December 16th, 2018
SPIDER-MAN INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE - REVIEW
Rated PG: For Frenetic Sequences Of Animated Action Violence, Thematic Elements, and Mild Language
Stars: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, John Mulaney, and Nicolas Cage
Directed By Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman
Columbia Pictures, Marvel, Sony Pictures Animation
Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse is Sony Pictures latest Spider-Man movie. It is about Miles Morales who becomes the Spider-Man of his reality and crosses paths with his counterparts from other dimensions to stop a treat to all reality. When I first heard that Sony Pictures was going to make their own animated Spider-Man movie, I had very low expectations. I wasn't sure if the project was a good idea or just another failure from Sony Pictures. Once the first trailer arrived, I liked that it didn't reveal too much about the movie or its plot - yet again I still had very low expectations. But, I have to say after seeing this movie; its a success. This is a surprisingly good movie. It is so good to have a Spider-Man movie that comes directly from Sony Pictures (and not a combination between Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios). This was great, especially after having disappointing recreations of the superhero Spider-Man. Thankfully, this Spider-Man movie exceeds the expectations of its fans. The performances by Shameik Moore (Dope) Jake Johnson (The LEGO Movie, 21 Jump Street), Hailee Steinfeld (The Edge Of Seventeen, Pitch Perfect 2, True Grit), John Mulaney (Saturday Night Live), and Nicolas Cage were very good. Jake Johnson delivers an excellent Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Shameik Moore is fantastic as Miles Morales, John Mulaney was very funny as Spider-Ham, Nicolas Cage did a pretty decent job playing the role of Spider-Man Noir, Kimiko Glenn was good as Peni Parker, and Hailee Steinfeld was very good as Gwen Stacy. The directing by Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, and Bob Persichetti was pretty good. The writing by Phil Lord, and Rodney Rothman was very good and original. This movie also has some similar vibes as The LEGO Movie had since it is written by Phil Lord, and produced by Christopher Miller who both wrote and directed The LEGO Movie. The animation is probably the best thing about this movie. The animation is so well done that it definitely feels like you are watching a comic book come to life on the big screen. The humor was terrific and sometimes I caught myself laughing out loud. Although I did like this movie, I do have to admit that there were some aspects that could have been done better. I thought Kingpin as the villain was just okay, but my issue is that the movie tries to humanize him by giving us his backstory, and I felt like that part was forced - not adding any value to the storyline. Another issue I have regarding backstories is that some were rushed leaving you wanting to know more about the characters as in the case of Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham, and Peni Parker. Not everyone will agree, as many fans are aware of these characters backstories through comic books, however for those movie fans that are not as familiar with these characters, more time given would help frame these characters a little better. In my opinion, the final scene was somewhat of a let down. I'm not talking about the climax ending, I am referencing the final shot of the film of which, I choose not to disclose as I do not want to spoil anything for those who have not yet seen the film. All in all, Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse is not only a good Spider-Man movie, it's a good movie that both comic book lovers, and film enthusiasts alike will enjoy.
Grade: B