Archives for August 23, 2026

It’s Time for Back to School!

A Must-Have this school year!

The back-to-school season is all about getting organized, and adding a simple hand-cleaning solution to your family’s routine can make a big difference.

Handzies delivers a true soap-and-water clean in a convenient wipe. Made with natural castile soap, water, and essential oils, Handzies helps keep hands fresh and clean throughout busy school days from the lunchroom and playground to after-school sports and activities.

Handzies wipes are made without alcohol, BZK, triclosan, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Plus, they’re compostable, biodegradable, vegan, and non-GMO because effective clean should also be gentle on people and the planet.

Whether you’re stocking backpacks, packing lunches, or preparing classroom supplies, Handzies makes it easy to bring a soap-and-water clean wherever the school year takes you.

Created with conscious consumers in mind, each wipe is 100% plant-based and cruelty-free, vegan, NON-GMO, and gluten-free. Manufactured in the USA in an FDA-licensed, EPA-registered, NSF-certified facility that’s also FSC and Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Available in 30-count soft-packs, 24 individually wrapped towelettes, or an extra-large family bundle. 

I love to keep these in my car and in my yoga bag!

Learn more at handzies.com. You can also find Handzies on Amazon.

Be Ready for the School Day with KEEP>GOING 

As kids head back to the classroom, playground scrapes, bumps, and little mishaps are bound to happen. That’s why the KEEP>GOING First Aid Dino GoKit is a roarsome back-to-school must-have, bringing peace of mind to parents, teachers, and caregivers wherever the school year takes them.

Packed with 130 first aid essentials in a fun dinosaur-themed case, the Dino GoKit is designed to make first aid less intimidating for little ones while keeping supplies organized and ready when needed. Compact enough for backpacks, classrooms, sports bags, and family outings, it’s the perfect companion for everyday adventures.

From the first day of school to after-school activities, the Dino GoKit helps families stay prepared for life’s minor emergencies. It’s a practical, kid-friendly addition to any back-to-school checklist!

Browse the collection on the website at keepgoingfirstaid.com. Also available on Amazon.

This is soooo good!

Alter Eco Granola + Oat Clusters — Whether for breakfast, lunchboxes or an afternoon snack kids can feel good about, Alter Eco has you covered. Each bite of the brand’s classic granola and new Oat Clusters are made with wholesome ingredients, and the Oat Clusters are made with granola and the rich eco-friendly chocolate Alter Eco is known for. I love the taste of the new Oat Clusters! A new favorite to go to snack!

Yummy snack for both kids and adults!

According to the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Scientific Report, only about 6% of Americans consume the recommended amount of fiber, even as protein claims continue to dominate grocery shelves and social media.

Festive Chickpeas naturally help bridge both gaps, delivering 10 grams of plant-based protein and 8 grams of fiber per bag…all from real chickpeas, with no added protein powders, concentrates or isolates.

Beyond the nutrition, Festive Chickpeas are one of those rare pantry staples that work just about anywhere. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack for beach days, summer road trips, hikes, sporting events and afternoon cravings. As families begin thinking about back-to-school, they’re also an easy lunchbox addition that both kids and adults can enjoy.

And they’re not just for snacking. Their satisfying crunch makes them a flavorful topper for salads, soups and grain bowls, while their bold flavors and texture make them a welcome addition to charcuterie boards and entertaining spreads. Whether enjoyed straight from the bag or incorporated into a favorite recipe, Festive Chickpeas offer a delicious way to add naturally occurring protein and fiber to everyday meals and snacks.

As consumers continue looking for simple, whole-food ingredients that deliver more nutritional value, Festive Chickpeas are proof that you don’t have to choose between convenience, flavor and nutrition…you can have all three.

I love these! I still can’t decide which one is my favorite flavor! I do like the Honey BBQ! I think I’m addicted to them now!

Festive Chickpeas are available on AmazonWalmart.comSnackFestive.com and specialty retailers and health bars.

Aren’t these the cutest?

