Movie Reviews

Movie Review: “Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse” Spins A Web Of Joy

[usr 4]
 

Miles Morales becomes the Spider-Man of his reality and crosses paths with his counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat to all reality.

This may be the first time I’ve ever seen Spider-Man being animated in this upcoming feature. And no, I’m not talking about the 1994 animated series, I’m talking about how this beloved film that features not only Spider-Man but also Miles Morales, who lays eyes on the actions and witness of Spider-Man as well as the team of Spider-heroes from different dimensions. “The LEGO Movie” directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller brought this whole Spider-Man idea to Sony in 2014. So does the animated idea really work? The answer is a simple, “yes.”

This movie centers a young man named Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) who is bitten by a spider and gains spider-webbing super strengths. He also encounters much chaos happening around the city as well as bumping into Spider-Men and Spider-Women whom he eventually teams up with to save the universe.

There is a major turning point in the story. The character development of Miles Morales carries the structure of the film. Even though “Venom” was already released and was a critical disaster but which performed admirably, earning over $800 million at the box office, the world still needs another “Spider-Man” movie.

I’m a devotee to animated films (predominately) as well as comic-book films like 2012’s “The Avengers” and 2018’s “Black Panther.” For those who love comic books and Spider-Man, Miles Morales became a rousing success as a spin-off character who finds life meaningful after greeting and receiving advice from the team of Spider-heroes consisting of Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), Spider-Ham (John Mulaney), Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) in an anime style, and legendary Nicholas Cage as a noir version of Spider-Man. Not only them, but also Morales’ parents (Brian Tyree Henry & Luna Lauren Velez) which become the center of the story’s dynamics.

Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld & Shameik Moore in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018).

The directors, Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, do a fantastic job of keeping the pace of storytelling, the plot, and forming a line of diversity throughout the film. The animation really shines like magic. The comedy and the sound effects are well used for a slow or fast-paced action. I also enjoyed the cartoon gags from Looney Tunes which are perennial. The different looks and aspects on those Spider-heroes are beautiful. The music by Daniel Pemberton (“Steve Jobs,” “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword”) sounds very well and fitting for an action-packed film. Let’s not forget about Stan Lee’s cameo showing up in the film.

However, I have some trouble from the film’s lack the character development of the Spider-Men, Spider-Women, and the villains. There isn’t enough explanation why both of them didn’t get along since they both meet each other onscreen. It definitely sounds confusing and really gets myself off course when it comes to social relationships. In addition, my dislike also includes the filmmakers using too many action sequences as an advantage of an action-animated film, compared to other anime movies.

In regards, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a great film that keeps the pace. It may have a slight chance of becoming an Oscar-worthy opponent to other 2018 animated movies being nominated. Sony, the cast, and the filmmakers really put more effort and commitment to creating this beloved superhero film that springs into action.

One last thing, this film serves as a dedication to both Stan Lee and Steve Ditko who were the creators of Spider-Man.

In theaters Friday, December 14th

 

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john
5 years ago

really enjoy the review. i will see the movie in december