Spider-Man: Brand New Day and What’s Making Us Happy
Summary
Hosts Glenn Weldon, Linda Holmes, and Stephen Thompson review *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, praising its action but critiquing its somber tone and the Punisher’s role. They discuss the film’s grounded approach, MJ’s limited agency, and the lack of a substantial post-credit scene. The episode concludes with happy recommendations: the Jimmy Awards for high school musicals, the band Swap Meat, and Freda McFadden’s twisty thrillers.
Topics discussed
Spider-Man: Brand New Day plot recap and setup
Stephen Thompson's review: Tone and buddy dynamics
Glenn Weldon on grounded tone and villain choreography
The Punisher's role and the 'Dark Knight of the Soul' theme
Comparing Tom Holland's Peter to Spider-Verse's Miles Morales
Director Destin Daniel Cretton's influence on the film's mood
Post-credit scene analysis: Skip it
Critique of MJ's agency and Peter's isolation
Visual aesthetics: Video game look and action pacing
Happy Segment: The Jimmy Awards for high school musicals
Happy Segment: Australian band Swap Meat
Happy Segment: Freda McFadden's twisty thrillers
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