 Kenzley Ballet Flats – Polished enough for school, comfortable enough for all-day wear

A go-to flat that doesn’t need a break-in period—not only are they adorable, but they’re also incredibly comfortable right out of the box. With a structured yet flexible sole and a supportive insole, these are designed to handle everything from classroom time to after-school activities without foot fatigue. The breathable lining and padded collar help prevent rubbing, something reviewers frequently call out “It’s great for active toddlers.” The T-strap includes a hook and loop closure under the classic silver buckle which makes them very easy to get on and off. These are super cute and comfy as well!

Something fun!

Sticki Mates (MSRP $6.99 | Ages 5+ | Available at Target ): The perfect collectible companion to clip onto your backpack, lunch box and more! Simply pull and tear the Kawaii-inspired stickers from the Sticki Rolls dispenser. Then either personalize your school gear or trade your Sticki with a friend! 6 different Sticki Mates characters to collect.  These are so much fun for kids!

Stay tuned! Next week, I will be posting some great back-to-school suggestions for the older kids!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this seasonal post. Images were also provided.

New QM Cares Merchandise Collection Gives Queen Mary Visitors a Way to Give Back as the Ship Celebrates a Year of Community Impact

Proceeds Support Initiatives Benefiting Queen Mary Team Members, Local Families and the Greater Long Beach Community. Photo Credit: The Queen Mary.

The Queen Mary in Long Beach is giving guests a new way to support the community. With the launch of its new QM Cares merchandise collection, visitors can help benefit the ship’s Queen Mary Cares initiatives with every purchase, transforming everyday souvenirs into meaningful community impact. Available both aboard the historic ship and online, the collection highlights a year of community outreach through the Queen Mary Cares program while inviting guests to become part of its mission to give back across Southern California.

“Queen Mary Cares is about taking care of the people who make up our Queen Mary family while also finding meaningful ways to give back to the Greater Long Beach community,” said Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary. “Right now, our team is putting together back-to-school packages, which is just one example of how this program comes to life. From supporting our team members and creating employee events like beach clean-ups, to partnering with local organizations and serving our neighbors, Queen Mary Cares brings all of those efforts together under one shared commitment to making a positive impact.”

The inaugural QM Cares Collection features a foldable duffle bag ($35), first aid kit ($12), commemorative lapel pin ($8), branded lanyard ($10), heart squeezie ($12), branded belt bag ($20), and branded polo ($55). All proceeds from every QM Cares merchandise item sold will support Queen Mary Cares initiatives that make a positive impact throughout the Greater Long Beach community, furthering the program’s commitment to service, connection and giving back.

Over the past year, that mission has taken many forms. Queen Mary Cares has opened the ship’s doors through Community Days and Community Art Days, honored veterans and first responders, welcomed CSULB graduates for a Community Free Day, participated in the Long Beach Pride Parade and local beach cleanups, supported the Ronald McDonald House Walk, hosted a Red Cross blood drive and created programs designed to empower both the community and the Queen Mary’s own team members.

One of the initiative’s most memorable moments came through a partnership with Make-A-Wish®, when the Queen Mary welcomed 15-year-old maritime enthusiast Aedan and his family for a once-in-a-lifetime wish experience. Traveling from Massachusetts after overcoming brain cancer treatment, Aedan spent three days aboard the legendary ocean liner enjoying exclusive behind-the-scenes access, including a private guided tour, an unforgettable four-course dinner in the historic Wheelhouse hosted by Captain James, a private screening in the Queen Mary Theatre, and several experiences designed around his lifelong passion for maritime history.

During the winter season, QM Cares partnered with the Long Beach Rescue Mission to support local families by donating grocery gift cards and more than 300 toys. The Queen Mary also invited guests to participate by collecting new, unwrapped toys throughout the holiday season, helping spread holiday cheer to families across the Long Beach community. As part of the partnership, the Queen Mary team toured the Long Beach Rescue Mission’s new Timothy House, a residence designed to provide housing and support for young men ages 18 to 24 as they transition toward independence.

