Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Sony Pictures Animation / Marvel Entertainment
Starring Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, Bryan Tyree Henry, Lily Tomlin, Luna Lauren Velez, John Mulaney, Nicolas Cage, Liev Schreiber and Kathryn Hahn
Written by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman
Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman
Rated PG
The story of Spider-Man Miles Morales’ first adventure takes a lot of conceptual risks as it weaves its story.
A dying Spider-Man gives teenager Miles Morales the almost impossible task of stopping Kingpin from destroying the multiverse. The new, inexperienced Spider-Man finds out he isn’t alone and with the help of other Spider heroes from alternate dimensions, Miles has to learn to use his great power as he tries to embrace his great responsiblity.
One of the best aspects of Into the Spider-Verse is the use of comic book imagery and references throughout the film. It embraces the fact that it’s a comic book movie in a more conceptual basis than other comic book films by incorporating comic book staples like word balloons and panel transitions to move the story along. There are moments that are visually jarring, but the overall style of the film is a nearly perfect blend of animation styles including cell animation and anime.
Miles is portrayed as the average teenager with parents who love and support him and want him to succeed. They send him to an elite school where he stays during the week and he meets a new student named Gwen Stacy. Their interactions with each other are cute. The moment he gets his powers sets up some interesting conflicts in the film especially between he and his father. There is also another dynamic at play in the films between his father, his uncle and a secret his uncle is hiding. It’s a complicated dynamic that deserved more time because of how impactful it is as a story in itself.
His interactions with the Spider-Man of his world start his hero’s journey and it is interesting see how Peter’s presence and death affect the city.
The other Spider-Man named Peter B Parker (Jake Johnson) is both comic relief and the unlikely mentor that Miles needs to learn how to become Spider-Man. His Peter has hit hard times based on some life decisions that have alienated him from the people he loves including his ex-wife Mary Jane (Zoe Kravitz).
Gwen Stacy’s Spider-Woman is the only one that seems capable, but even she has problems due to her own personal trauma and it keeps her from getting close to people. Spider-Man Noir (Nick Cage), Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) and Spider-Ham (John Mulaney) are there to serve as comic relief, but each one of them is capable in their own right. It’s this realization that makes Miles’ journey more poignant as he isn’t confident enough in himself or his powers while being surrounded by others who have mastered their skills.
Into the Spider-Verse is a fun ride from start to finish and a visual feast for the eyes and senses. It is loud and celebratory of all things Spider-Man. This is an ambitious film in scale, character and visuals and everything works. Fans of Miles Morales as a character will be satisfied and those new to his story will be surprised, thrilled and thirsty for more.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
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