REVIEW: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026 Film) - Starring Tom Holland

Review by Jon Donnis

After the disaster that was Supergirl, we needed a good superhero film, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day is just that. It is far from perfect, and low expectations have probably helped elevate it, but this is a surprisingly mature and heartfelt Spider-Man film that puts Peter Parker's emotional journey ahead of the wider MCU.

Tom Holland gives a soulful, emotionally strong performance as a Peter who has spent four years alone, protecting New York while the people he once loved have forgotten he exists. The film gives him meaningful development as he gradually realises that being Spider-Man does not mean shutting everyone else out. His loneliness could have been explored more deeply, but the relationship with MJ provides some of the film's strongest emotional material. Peter remembers everything they shared while she remembers nothing, creating a genuinely painful dynamic without resorting to an easy resolution.

Sadie Sink is a standout as Jean Grey. Rather than functioning as a generic Marvel antagonist, Jean is given understandable motivations rooted in grief and loss. Her connection with Peter eventually becomes one of the film's most affecting elements, while the story allows her to remain sympathetic without excusing her actions.

The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast. Jon Bernthal's Punisher is a likeable addition, while Florence Pugh's Yelena and Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Banner provide entertaining contributions. Unfortunately, there are simply too many characters and plotlines competing for attention. Peter can sometimes feel sidelined in his own film, while several supporting characters never receive enough development.

The action is consistently impressive, with strong set pieces supported by excellent practical effects, visual effects, cinematography and score. Importantly, the film avoids relying on endless CGI spectacle. The action has physical weight, although it lacks the invention of the Spider-Verse films and never approaches the heights of Spider-Man 2.

The biggest problem is the structure. The story feels clunkily episodic, and at 145 minutes it is unnecessarily long. Too much time is devoted to setting up future MCU material, weakening a film that works considerably better when it focuses on Peter and Jean. The final act also veers into a Stranger Things-style supernatural storyline that feels less distinctive than what came before.

In my opinion the film should have been more radical. The premise offered an opportunity for a genuine reboot, but Brand New Day still carries considerable MCU baggage. The post-credits scene does little to justify that baggage, serving primarily as another piece of franchise setup.

Despite those shortcomings, the film gets the important things right. It balances action, humour and emotion effectively, and its emotional stakes generally take priority over franchise building. The result is a Spider-Man film with genuine feeling rather than simply another superhero spectacle.

Superhero fatigue is undoubtedly a problem, but Spider-Man: Brand New Day proves there is still life in the genre when the characters are given something meaningful to lose. It is messy and overstuffed, but Holland and Sink provide the emotional foundation for a film that ultimately earns its place among the better recent Marvel releases.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day scores 8.5 out of 10.

Out in cinemas now!

COMPETITION: Win The Name of the Rose: (Limited Edition) on 4K UHD / BD

Second Sight Films has announced The Name of the Rose Limited Edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray Box Set releases on 10th August 2026 and will also be available on Standard Edition and on digital.

And to celebrate we have a copy to give away!

Synopsis:

Sean Connery and Hollywood favourites Christian Slater and Ron Perlman lead the cast in celebrated auteur Jean-Jacques Annaud’s big screen adaptation of Umberto Eco's acclaimed novel The Name of The Rose.

The year is 1327 and respected Franciscan friar William of Baskerville (Connery) and his young novice Adso of Melk (Slater) arrive at a remote Italian abbey to attend a theological debate. But their visit takes a dark turn when a monk is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Using his sharp intellect and powers of deduction, William suspects foul play and embarks on his own investigation.

When more of the religious men meet their maker, in increasingly disturbing ways; fear and superstition grip the abbey. With tensions rising, the Church enlists the revered inquisitor Bernardo Gui (F. Murray Abraham), an old adversary of William, to uncover the truth. In a race against time, William must unravel the deadly conspiracy hidden within the abbey's walls before more lives are lost.

The brand-new collector’s set is presented in a stunning rigid slipcase with new artwork by Liza Shumskaya, a 120-page book with new essays and comes complete with an array of special features including a new commentary, cast and crew interviews and much more. 

Out on stunning Limited Edition Dual 4K UHD/Blu-ray Box Set alongside Standard Editions and on digital via download and streaming on 10 August 2026.

Pre-Order from Amazon UK

Enter now for a chance to win.

Who directs The Name of the Rose?

Send your name, address and of course the answer to competition365@outlook.com

Quick Terms and conditions - For full T&C click here

1. Closing date 17-08-26

2. No alternative prize is available

3. When the competition ends as indicated on this page, any and all entries received after this point will not count and emails blacklisted due to not checking this page first.

4. Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.