As QM Cares continues to grow, the Queen Mary remains committed to building meaningful partnerships with nonprofit organizations, supporting causes that strengthen Southern California communities, and creating opportunities for guests to make a positive impact through every visit.

The new QM Cares Collection is available today at the Queen Mary Gift Shop and online store. For more information on the Queen Mary, upcoming events, programming, and more, visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

Rex, Aug. 21 Pet of the Week

AWWWWWW!

Here’s Rex, who seems to have caught the biggest shark in the sea! Rex is about 1 year old and weighs a little over 50 pounds. His bestie, volunteer Bev, says he’s playful, friendly and enjoys toys and interacting with humans. Bev says that Rex also makes great eye contact, whether in the play yard, on a leash or when someone walks by his kennel. Speaking of leashes, Rex loves his walks but needs some leash training because he pulls to get his energy out. If you’re someone who can help Rex with his leash pulling and would enjoy being his active playmate, you’ll both have caught the big fish. Rex is the best buddy ever! Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Rex or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors). Ask for ID A760024.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition at the California Science Center closes September 7, 2026

The California Science Center will be closing Mummies of the World: The Exhibitionon Monday, September 7, 2026.

The exhibition brings together naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt, including a new selection of specimens never-before-seen in Los Angeles.

Guests can explore the science of natural mummification in varied environments from glaciers and deserts to underground European crypts and will learn about the methods used to intentionally preserve animals and people in cultures ranging from ancient Egypt and Peru to modern day medical studies

Additionally, this exhibition includes CT scans (computed tomography) of full-body mummies, burial objects, mummification tools, and interactive audio-visual programs on the stories revealed by scientific analysis. Through the lens of science, guests can appreciate how mummification preserves irreplaceable physical and biological evidence and discover how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient peoples, past civilizations, and our ever-changing world.

Since its world premiere at the California Science Center in 2010, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition has been seen by millions of visitors worldwide. This is the last chance to experience this powerful journey into the past before the artifacts and mummies return to their lending museums and institutions from around the world.

Guests can enhance their experience with the IMAX movie Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs. Part historic journey and part forensic adventure, Mummies 3D follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies.

This documentary is the perfect complement to the exhibition, exploring the history of mummification, ancient Egyptian beliefs, new discoveries, and the application of forensic science in the study of mummies.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition and Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs will both close on Monday, September 7, 2026.

WHERE:   

California Science Center 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037

Parking is available at the California Science Center visitor parking in the Blue Structure. (Enter visitor parking at the Blue Structure on Figueroa Street and 39th Street/Exposition Park Drive.)

All tickets for Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, its accompanying audio guide, and the IMAX movie Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs can be purchased online, by calling 213-744-2019 or by visiting the Science Center box office (please note that in person sales have no additional service fees):

Exhibition tickets: $23.95 for adults and $15.95 for children. Audio guide: $5.00. IMAX movie tickets: $11.00 for adults and $9.00 for children. Combination tickets for both the exhibition and IMAX movie are $31.95 for adults and $21.95 for children.

 A service fee of $4 per person will apply to all online or telephone purchases. The fee is waived for California Science Center Members and in-person sales.

Discounted tickets and audio guides are available for Members, groups of 15 or more people, and private events. Full details can be found on the website here.

Gift certificates are also available for purchase in any amount by calling 213-744-2019 or by visiting the box office and can be redeemed in person at the Science Center.

The box office is open in person daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

IMAX Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs Run Time: 40 minutes.
For further information on Mummies 3D, can be found HERE.

Credit: The California Science Center.

PLAZA MEXICO A Place for Everyone “Sueños y Esperanza” (Dreams and Hope) Providing Community and Space for People with Special Needs Every Friday from 5:00 pm -7:00 pm

For years now Plaza México has been providing a safe space for the special needs community, a place where they can meet up with old friends, or make new friends as sing karaoke dance the night away and just enjoy life!

