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Spider-man: Brand New Day (2026) - dir. by Destin Daniel Cretton
Widow's Bay (2026) - created by Katie Dippold
For a limited time only, the hit Broadway musical Hadestown was shown at Regal. For 2 hours and 21 minutes, I was entranced! If you were lucky enough to see it, you'd know what I am talking about. Sadly, I can't tell you to "get out there and see it" because its theatrical run is over. Maybe … drive to Broadway?
The play is a reimagining and marriage of the Greek myths of Eurydice and Orpheus, and Hades and Persephone. Its main focus is the enduring power of love but the sometimes-equal pull of desperation and desolation. I am not afraid to say it: I was bawling in that dark theater! Here is a line that has been resonating with me ever since: “The meanest dog you’ll ever meet / He ain’t the hound dog in the street / He bares some teeth and tears some skin / But brother, that’s the worst of him / The dog you really gotta dread / Is the one that howls inside your head / It’s him whose howling drives men mad / And a mind to its undoing.”
Sure, the world is a hard place with traps and treachery at many turns. Sure, relationships are difficult with breaks and betrayal awaiting all of us. Sure … that is all true, but the main battle we all have to face (and continue to face) is the one inside our own head. It is there we find worth, direction, acceptance, comfort. That dog has a real bite!
There are many things laudable in Hadestown, but I would forever be remiss if I didn't mention one of them - Eva Noblezada as Eurydice is absolutely stunning. So full of passion that it is painful (in a good way, I promise).
Yes, here comes another Spider-Man movie. That makes 11 in just over 20 years!
This time, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) has been forgotten by the world (don't try and rectify the ramifications - just picture a lonely dude, I guess). Peter just spends his days savin' people now. No friends. No future. Forget trying to actually meet someone or develop a relationship - nope! Peter is doomed to be lonely because two people don't remember him.
Anyway, on a routine Spider-Man mission, Peter must also battle the Punisher, Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal) - his means are just too mean. Meanwhile, this "routine mission" becomes something much more: a possession is taking over NYC and targeting the Department of Damage Control. It is not a threat that Peter can quite put his webs on - it's simply not physical.
As the possession runs unabated, Peter approaches professor Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) to ask some … smart-guy questions. You see, Peter has been having some personal problems. His "spider side" is growing more powerful, often overwhelming his "human side." Peter's question for Dr. Banner is … can someone's genes be suppressed? Could Peter bury this ever-increasing-voice? "Pfft, maybe," replies Banner. Peter instantly makes a genius device in his bedroom to change his RNA. Could this technology also be used to defeat others with superpowers … pfft, maybe.
Then the possessor makes themselves known to Peter. What they want is unknown, but how far they will go to get it is now clear: they will kill MJ to get it! Peter must stop this force to save those he loves (and occasionally stalks online).
I have my issues with this iteration of Spider-Man movies … and this one is no different. Director Destin Daniel Cretton does a decent job steering this ship, bringing a realism sorely missing from the last few. Writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers wrote the train-wreck Spider-Man: No Way Home, so I have no sympathy for their difficulties in maintaining continuity and purpose in Brand New Day. That being said, they did a much better job this time around; it is still a bit "because we say so" instead of making sense … but it is better. I am, however, so over the drama of "Peter is forgotten" - please evolve this story!
Cinematographer Brett Pawlak has some interesting and well-composed shots.
Tom Holland does his best work in BND, depth and determination achieved. Mark Ruffalo does fine as the Hulk … but the MCU has done the Hulk wrong once again. He is still stuck as a plot-point in someone else's drama. Jon Bernthal is wonderful as always, but the Punisher is a strange side-kick for Spider-Man: too tame and awkwardly restricted. Sadie Sink was a surprise as Jean Grey, an X-Men favorite of mine. I don't mind her depiction, I guess, but she makes a pretty lousy antagonist.
Was it better than No Way Home? Yeah. A VHS video-yearbook from a middle school in 1992 is better than NWH! Get through the boring first hour and a half and enjoy the last act! Spider-Man: Brand New Day can be seen in theaters now.
REPORT CARD: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Grade: B-
And … another Spider-Man movie
Who doesn't want to be mayor?! Apparently, no one else wants to be mayor of Widow's Bay because Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) ran unopposed. But that doesn't mean it can't still be an honor, right?
Tom's mayorship is going OK. The town gives him a hard time, but that is normal; people just aren't ever satisfied. Tom is not just a "place-holder," either -- he is actually trying to do good and bold things! He is trying to boost the economy and bolster the suspiciously dark reputation of this little New England fishing island. Mayor Tom is going to put Widow's Bay on the map or die trying … but hopefully not die …
Tom even convinced a New York Times reporter onto the island for a vacation-destination piece. The town is prepped, new paint is slapped on, and the creepy tales are hushed. Just keep all curse-related warnings to yourself!
Everything is going so well, honestly … then a local fisherman goes missing. The town is on alert. When he is eventually found … he is not right. Tom is attacked. The fog is setting in. The island is awake. Does Martha's Vineyard ever gorge on tourists?
There is something uncommonly special about the series Widow's Bay. If you watch even five minutes, you will understand what I am claiming. It is hilarious, quirky, engrossing, and darkly exhilarating! It is unlike anything I have ever seen! Creator and writer Katie Dippold has made a career from writing … but mostly forgettable projects. This, though, is anything but forgettable; she has really found her niche in off-beat horror/comedy.
Director Hiro Murai has found and created some gems (Childish Gambino's music video "This is America" and FX's series Atlanta); this is another killer addition to his credits. The cinematography by Christian Sprenger and Cody Jacobs is eerie without becoming average, always high on beauty and intrigue. The production design by Steve Arnold is wonderfully thorough and thoughtful. The music by David Fleming is addicting - so full and alive!
Matthew Rhys is perfect as Tom Loftis! He doesn't miss a beat! His comedy is top-notch, and his thrill/fear are honest. Kate O'Flynn offers a masterclass as Patricia; her foibles and features are hysterical! Kevin Carroll is awesome as Sheriff Bechir - a great straight man to the insanity that is spreading across the island. Dale Dickey is a scene-stealer as Rosemary, an eccentric employee of the mayor's office. Stephen Root is a standout as Wyck, the town's most fervent believer; he is an actor with 1,000 great roles and moments … and this might be his best!
Apple TV has created a winner! All episodes of season 1 can be streamed right now.
REPORT CARD: Widow's Bay
Grade: A+
A series with no equal