5. Entries that come directly from other websites will not be accepted.

REVIEW: Motor City (2026 Film) - Starring Alan Ritchson, Ben Foster, Pablo Schreiber, Lionel Boyce and Shailene Woodley

Review by Jon Donnis

Motor City is the kind of action thriller that immediately stands apart from the crowd. While the story itself follows a familiar path of betrayal and revenge, director Potsy Ponciroli presents it in a way that feels remarkably fresh. With very little dialogue, the film leans almost entirely on visual storytelling, expressive performances and an expertly curated rock soundtrack, creating an experience that often feels closer to an extended music-driven fever dream than a conventional Hollywood action film.

Set in a grimy, industrial 1977 Detroit, the film follows John Miller, played by Alan Ritchson, a factory worker whose life is destroyed after he is framed for a crime he did not commit. Sentenced to decades behind bars, he eventually escapes and embarks on a relentless mission to hunt down the gangster responsible, Reynolds, portrayed with trademark menace by Ben Foster. Along the way, Miller leaves behind a trail of destruction as he battles his way through Reynolds' criminal empire in search of justice for himself, Sophia and the friends who sacrificed everything to help him.

Motor City deserves praise simply for taking creative risks. American action films often rely on endless exposition and constant quips, yet this film strips almost all of that away. Instead, it trusts its audience to follow the story through visuals, facial expressions, action and music. It is an approach that feels bold rather than gimmicky, and for the most part it works brilliantly.

Alan Ritchson carries the film almost entirely through physical performance. Without lengthy speeches or dramatic monologues, he communicates John's anger, heartbreak and determination through body language alone. His imposing presence makes him entirely believable as an unstoppable force of vengeance, while quieter moments reveal enough vulnerability to stop the character becoming a one-dimensional action hero.

Ben Foster once again proves why he remains one of the most dependable screen villains. Reynolds is cold, manipulative and utterly ruthless, providing exactly the sort of antagonist needed to fuel the film's revenge narrative. Pablo Schreiber also makes a memorable impression as the corrupt officer Savick, particularly during one of the film's most savage and brutally choreographed fights.

The action itself is consistently impressive. Every confrontation feels impactful, with bone-crunching violence and inventive staging. Rather than relying on excessive computer-generated spectacle, the film favours grounded brutality that gives every punch, gunshot and explosion genuine weight. The explosive final act delivers exactly the payoff the film has been building towards, with several standout sequences that rank among the year's most entertaining action set pieces.

Equally important is the soundtrack. Setting much of the film to existing rock songs gives Motor City a distinctive rhythm and identity. Combined with the limited dialogue, it creates the feeling of watching a violent mixtape unfold on screen. There are echoes of silent cinema mixed with classic 1970s vigilante films, yet the finished result still feels original rather than nostalgic imitation. It is refreshing to leave an action film feeling as though you have genuinely seen something new.

That originality does not completely disguise the familiar framework underneath. At its core, this is still a fairly standard revenge story featuring many of the genre's well-established tropes. Betrayal, prison escape, corrupt criminals and bloody vengeance all play out much as expected. The presentation may be unique, but the narrative itself rarely surprises.

The pacing is another area where the film could have been stronger. At around 100 minutes, Motor City is not especially long, but it occasionally feels as though it is stretching material that would have benefited from a tighter edit. Several slow-motion sequences linger longer than necessary, reducing the momentum rather than enhancing the emotion. Trimming a few of these moments could have made the film even more effective.

Despite those shortcomings, Motor City succeeds because it fully commits to its unusual vision. It demonstrates that action films do not need endless dialogue to engage an audience, trusting visuals, music and physical performances to tell the story instead. The revenge plot may be familiar, but the stylish execution, brutal action and confidence behind its storytelling ensure it never feels routine.

Motor City is refreshing, exciting and unapologetically different. It proves there is still room for experimentation within mainstream action cinema, delivering a visually striking revenge thriller that leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

Score: 7.5 out of 10

Out Now in Cinemas.

Top 10 Movie Sound Effects That Have Been Reused in Hundreds of Films

Cinematic realism relies heavily on sonic illusion rather than authentic field recording. Sound supervisors pull from shared archival vaults because original production audio rarely satisfies theatrical mixing demands. Listeners assume every crunch and explosion originates from the specific visual frame, missing the reality of recycled acoustic assets. 

Post-production schedules demand immediate asset deployment without sacrificing quality benchmarks, forcing engineering teams to rely on historical sound libraries. Digital archives preserve historical recordings to maintain aesthetic continuity across generations of media. Studios save millions annually through this acoustic economy.

Audio Mixing Console by StockCake

What Drives Immediate Audience Recognition?

Human auditory perception processes familiar acoustic signals faster than novel sounds, creating distinct opportunities for narrative pacing. Sound supervisors manipulate frequency responses to ensure legacy sound effects cut cleanly through dense musical scores. Frequency masking often reduces dialogue clarity if not managed correctly during post-production mixing.

