Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Film Review

What if there were multiple Spider-Men? Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse answers these questions. But does it work? ComiConverse reviews Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Film Review - Miles Ahead Of The Competition

Credit: Sony Pictures

Spider-Man crosses parallel dimensions and teams up with the Spider-Men of those dimensions to stop a threat to all reality

Spider-Man has conquered animation for years dating back all the way in the late 1960s as the web-head became an American cultural icon, each one of these brilliant shows paid homage to the iconic comic book artwork of Steve Ditko. I grew up with these animated adaptations as they kickstarted my love for Marvel’s sublime lineup of characters. Everything about those Spider-Man shows just worked, as the artists understood what made the character stand out in comic book print and introduced new elements to the web crawler. Fans loved these fresh approaches to Marvel characters, spending hours behind TV sets exploring the everyday life of the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. Sadly, the latter animated Spider-Man media felt flat with awesome art styles and poor writing talent behind each episode.

Despite having a few solid shows including Spider-Man (1994) and The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008) which all brought new ideas to the table. Marvel’s Golden Boy lacked the quality of previous animated series, but Spider-Man’s cultural impact propelled forward in live-action Hollywood formats, and in-turn pushed him back into the mainstay spotlight. In total the Spider-Man films has grossed a whopping $4.8 billion collectively at the global box office, making it amongst the most profitable media franchises in history (not including his massive toy dominance).

But what happened next surprised many fans of the web-crawler. An animated Spider-Man feature film titled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) was announced in 2015, that both Phil Lord & Christopher Miller we’re developing an animated comedy based on the iconic Marvel hero. It also would have focused on the fan favourite Miles Morales as Spider-Man, instead of the usual titular Peter Parker (who appears in a mentor role) taking over Reigns. In the era of live-action Superhero projects taking over cinemas across our globe, can Animated Miles Morales deliver the goods? And mark a new generation of media? All these questions are answered in our ComiConverse review on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Credit: Sony Pictures

In classic Spider-Man tradition, Into the Spider-Verse (2018) focuses on high school student Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) juggling hectic everyday life and his status as a superhero - but he soon discoverers the “Spider-Verse” a dimension that stores multiple heroes with spider-like abilities including the original Peter Parker (Jake Johnston) and Gwen Stacey / Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld). Directors Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti and Rodney Rothman all manage to make one of the most faithful adaptations of Marvel’s rich set of character in years. Approaching each aspect of Spider-Man with a needed dose of originality and allowing Miles Morales to shine on his own accord. Story-wise Into the Spider-Verse (2018) doesn’t buck the origin gimmick seen in previous comic book adaptations instead pushes for its self-contained storyline about finding yourself and making powerful connections.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018 is a masterpiece on each level with strong characters and plentiful doses of terrifically animated goodness which puts it amongst Marvel’s best Hollywood releases in decades, each director made sure it blow away competition respecting Spider-Man’s rich history. Writer, Phil Lord (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) excels in developing each one of these characters and telling a groundbreaker story about finding yourself in the superhero world. Into the Spider-Verse (2018) pays homage to the characters rich history, making a treat for long-term and new fans of Marvel’s signature web-head. There is also a great emotional core to proceedings which flesh out Miles Morales and turning him into a fully realised animated protagonist.

Upcoming Hollywood newcomer Shameik Moore (The Get Down) plays fan favourite web-head Miles Morales, a young man battling against doing good at high school and being the best superhero he can be. Moore commands the active role with sublime energy and charm, putting him amongst the best Hollywood Spider-Man ever to grace silver screen audiences. Standing tall against both Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming) and Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man) in redefining what Spider-Man being meant in pop culture. I’d love to see Moore grow into the role going forward because of their tons of potential in Miles Morales.

Jake Johnson (New Girl) is Peter Parker (OG Spider-Man) the reluctant mentor to upcoming web-head Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), an older wiser superhero that sees good in the Brooklyn high school kid. Johnson works wonders with the excellence of Moore’s voice work, providing a brotherly bond that is unmatched in the medium. This also translates to other Spider-Men and Spider-Women, as his connection grows with them over the films intense runtime. I adored his comedic and emotional connection to each Spider-Man which feels right to comic book prints of Marvel’s neighbourhood web-head.

Hailee Steinfeld (Bumblebee) plays the newly created Spider-Gwen, a "free-spirited" web-slinger who gets sucked up into Spider-Verse and becomes an unlikely ally. Steinfeld commands the screen being the strong female presence, throughout the intense runtime. There is a healthy dynamic between Moore and Steinfeld, and I loved their childish, playful banter. I'm hoping their friendship blossoms in potential sequels, as their both intriguing characters.

Verdict

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is a classic animated adventure from Sony Pictures, as it pays respect to the comic print and tells an intense story about self-worth. These elements make for groundbreaking scenes which succeed in turning Miles Morales into a real-life hero. It understands what being Spider-Man means and does the web-head proud. Spider-Man has never looked better.

The animation is top notch and captures the heart of Spider-Man, with comedic elements that feel torn from comic book print. Everything felt alive and lived in. Miles Morales is given an excellent debut film which needs to be acclaimed for its original slant on Spider-Man. I would love more adventures in the world.

What did you think about the movie? Plan on checking it out next week? Let us know below.