH so happy. Thank you, Tom Holland!
Now, for the meat of it. This movie was a more mature Spidey movie - it was a darker tone, and an exploration/continuation of the character we’ve grown to love. The Peter Parker side of things was incredible to watch in Brand New Day. Peter deals with the loneliness of MJ, Ned, and others forgetting he existed. We see him become a recluse and learn to manage (extremely poorly) life alone.
The film does a phenomenal job of setting up the future of Spider-Man - focusing on his long-term growth, legacy, and development. And while it offered very little in terms of surprises or new ideas, that is sort of the best part. We didn’t get a ton of cheap thrills but instead true character development. The action was fine, and Sadie Sink did a nice job (we won’t spoil her role too much). But the Peter side of things really shined this time around.
Not since Tobey was on screen did we feel true emotion with Spider-Man in the way we did with this film. A nice lesson is reinforced: loneliness is brutal, and life sucks without your friends, even if you’re a superhero. Find yourself a good crew, and you’ll be just fine.
From a technical standpoint, the CGI improved from the trailers - maybe they were rushed to release them when they did? Or they heard us all complaining? Either way - a step up. CGI has NOT been a strong point for Marvel recently, so we appreciate any upgrade.
Steady performances all around - the addition of Liza Colón-Zayas was fantastic.
Closing thoughts - if you’re a Spidey-head, go see this ASAP (if you can find good tickets anytime soon). If you like movies, go see this just to feel the energy in the building and parking lot.
If you’re going to get mad about green screens in a superhero movie, get over yourself and see this anyway.
Josh Jump Scare Count: (TBD - he was out of office)
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The Thomas Crown Affair by Michael B. Jordan
Letterboxd Description:
Revenge is a work of art.
A debonair, adventuresome man believes he has pulled off the perfect multi-million dollar heist, only to match wits with an insurance investigator who will do anything to get her man.
The second film by Michael B. Jordan—excuse me—by Academy Award winner Michael B. Jordan is a remake of the 1968 crime thriller by the same name. It is the second rendition, the previous one released in 1999 staring Pierce Brosnan. Not sure what is going on this trailer story wise, but the music in this teaser trailer paired with a MBJ narration has me HYPED. It looks clean. Sophisticated. Thrilling. Provocative. And we are hear for it.
Included in the casting line up is Michael B. Jordan, Adria Arjona, Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, and Aubrey Plaza. It’s hard to bet against this movie. I think it will not disappoint.
Added to my watchlist.
- jp :)
Also Directed by Michael B. Jordan:
Creed III (2023)
Best Movies of 2026 (So Far) #75
🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
Josh, Eric, and Kelly reunite to recap the best (and most disappointing) movies of 2026 so far.
After some chaotic life updates—including a neighborhood pool rescue and an elaborate butter-in-the-bathtub prank—the crew dives into their recent TV binges and breaks down the films that made them laugh, cry, and jump out of their seats this year.
From the emotional highs of Project Hail Mary to the terrifying sound design of Undertow, they cover all the standout moments in cinema.
Timestamps
00:00 - Catching Up
18:00 - Best Full Movie of 2026
21:50 - Standout Performances
30:50 - Best Chemistry
34:10 - Best Horror of the Year
45:42 - Biggest Disappointments
48:28 - Best Theater Experience
53:53 - Most Anticipated for Q3/Q4
Tune in next week for | One Night Only
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