Spider-Man Earns Three Stars While The Dink Brings Retro Charm to Vail

Aspen —A three-and-a-half-star rating for a superhero movie and a "retro" sports comedy that feels like a lost script from the 2000s. That’s the current state of play for locals looking to kill two hours this weekend.

The Vail Daily’s entertainment columnist, writing under the byline "The Movie Guru," has broken down the latest cinematic offerings. It’s not exactly a financial report, but for folks trying to decide whether to spend $15 on a ticket at the Vail Cascade or stream something for free on Apple TV, the distinction matters.

Let’s look at the big screen first. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is getting praise for being an "evolution" rather than just another entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe machine. The columnist notes that Tom Holland is finally doing his best work, showing a Peter Parker who is emotionally mature and physically struggling. It’s a shift from the previous film, where everyone had magically forgotten Peter and he was living alone. Now, four years later, he’s throwing himself into his job, but he’s still at the end of his rope.

The review highlights Sadie Sink as fantastic, bringing an anger that transcends cliché. Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle adds a "welcome lightness," while Zendaya and Jacob Batalon have smaller but vital roles. The movie avoids some of the classic MCU pitfalls of distracting itself with potential tie-ins, though it doesn’t escape them entirely. It’s a solid recommendation for anyone who wants to see a Spider-Man they actually want to see more of. The verdict? Three and a half stars out of four. It’s a safe bet.

Then there’s “The Dink” on Apple TV. If you’re looking for a 2000s-era sports comedy, this is it. The sport is pickleball, which is relatively new, but the jokes feel retro. The story follows a struggling tennis pro, played by Jake Johnson, who is forced to make peace with the sport after an injury. He teams up with Mary Steenburgen, and their onscreen chemistry is the movie’s saving grace. Ed Harris plays the tennis-loving father trying to win approval, which comes to a head during a big finale tournament.

The columnist notes that while the story beats are familiar, Johnson and Steenburgen’s relationship has a few surprises. The best moments involve the two of them together, with or without the pickleball. It’s an unexpected sweetness that helps the movie go down smoothly, even if you’re indifferent to the sport itself.

For context, this isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about how locals spend their leisure dollars. The Spider-Man film is in theaters now, meaning a drive to a local cinema. “The Dink” is on Apple TV, which means staying home. The choice is between a $15 to $20 per-person outing and a streaming subscription most people already pay for.

The Vail Daily review suggests that “The Dink” feels like a lost script found and updated. It’s not groundbreaking. It’s not a blockbuster. But it’s pleasant. Johnson and Steenburgen carry it. Spider-Man carries the box office.

If you’re in the valley and need to kill time, the advice is clear. Want emotional maturity and a hero who’s struggling? Go to the theater. Want a familiar sports comedy with good chemistry? Stream it. The columnist doesn’t mince words about either. Spider-Man is an evolution. “The Dink” is a throwback. Both are valid choices depending on your mood and your wallet.

The bottom line is simple. The reviews are positive. The costs are known. The decision is yours.