Each Friday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Plaza México in Lynwood, CA., hosts Sueños y Esperanza (Dreams and Hope) a non-profit organization providing a sense of community with planned social activities for persons with Down Syndrome, Autism, and any other forms of neurodivergence. It’s a blast!

Sueños y Esperanza Organization:
Socialization for people with Down Syndrome, Autism, and other realities of human development. Sueños y Esperanza  place for everyone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbtvlq3kXfg/

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi * Amazing Plot, Terrific Writing, Outstanding Visuals

In this new series, Lah Kara continues to train in the ways of the Jedi under Margrave Juro. Kara goes on an epic journey of self-discovery as she and Juro’s small fellowship of Jedis-in-training embark on a quest to save her father and stop a mysterious Sith leader from unleashing darkness upon the galaxy.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Ashish S. comments, “I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the animation is stunning. I have never really been too exposed to the world of anime prior to viewing this, so I was really blown away by the style. The visuals really shine in the fight scenes of the show. I also love the color of the lightsabers and the backgrounds.” Ari C. adds, “I absolutely love Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi because of its amazing plot and terrific writing. The plot is fantastic; it fully immersed me in the amazing storyline. Every time an episode ended, I was dying to see what would happen next.”  See their full reviews below.

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi

By Ashish S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi is a captivating and thrilling adventure set in the Star Wars universe. I really enjoyed its unique story structure, cool worldbuilding, and characters.

This series follows the jedi, Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn), as she trains under Margrave Juro (Andrew Kishino). They face a major threat in the form of General Nawaam (Young Mazino) who wants to eradicate the order. At the same time, Lah Kara discovers more and more about her father, Lah Zhima (Simu Liu), and tries to reunite with him.

I enjoyed this series quite a bit, as the animation is stunning. I have never really been too exposed to the world of anime prior to viewing this, so I was really blown away by the style. The visuals really shine in the fight scenes of the show. I also love the color of the lightsabers and the backgrounds. Another thing that I like is the unique story structure. Not every episode is the same–some are more concerned with setting up the world of the series; some are more action-based; and some are based around getting to know the characters’ past. The writers beautifully weave every story together so that I felt invested with the series as a whole. On that note, the story was a little tough to follow at times, with all of the lore and backstory injected in between plots. This made most of the characters somewhat confusing at first, as it’s only after a couple episodes that I really started to understand the role of each person and who they are. My favorite part is Lah Kara; she is one of the very well-written characters within the series, and her character is both relatable and significant. Additionally, Kimmiko Glenn, who voices her, is very expressive and brings life to the role. This series is watchable, but not the best from the Star Wars franchise as a whole.

The series’ message revolves around the theme of determination. Lah Kara is very brave and eager to go on this journey, but both her past and present create obstacles for her. Despite this, she desires to resolve her issues, which makes her even stronger and makes her character arc even more interesting.

I give Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. You can catch the series on Disney Plus and Hulu beginning Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi
By Ari C., KIDS FIRST Film Critics, age 13

I absolutely love Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi because of its amazing plot and terrific writing. Also, the beautiful animation, wonderful voice acting, and epic fight scenes are very notable.

This series takes place after the events that took place in Star Wars: Visions and continues the story of Lah Kara (Kimiko Glenn) and the rest of the “master-less Jedi,” including Juro (Andrew Kishino) and Homen (Patrick Seitz), as they fight to gather allies to rebuild the Jedi order and stop the malevolent Nawaam (Young Mazino) and his evil empire. This series adds new characters like Nawaam, the main antagonist of the show, and keeps some original characters like Gramps (JP Karliak), one of my favorites. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about the characters and their past.

