Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse potentially takes the coveted title of the best Spider-Man movie to date. It is one of the most fun, genuinely brilliant Comic Book movies we’ve seen in some time. It’s no longer all about the giant budget, same formulaic superhero movies we still love.
The Movie focuses on Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he is tasked with succeeding his world’s Spider-Man (Chris Pine), stopping Wilson Fisk (Liev Schreiber) from opening an interdimensional wormhole again, destroying Brookyln and potentially the world. However, the first time he opened the vortex, he unknowingly let in other Spider-people, like Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), Spider-Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld), Spider-Ham (John Mulaney), Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn) and Spider-Man Noir (Nicolas Cage). Miles must take the reins on his powers and learn how to use them while also not letting down the other Spider-people.
The Movie plays homage to previous Spider-Man movies, while simultaneously poking fun at them (‘emo’ Spider-Man 3 anyone?) but can anyone expect different from Screenwriter Phil Lord (Lego Movie/21 Jump Street). It feels genuinely new while simultaneously sticking to its source material. Giving life to a new Spider-Man other than the same old Peter Parker is a nice change of pace as audiences get to experience a new origin story, while also seeing four other origin stories and giving us something so spectacular and amazing.
Moreover the animation style in Spider-Verse is something refreshing. There is something just uplifting about the style. It has that 3D-feel but without the necessity of 3D while also feeling like a Comic Book literally coming to life. There is something whimsical about this style that breathes new life into the Movie.
The Voice Acting in the Film also is spot-on and enjoyable. Shameik Moore is the quintessential Miles Morales, perfect for the role. Chris Pine as Miles’ original Spider-Man has that full of himself Spider-Man attitude that the 2000s Spidey possessed. Liev Schreiber as Wilson Fisk is the perfect voice for the commanding and powerful arch nemesis of all spider-men. Jake Johnson brings a new take to the Spider-Man, one who believes he is not good enough, but through other character interactions accepts his responsibility associated with his power. Hailee Steinfeld, Kimiko Glenn, Nicolas Cage and John Mulaney embody their spider-personalities with such perfection that it ties the knot atop of the perfect quintessential Spider-Man movie.
Thank you, Phil Lord and directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman for giving us the Spider-Man movie we deserve. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is one of the best 2018 has to offer and a bonus that it gets a Holiday release. Thwip into your spider-gear and get ready for one of the most original Spider-Man movies to date.
Sony Pictures Canada releases SPIDER-MAN INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE everywhere on Friday, December 14, 2018.
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