Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse is the comic book movie we all wanted but didn’t know we needed.
It is one of the most unique concepts to ever hit a Spider-man movie, giving movie-goers a brilliant look into the world of comics on-screen. If you are old enough to have seen the 60’s version of Batman (featuring Adam West), you’ll have an idea of what I am talking about. We have the thought bubbles, the fuzziness of the comics (which is showcased in many comics due to the printing process), and classic comic book covers all in one movie. And let’s not forget the famous intros, of which there are plenty. Oh, and the main Spider-man is a minority, something uniquely great in the society we have today. Plus, an even greater surprise, one of the famous villains is now a woman. And not one dressed in overtly sexy gear either. Sorry, true comic book fans but this is supposed to be for the kids.
If you want fun for the whole family, this is it. The first Peter Parker introduced in the movie has a distinct personality that is reminiscent of Deadpool, but not enough where kids who haven’t seen the movie will understand or become offended by it. While there are also enough embarrassing moments between father and son, Miles Morales and his dad (voiced by Shameik Moore and Brian Tyree Henry respectively), that both kids and parents will relate. Plus, the movie soundtrack is one that you will want to get your hands on. I know I did. Though, some of the best songs that were featured in the movie (Outside of Sunflower by Post Malone) are not available. I see you Spidey-bells. Kids will love all the action and many of the jokes played on Miles Morales as he learns the ropes on becoming Spider-man.
And if you are one to search out Easter Eggs, you will find so many. And no, I am not going to ruin them for you, but the number 42 is featured so often it could almost be a drinking game once you obtain the movie on DVD (estimated to be released in March 2019). I don’t recommend this in theaters with your kids sitting beside you. Though I will say, seeing Stan Lee up on screen now that he passed away brought a tear or two to my eyes.
The most refreshing part of the movie, outside of the conceptualization of it, was the fact that we actually see a minority as a leader and a hero. Miles Morales really is the Spider-man that we have all needed for years because it is about time that kids can look up to someone who isn’t just the stereotypical Caucasian hero. Plus, all of the other offerings of Spider-man, like Gwen Stacey (Hailee Steinfeld), Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), with Sp//dr, and Spider-Ham (John Mulaney) give us other insights into who Spiderman is capable of being. Plus, despite the fact that there are so many villains crammed into the movie (with big names like Liev Schreiber and Mahershala Ali voicing them), they weren’t the focus of the movie. Instead we were given so many origin stories and backgrounds to center the audience on the fact that this was a Spider-man movie.
You won’t be disappointed by this movie if you are a true comic lover or even just a huge fan of Spider-man. Honestly, my family, the whole family, gives the movie 10 stars out of 5. Yep, it’s just that good. And I know for a fact, that I will be pre-ordering the DVD as soon as it becomes available.
Have a wonderful holiday season and look for new things to come on my movie reviews. Plus, my Aquaman (starring Jason Momoa) review will be up very soon because I was able to get advanced tickets to the movie via Amazon Prime. So, what will you be watching during the Christmas break? I might just be going to see Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse again. Tell me your thoughts about the movie and the ones you plan to see over the holidays below.