The plot of this series is fantastic; it fully immersed me in the amazing storyline. Every time an episode ended, I was dying to see what would happen next. I must commend Mitsuyasu Sakai for writing an absolute masterpiece, with terrific characters that make it that much more compelling. Watching the characters develop is amazing and the way the characters’ pasts unfold throughout the story is perfect. I haven’t watched much anime, but I felt the beauty of the art in this series must be unique. The lightsabers, the way everyone’s hair moves with the wind, the absolute attention to detail that went into all of this is impressive. The voice actors are so good that it sometimes feels as if the characters are actually speaking to you. The fighting scenes are awesome; seeing the different fighting styles and the way the characters clash with each other is amazing. Honestly, putting lightsabers and anime together is pure genius. The fast pace of anime and the bright flashiness of a lightsaber go together like peanut butter and jelly. My favorite part is the final battle between Nawaam and Kara, because it is both an epic fight, and it’s a perfect end to one of my favorite stories in all of Star Wars.

The show’s message is that our emotions make us who we are and we must accept them instead of suppress them. Note that this show does have strong violent scenes and depictions of death that some viewers may find disturbing, as well as some mild profanity.

I give Star Wars: Visions Presents-The Ninth Jedi 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. You can find it now on Disney Plus and Hulu.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day * Brings This Series To A Whole New Level With Action-Packed Fight Scenes, Bone-Chilling Mysteries, Heartbreak And Emotions

It’s a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves – a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Jackson N. comments, “Spider-Man: Brand New is a fantastic return to the MCU after last year’s Fantastic Four: First Steps – and a long-awaited return to the world of Spider-Man since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. One of my favorite things this film does that the Marvel comics do as well is present an easy jumping on point for new viewers.” Valerie M. adds, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings this series to a whole new level. With action-packed fight scenes, bone-chilling mysteries, heartbreak and emotions, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a must watch.”  Rayce S. adds his two cents, “Spider-man Brand New Day is a disappointing Spider-Man film, with great sets and amazing fight choreography, but beyond that, it fails at being a true Spider-Man movie. This isn’t a bad film—it’s just a bad Spider-Man film.”

See their full reviews below.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

By Jackson N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Spider-Man: Brand New is a fantastic return to the MCU after last year’s Fantastic Four: First Steps – and a long-awaited return to the world of Spider-Man since Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. One of my favorite things this film does that the Marvel comics do as well is present an easy jumping on point for new viewers. This film does that especially well, considering you need little to no backstory to understand the premise.

The majority of the story takes place four or five years after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is still dealing with the repercussions of the choice he made to make the world, even his girlfriend, MJ (Zendaya), and his best friend, Ned (Jacob Batalon), forget who he was. Peter deals with many villains in this film, but they all pale in comparison to his newest, and probably strongest foe (Sadie Sink).

Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivers a heartfelt, fun to watch, visually-stunning moviegoing experience. Despite not having as much levity as its predecessors, this film brings some lightness and humor to a story that could skew dark and sad. Something the director, Destin Daniel Cretton, set out to do from the beginning, is give audiences a down to earth, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. The appearances of the Punisher (Jon Bernthal) and the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) add fan-favorite characters that have been missed since Punisher’s last appearance in 2025 on Daredevil: Born Again, and Hulk’s way back in 2022 on She Hulk: Attorney at Law. We also get some comic relief, including a scene that’ll be remembered in the sauna she calls her office, from one of The New Avengers, Black Widow (Florence Pugh). Detective Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas) provides Peter with a heartfelt lifeline and a reminder of the importance of family, even in a world where he has been forgotten by the people he loves. The cinematography emphasizes intimate, street-level perspectives making New York City and Brooklyn feel like they are characters in the storyline. The falling and jumping scenes are some of the best and most immersive and really made me feel like I was riding along with Spider-Man throughout the movie. The action sequences blend real actors and sets with CGI seamlessly, creating a larger than life experience that still feels concrete and possible. The score is another standout piece of the film, connecting you into the action and emotions of the characters as they move through the story.

The film’s messageis about how people are not always what they seem and that pain will always pass, as long as you can let it go. It also addresses the importance of friendship, being true to who you are, and how taking care of yourself is so critical, especially when living in stressful times. Parents should be aware that there is a lot of gun violence (thanks to the Punisher) but it is not bloody and gory. There are also scenes that convincingly mimic a panic attack, which may be hard for some viewers.

