Spider-Man:
Into the Spider-Verse
Mini Non-Spoiler Review
[December 07th, 2018]
[PG, 1hr 57min, Animation, Action, Adventure, Spider-Verse, Superhero]
I have watched four movies in succession just this month and I had been trying to catch up with them and write a review for each and just couldn't start the write up, until now. Let's follow up the Mortal Engines review by going Into the Spider-Verse!
I know going in (and that little sneak peek at the end of Venom) that the major variabl is the distinct animation style and while I think a select few might take a little more time to get used to the intentional use of less frame of animations, the vibrancy of the colours and the prominent comic book styling just oozes creativity out of the screen in every single frame of the film. Their confidence with the ambitious art direction shows that they are really going all out to create a whole new sub-genre of animation style alongside cell-shaded for example that really will serve the storytelling and having it benefit tremendously from it. Now I want every comic book animated feature in the future to be animated just like this because it really looks like they are literally coming off the pages with even some of the framings! I might be a bit incoherent here but when you see it unravel in front of your eyes, you will fully understand my passion for it. This is one flick that I can keep going back just for the animations!
Regarding the spidery storyline itself, I can safely say that this is by far the best Spider-Man movie to be adapted and brought to life in a manner of speaking, arguably for both animated and live action since it touches on the foundation of a superhero in general and what it means to be a Spider-Man. Since you can see how it is being interpreted in each different universe, it really emphasizes that anyone can put on the mask as long as the pair of hands holding on to the powers understand its massive undertaking and responsibly wields it to better serve the word around them. The many versions of Spideys are easily the highlights of the film but I want to highlight that one aged Peter Parker as a reluctant-turned-actually-capable mentor as a pretty humane and in turns charming outlook of how being a hero for so long could change you. This beautifully juxtaposes with the freshly new acquirer of the power in Miles Morales that have a full fulfilling journey of self-discovery from a scared little boy unsure of himself to a newly discovered superhero who fully embraces this new aspect of his life to save the day and follow in the original's footsteps bravely. This is a beautiful tribute to Spider-Man franchise just like LEGO Batman Movie was for the Caped Crusader, albeit with a little less humour (Porky Parker might have something to say about that!) and meta commentary that opens the world with virtually limitless possibilities for future adventures! Ah, this is a risk well taken by Sony and Lord and Miller indeed and they will soundly rewarded.
Among the four films I've watched so far, this is perfect for a family outing alongside Bumblebee because you will be thoroughly entertained by the storyline while the visuals and soundtrack will keep the children mesmerised.
P.S. That post credit scene was awesome and while it might be a little tongue in cheek (since I get the reference, I was the only one laughing out loud! It's okay, I was the only one left then anyway), I am up to see that version of the web-slinger!
P.P.S. So many Easter Eggs for the diehard fans to clamour over but that Stan Lee scene had me surprisingly bawling because it is such a perfect cameo that stay true to his character. That tribute for Stan Lee alongside Jack Kirby is fitting since they both create Spider-Man together.
P.P.S. Oh, isn't it telling that I do not mention at all this is the first African-Latino Spider-Man on the silver screen? His background of mixed family is treated just part of the norm. And that's what I want: when all this representations of minorities are just part of the culture instead of the industry pandering to the community just for the optic.
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