Bendigo Cinemas has teamed up with Girton Grammar School to bring something new to our website! We’re giving students the chance to review the latest and upcoming films showing here at the cinema.
With different students contributing, you’ll get a variety of opinions and perspectives.
For a fresh take on the latest movies, be sure to explore our Student Reviews below, updated regularly!
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Review by Mietta Livingstone
“Hi. My name is Peter Parker. You don’t remember me, but we used to know each other.”
With this simple introduction the audience dives straight back into the Spidey-verse with the newest arrival, Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026). A heartfelt and inspiring addition to the long-running Marvel Cinematic Universe, this films asks a central question: What is the difference between Peter Parker and Spider-Man? And, in addition, why are both identities important? Through this lens, the narrative explores themes of identity, love, uncertainty and acceptance.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, previous director of Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Spider-Man: Brand New Day establishes a story that takes place four years after the events of the previous film, No Way Home. His civilian identity, Peter Parker, has been forgotten by his loved ones and the entire world, leading Spider-Man to spend his days alone, crime-fighting anonymously until he is pulled into a web of mystery surrounding a faceless foe. Peter must battle to ensure the safety of those he cares about, all whilst experiencing a frightening metamorphosis of his own.
Whilst this film is a part of a larger comic universe, Brand New Day works extremely well independently. It’s a unique take on the superhero, action and science fiction genres and adds new dimensions to our favourite hero. Actors Tom Holland and Zendaya convey some intense emotional beats through their characters that dial-in the audience, and the cryptic role belonging to Sadie Sink reflects a well-crafted performance. Furthermore, dynamics between Peter and fan-favourite characters such as ‘The Punisher’ add significantly to the humour and heart of the film, with additional cameos from other major Marvel characters being fun surprises for fans.
The film understands exactly what it wants to be and accomplishes it superbly, incorporating moments of extreme suspense and intrigue that are built-up well and have great pay-off. With a mature rating, this film is best for older audiences due to the recurring themes of violence and grief that may be slightly unsettling to younger audiences. Spider-Man: Brand New Day is the best of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man yet, and is perfect for those looking for a hopeful, reflective film akin to 2025’s Superman.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day – Review by Emma Smith
Spiderman: Brand New Day is the latest instalment from Marvel’s Spiderman canon, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker, Zendaya as MJ, and the new addition of actor Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) playing the antagonist on which the film focuses (no spoilers!).
Knowing the Marvel universe as a long-time Spiderman fan and a latecomer to the Avengers films, I was aware that this was one of the most hyped releases of the year. The story ties in well with its predecessor, and the spectacular visual storytelling, with dynamic use of camera, special effects, and sound, will certainly fulfil much of the fans’ anticipation.
In this film, we see Peter Parker continuing his life as Spiderman in a world that has forgotten his identity, including his two closest friends, MJ and Ned. This arc of loneliness is further developed through the mise en scene of a cooler atmosphere of a crime-ridden, wintry New York City, as our main character wrestles with his identity and watches his friends from afar.
Brand New Day offers a darker, more psychologically driven narrative and enables the audience to discover new dimensions to their superhero. The story is essentially a coming-of-age story, with central themes exploring identity, self-care, grief, and the effects of isolation. It’s not all grim though! There’s plenty of action and humour thrown in to match audience expectations.
Overall, Spiderman: Brand New Day is a welcome fit for the franchise, as it continues the story of Peter’s life post-identity wipe without losing the dynamics of an action superhero movie and Spiderman’s lovable charm and charisma.
