Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

This review may contain spoilers!

This film smashes all my expectations for what an animated film is and crafts one of the most memorable films of the year. I would give Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse a 9/10.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse follows Miles Morales, a young kid grappling with his newfound spider powers and the sudden appearance of a number of Spider-people, as he attempts to prevent Kingpin from rending New York apart with an inter-dimensional device. This film is all heart every step of the way, highlighting the bond relationships between family, friends and mentors can have upon one's life and the strength we gain from these positive relationships. As a main protagonist Miles has to be one of the most interesting Spider-Man characters we've had on the big screen yet. There is an awkward and nervous degree to him that helps shape the initial reluctant hero; yet a strong moral compass and dedication to the values taught to him by his family we see Miles emerge a true steadfast hero. Yes, this is a Spider-Man film and that means epic super-villain battles, fast quips and ludicrous sci-fi elements but that's where the film gets to have its fun all the while imparting a strong narrative that puts a whole new understanding to the phrase: "With great power comes great responsibility". I am still stunned by how this film looks visually, it is completely unique and sets a very vibrant, fresh look that I feel a lot of studios will aspire to now. The score is thrilling and has you engaged from start to finish; while I feel the soundtrack includes some brilliant gems, like Post Malone's 'Sunflower' or Blackway's 'What's Up Danger', that serve to highlight Miles as a character and enhance the narrative beat for beat.

Shameik Moore, who voiced Miles Morales, really crafts this humble young role who is so incredibly uncertain of his place in the world; Moore shows a young man who is incredibly brave and able to find himself a hero. Jake Johnson, who voiced Peter B. Parker, is the spectacularly hilarious Spider-Man that we're all familiar with from the first frame; yet I like how Johnson really plays up the washed out quality to his Spider-Man character making him a rather disgruntled mentor to Moore's Miles. Hailee Steinfeld, who voiced Gwen Stacy, just continues to absolutely dominate every role she is given at the moment; Steinfeld lends a tough edge to her character but she also shines through with that superhero charisma throughout. Mahershala Ali, who voiced Uncle Aaron, is such a smooth, cool role upon being introduced; Ali does a great job of framing a role who functions partly as a villain but completely as this warm, likeable uncle to Miles. Brian Tyree Henry, who voiced Jefferson Davis, is a pretty stalwart father figure with a chip on his shoulder about Spider-Man at first; Tyree Henry's character has such charm because he very openly has his heart on his sleeve throughout the film. John Mulaney, who voiced Spider-Ham, lends all of his comedic persona to this role full force; Mulaney is strongly the comedic backbone of the film dishing puns galore and oddball quips at every opportune moment. Kimiko Glenn, who voiced Peni Parker, is this very charged, high-energy role who quickly captures the hearts of the audience; Glenn does a good job at portraying the rather emotional tragedy her role goes through in this film extremely well. Nicolas Cage, who voiced Spider-Man Noir, really parodies the morose undertones of his role quite well; Cage has a rather bashful, yet charming connection to the rest of the team and it makes for quite a heartfelt addition to the Spider-family. Kathryn Hahn, who voiced Doc Ock, really nails the distracted and erratic scientist so well at first that you have no idea the antagonist she will turn out to be until the big reveal; Hahn's sudden transition into a vicious violent streak is a great turn in the plot and a knockout show from this actress. Liev Schreiber, who voiced Wilson Fisk, is just this booming bass presence throughout the film; a real powerful menace who is brought to life perfectly by Schreiber.

However, the best performance came from Chris Pine, who voiced Peter Parker. While Pine doesn't have a lot of screen time he immediately shines as the charismatic iconic role we've all come to know and love countless times over the years. Spider-Man is one of the biggest heroes of all time and Pine sells that every step of the way, charisma practically oozing out of him. I have connected with a large number of Spider-Man portrayals over the years and that's because he's a hard character to get wrong honestly; but there is something really impressive with what each actor brings to this role. Pine shows a quick wit and real energy when it comes to the role. But what really makes him significant is the immediate sense of care he shows for Miles upon meeting him; its this moment in which he displays an overwhelming sense of responsibility to Miles and commits a lot to being his mentor. It is probably my favourite scene in the entire film. 'Nuff said.

 This film does slow a bit once it begins introducing so many extra antagonists and spider-people into the mix, especially with some of the plot devices already in play. Each time a new character is brought in they have to be introduced and then inserted alongside another main character(s) to make them feel like an active participant in the plot. While they do this rather well for the most part, it certainly chops the pace of the feature up somewhat.

Lily Tomlin, who voiced Aunt May, is one of my least favourite portrayals of Peter's Aunt yet; Tomlin's May seems like some kind of souped Alfred Pennyworth who slipped their marbles along the way, she's a mad character and doesn't make much sense at all. Luna Lauren Velez, who voiced Rio Morales, really gets shaded by Tyree Henry and Ali in a big way; you never feel like Miles' Mum has much of a presence or a purpose in this film - which seems a lot more dedicated with his relationship to father figures. Zoe Kravitz, who voiced Mary Jane, presents a rather bland interpretation of this character; Kravitz's MJ is resoundingly muted and seems merely there to be pined after rather than play an active role.