Audio professionals equalize recurring stock effects so primary frequency bands avoid clashing with dialogue tracks. Exact synchronization between visual impacts and audio transients maximizes visceral reactions from viewers. Archival institutions preserve massive collections to support ongoing research, where the Library of Congress maintains nearly three million recordings documenting historical sound design evolution.

Why Does Cinematic Audio Rely on Recycled Acoustic Assets?

Accessing reliable audio libraries is essential for modern post-production pipelines. Engineers utilize soundboards from reliable platforms like soundbuttonslab.com, an extensive online archive cataloging historical acoustic samples. Archival recordings maintain enduring utility across modern entertainment sectors. 

Tight deadlines force audio professionals to bypass redundant production costs. Budgets shrink while delivery demands expand exponentially. Operational efficiency dictates modern post-production workflows. Legacy assets anchor scenes with absolute precision.

Which Ten Audio Recordings Shape Modern Cinema?

Cinematic history features specific audio recordings that transcend their original films to appear in hundreds of subsequent productions. These recordings achieve legendary status through decades of strategic reuse by top-tier sound supervisors. These recurring audio assets anchor visual sequences with immediate emotional resonance.

The Wilhelm Scream

Featured in Wilhelm Scream records spanning four hundred films, this iconic vocal projection originated during studio recording sessions for mid-century westerns. Sound editors insert this exact shriek into chaotic action sequences involving sudden falls.

Castle Thunder

Recorded initially for classic monster features, this booming atmospheric crash established the definitive auditory backdrop for cinematic storms. Audio engineers splice this specific thunderclap into horror sequences to instantly heighten atmospheric dread.

The Red Tail Hawk Shriek

Cinematic wilderness scenes almost universally utilize the piercing cry of this specific raptor regardless of geographical accuracy. Visual media relies on this dramatic call because audiences inherently associate its frequency profile with wide-open environments.

The Telecommunication Ring

Vintage mechanical telephone rings appear across modern thrillers to evoke immediate tension. Sound supervisors prefer this analog tone because digital smartphone notifications lack the harsh acoustic cut required for dramatic cinematic pacing.

The Screaming Goat

Comedic and chaotic jungle sequences frequently incorporate this distinct mammalian shriek. Audio designers distort pitch parameters to generate bizarre creature vocalizations that bypass expensive custom recording sessions entirely.

The Laughing Kookaburra

Tropical outdoor settings rely on this distinctive avian call to establish immediate geographical atmosphere. Editors layer multiple tracks of this specific bird to simulate dense rainforest soundscapes during exterior dialogue scenes.

The Rattlesnake Warning

Desert tension scenes depend on the rapid mechanical shake of this specific reptile to signal immediate danger. Foley artists insert the high-frequency rattle even when visual frames contain zero reptilian elements.

The Generic Metal Clang

Industrial factory fights and medieval sword clashes utilize this standardized impact resonance. Sound engineers boost upper-mid frequencies of this recording to ensure metal strikes pierce through dense orchestral music scores.

The Creaky Door Creak

Suspenseful horror sequences leverage this high-friction wooden groan to induce immediate physical anxiety. Audio mixers adjust playback speeds downward to transform a minor hinge squeak into a massive supernatural entrance.

The Sci-Fi Laser Ricochet

Futuristic battle sequences incorporate this classic spring-reverb ping derived from early analog synthesizers. Modern sound design teams layer this vintage asset beneath contemporary synthesizer sweeps to build immersive sci-fi soundscapes.

Image by Daniel Winkler

What Technical Strategies Modernize Legacy Sound Files?

Modern sound editors integrate legacy audio assets by applying precise dynamic processing techniques rather than inserting raw files directly into master timelines. Maintaining clean signal paths and gain staging prevents digital clipping. Producers layer low-frequency sub-bass generators beneath classic sound effects to modernize vintage recordings for surround sound systems.

Sound engineers cross-reference sample rates between archival files and current project parameters to eliminate digital artifacts during export. Maintaining rigorous organization within sound effect directories accelerates post-production schedules significantly. Whether working in a studio suite or managing field projects on mobile devices, professionals frequently browse web repositories or utilize the Sound Buttons Lab Android app to quickly access and test custom audio triggers on the go. Engineers also rely on cloud-synced audio clips to maintain seamless continuity across multi-platform multimedia projects. 

How Do Legal Frameworks Protect Historical Audio Archives?

Protecting historical audio assets requires complex legal frameworks and extensive digital archiving protocols. Public institutions house massive collections spanning diverse audio formats while navigating strict copyright guidelines. Long-term digital preservation demands rigorous technical standards and format migration protocols. 

Archival teams manage public domain sound files to ensure legal distribution across educational and commercial platforms. Historical sound preservation safeguards cultural memory for future generations of acoustic researchers.

