Believe the hype. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse lives up to the glowing reviews it has received since the first advance screenings began. It’s a “pretty hardcore origin story” for Miles Morales which pays homage to the character’s comic book history without being tied down by it.
None of the Spider-heroes in the movie is quite the same as those known to readers of Marvel Comics but the spirit of each is there. Plus there are plenty of deep cut, Easter eggs for sharp-eyed fans. Even the animation style pays tribute to the graphic style of comic books while blending in more to represent different realities.
The all-star voice cast is led by Shameik Moore in the lead role conveying the teen angst and uncertainty Miles faces being thrown in this larger world. And Jake Johnson’s elder superhero Peter B. Parker works well as the world-weary, reluctant mentor. Fans who don’t want to be spoiled should definitely avoid reading the IMDB cast list for some surprise guest stars (make sure to stay till the end!).
This is movie is also the first feature in Spider-Man’s history to receive a PG rating. It is an admirable feat since there is often a push toward more adult material to engage the current older audience while sacrificing the ability to still be accessible to newcomers. Anyone with even the most passing interest in comics and superheroes can sit down and enjoy Into the Spider-Verse no matter their age.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse opens everywhere on December 14, 2018.
Convention Scene thanks to SONY PlayStation and Comicazi in Somerville, MA for the tickets to this advance screening.
