At the Movies: *****Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)

 A great time at the movies yesterday.  The new Spider-Man (Tom Holland) is excellent.  The story is very good as Spider-Man struggles with mor of the spider DNA taking over as a result of his being stressed.  He is working too hard cleaning up the city, and then he sees MJ (Zendaya) kiss his old nemesis at school.  Turns out he is her girlfriend.  He also sees his old best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon).  As you remember in the last Spider-Man Doctor Strange has erased all memory of him from everyone.  On top of this there is a new nemesis, Jean Grey (Sadie Sink) who is a character from X-Men.  She has unique telepathic power, and the ability to control people telepathically and is trying to break into Department of Damage Control headed by Director Metzger (Tramell Tillman). The Punisher/Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) helps Spider-Man even though they have different styles.  Spider-Man also consults Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) with regards to suppressing his spider DNA.  The DNA enhances Spider-Man's abilities but also makes him more rageful.  This movie is very good.  There are flashbacks of Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) and they play an important part in the story.  Additionally Black Widow/Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) consults with Spider-Man and uses her Avenger resources to help.  There is a new character, Spidey's liaison with the police, Detective Jean Dewolff (Lisa Colón-Zayas). Fun interactions between she and her kids and Spider-Man.  

This is a terrific movie.  I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but there is a major twist and it doesn't go where you think it will.  Jean's powers are significant.  She even manipulates the Hulk and sets him loss on DODC.  Classic battle between Spider-Man and Hulk.  

*****Spider Man: No Way Home: Movie Review

 In my mind the movie of the year 2021.  It is the movie that made the most money, and the movie I have enjoyed the most.  The three Spider Men is just cool and brings back so many fond memories.  This is the funnest movie of 2021 and the highest grossing.  You have Spider Man (Tom Holland) interaction with Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and also interacting with MJ (Zendaya).  In addition to past Spider Man versions making an appearance; you also have the bad guys, Green Goblin, Electro, Octavius, Dr Connors/Lizard, and Sandman.  This movie is a good time.  It is no wonder it has made loads of money at the box office.  I wish the Oscars would wake up and reward the movies people like.  The only Oscar nomination is best visual effects.  The Oscars have become less relevant as they focus too much on someone's definition of woke (not mine).  But this movie has it all, nostalgia, love, heartache and action.

Movie Review: ****^Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

I really enjoyed this movie, and in my opinion it is one of the better movies of the summer.  The interaction between Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) really makes this film go.  Then there is the bad guy, Vulture (Michael Keaton) who just happens to be the father of Peter Parker's date to the prom, Liz (Laura Harrier).  Keaton is into dealing arms which were left behind by the aliens when they were defeated by the Avengers.  However, as the government controls a larger and larger share of these items, Vulture and his mean have to resort to stealing.  Spider-man comes upon their plot defending New York.  In the meantime Stark Enterprises downplays the reports from Spider-Man and his ability to help as a teen.  However he is the only person who can save the world from Vulture.
There was a time when Spider-Man was in the good graces of Stark Enterprises, who provided him with a fancy outfit with computer enhancement.  However after a bungle they take this away, and Spider-Man is left to his homemade suit.
Side-kick  Ned is played by Jacob Batalon and Spider-Man's aunt is played by Marisa Tomei.
I love Michael Keaton in the movies.  In this case he makes an excellent villain.  Combine that with the Stark/Avengers angle this movie is very good.