I was as excited as anyone when the first trailers for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versedropped. That is to say, not very. It looked fine, but Sony had its chance at Spider-Man and blew it, along with my trust. Then early reviews offered nothing but high praise, so I saw it. I still cannot believe how close to perfect this movie is. I’ve seen it twice so far and am already counting the days until I can see it again. From start to finish, every moment is exciting, funny, suspenseful, tear-jerking, or if nothing else, hypnotizing. Every frame alone is a masterpiece. I don’t even blame Sony for trying to patent this animation design – it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, like watching a comic literally thwipfrom paper to screen seemlessly. The voice-work, sound design, and soundtrack were all equally phenomenal and more impactful than those of any large budget blockbuster that’s been released this decade. And the visuals…wow. Spectacular. I cannot offer enough applause and gratitude for everyone who worked on bringing this movie to life.
Each character, no matter how ridiculous they are (Spider-Ham?!), is brought to life creatively both in design and voice, and each of them are given their moments to shine. Jake Johnson’s Peter B. Parker, a past-his-prime failure of a Spider-Man, is as well-cast as Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man. And though Peter is the most interesting character in the film, Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) carries this movie from start to finish, a surprising feat for a character whom almost no casual Marvel fan knew beforehand. And going up against Peter Parker, one of the most popular and beloved comic book heroes of all time, as the one and only Spider-Man, it is incredible how much Miles holds his ground as the titular character. Even Hailee Steinfeld gets plenty of room to glow as Gwen Stacy, aka Spider-Woman, who rounds out the main trio and shines in every scene she’s in. Together, they manage to anchor this over-the-top, ridiculous cartoon movie in a very real way, breathing soul into what could have been another hapless cash-grab Spider-Man origin story. The three other “Spider-Beings” are all more or less comic relief, but they are used just perfectly enough to justify their being there and making us all cry laughing without overstaying their welcome. But in this movie, it seems as if every character steals the show in every scene. Even Aunt May is a badass whose mere presence on screen made me tear up…twice. And the villains! While the movie gives some great motivation to its main antagonist and normally generic-evil-businessman Kingpin, it also has time to make the Prowler – a character recognized by only a fraction of the audience – so incredibly terrifying and memorable. Knowing Donald Glover is playing that same character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe alone is reason enough for that universe to keep spinning for another decade or two.
Do yourself a favor and go see this movie before it leaves theaters and encourage others to do the same. It deserves every penny and so much more. If Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse doesn’t win at least two Oscars (in addition to its obviously well-deserved Best Animated Picture win), it would be a crime worth avenging. It is so good, it might just be perfect. ‘Nuff said.