Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Movie Review

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (2018) MOVIE REVIEW

Ever since his debut comic in 1962, Spider-Man has continued to resinate with audiences of any age and remain a mainstream superhero for decades. Whether it be the message of never giving up or his quick-witted humour, these attributes and more have played a key factor in why Spider-Man is one of the most recognisable and beloved superheroes of all time. One constant has always been attributed to Spider-Man, the man behind the mask Peter Parker. Parker's human side and at times nerdish nature has made anyone relate to him. However this animated feature delves deeper into other characters behind the mask and shows that no one man, child or even swine can be a symbol of perseverance. 

After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Miles Morales, a teen struggling to adjust to his new school, must take up the mantle of Spider-Man. After coming across Peter Parker, Miles soon learns he is one of many Spider-Men that must save his dimension from a crisis that threatens the entire multiverse. One of the great things about this film is that while it introduces all these other Spider-Men, it never loses track on our main character in Miles Morales. Following him through his highest of highs and lowest of lows, Shameik Moore, the voice behind Miles, does a great job in expressing every kind of emotion a young superhero would be going through just through his voice. This is gradually shown throughout the movie as the film is perfectly passed never felt like dragging, and the visuals used are a key component behind this. 

Animated movies, for the most part, all seem to have a similar presentation in terms of the animation implemented. Spider-Verse on the other hand takes this concept and throws it to the side. Using it's visuals to not only engage the audience in even the most sombre moments but also manages to further the plot through these artistic scenes and use the idea of an animated, multiverse superhero film to it's full potential and shatters the glass ceiling placed by bland box office successes like Boss Baby wide open. Not only does the feature look beautiful but depending on whom you ask, the soundtrack does the exact same thing as the visuals did. And believe me, this is far from a bad thing. Using the urban surroundings of Brooklyn and combining that with artists like Post Malone, DJ Khalil and Swae Lee, it perfectly conveys to the audience what Miles is going through as his gradual growth from everyday school kid to his cities savour is one that is beautifully directed and produced. 

Overall, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a masterpiece. It's been years since a movie, let alone an animated one, has grabbed me as well as this did. Despite my knowledge of Spider-Man lore being basic at best, I like many others was able to enjoy this humorous and heart-felt masterpiece. Enough screen-time was given to each of the Spider-Men and each resinated with me, showing that no matter who is portraying the persona, anyone can be a hero. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favour and do so. Without question one of my favourite animated movies ever made. 

OVERALL

9 / 10