July 30th, 2026
The new Spider-Man film got me all up in my feels (and tears) today; I want to write a little about why it was so emotional for me (while trying not to spoil it, promise).
It’s no secret that Peter Parker is one of my favorite fictional characters of all time. If you’re new here, you missed the years where I regularly dressed up as Spider-Man for events (and occasional newspaper photo shoots with potential presidental candidates… it’s a long story). It’s not hard to relate to him: he’s a nerd who struggles through life but does so with humor, humility, and the sincere want to do good.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has a lot of complex things to say but, for me, it really tackles the topic of what it means to be a man, whatever that designation means to you or the world around us.
It’s no secret that countless men of all ages are struggling; with identity, with purpose, with connection, with meaning. I don’t think this is new; I do think technology has made it worse. This film explores that in a way that’s novel and affecting; it also has big fights and spectacular special effects, if you need a break from those aforementioned feelings.
And speaking of a break: if you’ve read anything here recently, you probably noticed I’ve been sharing a lot of the Buddhist ideas I’ve been studying. These thoughts definitely have a different tone than some of my earlier posts. And maybe you’re thinking: so did you do it? Are you not angry anymore? Are you not anxious?
Hell no. I am just as angry and anxious as I’ve ever been. I’m still a recovering drunk. I’m still struggling with imposter syndrome and regret and not feeling as connected to my community as I want to be. I’m still compulsive with my phone.
But the Buddhism helps. It grounds me and gives me perspective and more tools to be better, to be kinder, to be more compassionate, to recognize that nobody does this life alone, which is another idea Spider-Man masterfully paints.
I’m sick of hearing that people are sick of comic book movies. They’re not. They’re sick of bad movies based on comic books. But, like comic books, these movies can be anything, any style and any genre, and they can be truly special. This one is (it really is), and I’m so grateful it exists. See it with people you love.
The Den 