Top 5 Tallest Movie Stars in Hollywood Who Played Iconic Villains

Cinematic antagonists demand physical framing that subverts audience expectations before dialogue even begins. Traditional casting often relies on lighting tricks or camera angles to manufacture menaces out of average statures. Modern production environments frequently miscalculate the raw psychological friction generated by genuine anatomical height disparity. 

Directors attempting to substitute digital scaling for physical presence routinely discover that audiences detect artificiality instantly. Authentic vertical dominance creates an inescapable visceral reaction on screen. Achieving genuine menace requires towering actors who alter the entire geometry of a frame without digital enhancement.

Why Does Physical Dominance Shape Antagonist Casting?

Establishing genuine threat on film originates from spatial dominance. Production teams often evaluate talent through standard lenses, ignoring how towering actors manipulate framing dynamics. For instance, Richard Kiel stood 7 feet 1.5 inches tall, commanding every sequence through sheer verticality. 

Camera operators must adjust tilt angles aggressively when framing actors exceeding seven feet. Height forces protagonists to look upward, subconsciously signaling vulnerability to viewers. Scale alters power balances instantly. 

Depth perception changes when towering antagonists occupy tight indoor sets. Production designers modify doorframes and props to exaggerate actor proportions further. Small adjustments compound tension across essential confrontation scenes. Tall actors anchor dramatic conflict naturally.

How Does Architectural Scale Alter Screen Presence?

Physical environments dictate how towering performers project malice. Spatial constraints transform giant actors into claustrophobic nightmares for audiences watching theatrical releases. Every set piece undergoes radical redesign whenever monumental talent joins a production roster.

The Optic Of Vertical Threat

Verticality forces viewers into a submissive optical posture. Traditional framing places heroes at eye level, making towering antagonists loom overhead like architectural hazards. Directors utilize low-angle tracking shots to amplify this towering geometry. Disparity communicates defeat immediately.

Subverting The Hero Archetype

Monumental villains disrupt traditional center-frame heroic symmetry by casting literal shadows across protagonists. Physical contrast invalidates conventional combat choreography standards. Filmmakers precisely focus on vertical dominance by utilizing height comparison tools like easyheightcomparison.com to seamlessly compare heights among cast members, to ensure that every frame exploits the psychological weight of physical stature. Towering adversaries weaponize their stature for psychological defeat before combat begins. 

Who Are The Top 5 Tallest Villains In Hollywood Movies?

Casting tall actors into villainous roles remains a time-tested strategy for maximizing cinematic intimidation. Historical records document several monumental performers who leveraged extreme stature to immortalize terrifying antagonists across multiple cinematic genres.

Photo: Florida Supercon. "Peter Mayhew at the 2015 Florida SuperCon". Used under CC BY 2.0.

Peter Mayhew

Peter Mayhew stood at an imposing 7 feet 3 inches, bringing monumental physical presence to complex creature roles throughout his career. His physical stature defined screen presence across generations.

Kevin Peter Hall

Kevin Peter Hall measured 7 feet 2 inches tall, utilizing his massive frame to portray the lethal alien hunter in Predator. His exceptional height allowed him to dwarf trained action stars effortlessly.

Richard Kiel

Richard Kiel reached 7 feet 1.5 inches in height, creating one of cinema's most memorable henchmen as Jaws in multiple James Bond features. His metallic dental apparatus added a distinct menace to his towering frame.

Carel Struycken

Carel Struycken towered at 7 feet 0 inches, delivering chilling performances as malignant figures like Terak in Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. His gaunt appearance maximized the unnerving effect of his height.

Nathan Jones at WrestleMania XIX (2003).

Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones stands 6 feet 11 inches tall, translating his professional wrestling dominance into formidable villainous roles in historical epics and action films. His sheer bulk guarantees immediate visual tension.

How Does the Cognitive Processing of Cinematic Scale Occur?

Audience psychology responds intensely to vertical dominance on screen. Human evolutionary instincts trigger defensive postures when confronting individuals of abnormal height, a deep-seated behavioral response documented by research into threat assessment dynamics. Directors weaponize this subconscious fear by casting actors who exceed standard developmental averages significantly.

Critics frequently underestimate how much physical presence contributes to villainous credibility. Dialogue matters less when an antagonist towers over everyone else in the room. Height introduces an immediate power imbalance.

How Is Spatial Dissonance Utilized in Modern Filmmaking?

Digital effects enthusiasts often argue that computer generation renders physical height obsolete. Industry veterans know that software struggles to replicate the organic imperfections of towering performers. When digital creations interact with physical environments, lighting anomalies frequently break immersion. 

Real human mass casts accurate shadows and displaces actual air pressure during fight choreography. Physicality grounds fantasy in believable stakes. Production budgets allocate significant resources to practical casting because tangible presence outperforms digital replication consistently.