At the time this movie came out, I automatically was unamused by it, feeling that the multiple Spider-Man series had gotten repetitive and old. By that point, there were already three different live-action series of the super-hero out, how many more did we need? Luckily, Into the Spider-verse proved itself to be a movie, unlike any other superhero movie.
The movie follows a young teenager, Miles Morales. Like every other Spider-Man, Miles gets bitten by a radioactive spider and has to adjust to these newfound powers while being given the very light task of disabling a multiverse collider under Brooklyn before it gets sucked under a black hole. Luckily for him, a group of other spider-people from alternate universes are present to help him navigate the situation and give him a “lesson with the ropes.”
I think the first thing that’s noteworthy to mention is that there is never a dull moment in this movie. This is with the unique and vibrant style of animation, albeit which could be a bit overwhelming and easy to get lost in. Not only was this unique spark implemented for Miles, but for each alternate spider-person. The more obvious examples are Noir, Peni Parker, and Peter Poker, who appear in 2-D styles respective to the timeframe and genre that their universe originates from. The combination of modern 3-D and 2-D exceeds the standards of a typical animated Disney movie and adds to the amusement of the film.
Another aspect that kept me engaged was the genuine connection between the characters. The modern dialogue and use of NYC slang and mannerisms really capture the essence of the setting in a way that comes off as natural to the characters. It allows the audience to connect with them more on a personal level and helps them understand that even with super-human powers, they are just as human as we are (with honorable mention to Porker, of course).
Not only do you find this humanity in our protagonists, but our antagonists as well. Kingpin, being the main one, was fighting against the heroes and laws of physics for something that money alone could not bring back. Despite his obviously dark, dangerous, and selfish nature, his motives were something that most people would relate to if they were ever in his position. He brings the notion of being willing to kill for the people you love into life that gives the viewer a perspective to sympathize with.
The importance of family and relationships is one of the things that make the film amazing. Miles finds confidence in his ability to use his spider-powers not through being thrown into life-threatening situations, but through the faith that the people he loves the most have for him. The idea itself seems somewhat typical for a superhero movie, but the execution of it was truly unique. The authenticity and genuineness of the characters really made this Spider-Man movie especially heart warming and personal to the audience.
As touching the character development is to the story, the general multidimensional aspect of the movie is something that deserves an entire separate column to itself. How was it that Gwen Stacy, one of the spider-people among the group who was not native to Miles’ universe, was there before the collision that brought the group together in the first place occurred? How did she get there and what were her motives?
The movie concludes as satisfactory as it could have. The spider-group saves the day and everyone goes back home while Miles continues to hold the torch as the next Spider-Man. I think Marvel really took the cake with this movie by combining the concept of “in another world” with themes of teamwork and love, and demonstrating it in a gnarly and visually stunning adaptation. It would open the audience up to an amazing series to anticipate for.