I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on July 31, 2026.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

By Valerie M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Spider-Man: Brand New Day brings this series to a whole new level. With action-packed fight scenes, bone-chilling mysteries, heartbreak and emotions, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a must watch.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland), aka Spider-Man, after everyone including his best friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) have lost memory of him. He is spending his days fighting crime and following his lost friends on social media. His efforts have brought crime rates to an all-time low. However, there is trouble in paradise. A threat is arising — one that most cannot see, let alone control. Now, he must find a way to defeat his unknown foe as well as get these changes happening to him under control.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is yet another great installment in the Spider-Man series. The plot is mind-bending. It has a perfect set up and suspense. Villains, motives, and plans kept me on the edge of my seat. And let’s not forget the emotions, because this film is a rollercoaster. I laughed too, because the writers did not pass up a chance to make a good joke and, admittedly, almost cried, because this movie doesn’t go easy on tragedy. It is admirable how the characters really stay true to themselves. I love how protagonists and even some antagonists learn from each other and become better people. It gives Peter Parker a touch of reality that makes Spider-Man, well, Spider-Man. The visuals are on point. The textures are so clear I feel I could touch them (I swear I felt Spider-Man’s suit!) like I am right next to Spider-Man fighting crime and saving the day. The scenery pops out: the homes and cities feel lived in, like places I have been to before –the labs gave me a bad vibe just looking at them; dark alleys made me want to turn around and check if anyone was behind me. And then there’s the special effects! The fine details turn this amazing movie into a piece of art. An honorable mention goes to the music: it is there to raise the energy right when a fight is about to break out and to wrap heartbreak into a beautiful sound.

The film’s message is that repressing who you are won’t help anyone. When you start to change, embrace it and grow. Note that there are many graphic scenes of fighting, shooting, blood, as well as mild profanity and risky behaviors children may imitate.

I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases in theaters July 31, 2026.

Spiderman Brand New Day

By Rayce S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

Spider-man Brand New Day is a disappointing Spider-Man film, with great sets and amazing fight choreography, but beyond that, it fails at being a true Spider-Man movie. This isn’t a bad film—it’s just a bad Spider-Man film.

The storyline follows a forgotten Peter Parker (Tom Holland) who lives by himself as a full-time Spider-Man until increasing pressure causes a risky shift and the appearance of a formidable new foe.

The biggest weakness is that this movie spends too much time setting up a larger corner of the MCU rather than telling a compelling Spider-Man story. As a longtime fan of the comics and films, I was extremely disappointed. On the plus side, the action sequences are some of the best I’ve seen in a superhero movie—no surprise with Destin Daniel Cretton directing. The fight choreography is outstanding, the visuals are impressive, and the performances are excellent. However, after waiting four years, my high expectations were shattered almost immediately. The film skips nearly four years of Peter Parker’s life. After the heartbreaking ending of No Way Home, I wanted to see him rebuild his life from nothing. Instead, it jumps ahead and expects us to emotionally reconnect in a matter of minutes. Because we never witness his journey during those missing years, emotional scenes that should hit hard end up falling flat. That wouldn’t have bothered me as much if the film stayed focused on Spider-Man. Instead, it splits its attention with Sadie Sink’s character. Her performance is fine, but Peter’s story feels sidelined to make room for hers. As a fan, I missed the core struggle, balance, and loneliness that define Peter Parker. The film starts to explore those ideas, but never commits. I don’t hate this movie—there are parts I genuinely enjoyed. But No Way Home set up what could have been the most personal Spider-Man story yet, and Brand New Day sacrifices that to launch another storyline entirely. When I walked out of the theater, I was thinking about Sadie Sink’s character and the future of the MCU rather than Spider-Man. That’s the film’s biggest failure.

This film’s message is that you can’t do everything alone, and it’s conveyed through Peter’s Journey throughout the film.

I give Spider-Man: Brand New Day 2.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The film releases in cinemas on July 31, 2026. Be sure to look for it.