Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is an inventive, adventurous, and incredibly entertaining film.
When teenager Miles Morales gets bitten by a spider, he becomes the Spider-Man of his reality. When a experiment crosses dimensions, Miles meets his counterparts from other dimensions…
Another year, another Spider-Man movie. However, the filmmakers are acutely aware of this, making amusing reference to the many iterations in the opening gambit. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is a self-aware adventure comedy. Despite the wisecracks, the film also offers sufficient heart.
The narrative of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is inventive enough to distinguish itself from other recent comic book movies. Although there is a good versus evil dynamic at its heart, the multiple dimension angle makes for an interesting storyline. The multiverse aspect may go over the heads of younger viewers, but should prove meaty enough for older audience members. The film focuses on a number of themes, with the central narrative concentrating on Miles and the responsibilities is new power brings. However, other aspects which could have felt tired, are made refreshing thanks to Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman’s screenplay. The nuance of Peter Parker’s character springs to mind in this respect.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is a visual feast. The film delivers on spectacle, with an original style. Directors Rothman, Peter Ramsey, and Bob Persichetti combine computer generated animation with a hand-drawn style reminiscent of the comics. At times the images blur, emphasising movement and energy. The style of the film is immersive and impressive.
Voice casting in the film is great. Shameik Moore makes a good Miles; Moore delivers lines with sincerity. He is ably supported Jake Johnson, Hailee Seinfeld, and Mahershala Ali. Amongst the supporting cast, Nicolas Cage stands out in a small role as Spider-Man Noir. Music in the film is good accompaniment, and helps create the setting.
Producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller show their appreciation of the source material, and their ingenuity in crafting something different with Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse. A thoroughly enjoyable film.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse is released in UK cinemas on 12th December 2018, with previews on 8th and 9th December.