Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse Review

Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse

If you think there’s only one Spider-Man, think again. This film was created by 177 Sony animators and received an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Annie award for Best Animated Feature of 2018. As you will soon see, there’s a lot more underneath the surface.

Positive Elements: Miles is your typical 14 year old, sorting through school and life. Yet, he has a soft spot for some things. For instance, Miles loves his Uncle Aaron and looks up to him. Miles also loves his parents, despite some rough moments. In return, Miles’ parents encourage and support him through thick and thin.

Miles’ dad sometimes focuses on law over grace. But he realizes this way of thinking needs to be balanced, and takes steps to do so. Jefferson tells Miles “I see this spark in you, it’s amazing. Whatever you do, you’ll be great. I love you.”

Other characters learn a few lessons too. Peter B. Parker transforms from self-absorbed to humble when training Miles to become Spider Man. He points out that it takes a “leap of faith” to overcome a challenge. Miles eventually takes this advice and puts his life on the line.

Gwen Stacy is smart and brilliant, full of confidence. When we learn her backstory however, it’s far from perfect. After losing a friend, she keeps a guarded wall around herself. But as Gwen works with Miles and the other Spider people, she opens up to them.

Uncle Aaron is a flawed character (more on that below), but he loves Miles. He encourages the teen to be creative and express himself. Aaron says to Miles “You’re the best of all of us, Miles.” He is a very supportive adult in the boy’s life.

Several characters sacrifice their lives to protect loved ones and stop a villain. They work together and encourage each other in spite of perilous situations.

Sensual Content: After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Miles grows overnight, thinking it’s “puberty.” He has a crush on Gwen; the two flirt on occasion and hug once. Gwen’s Spider suit is form fitting, hugging her body. There’s a few references that will fly over kids heads. For instance, Uncle Aaron says “I can’t have my nephew on the street with no game.” Peter B. Parker flirts with Olivia Octavius during a ruse.

Violence: Several scenes feature thumping violence and fast paced action. For example, once Miles has his powers, he rips wall chunks out, and walks dangerously outside a building. He also drags an unconscious Peter B. Parker throughout New York with the latter slamming into multiple objects. These two scenes are played for laughs.

But when Kingpin and his helpers are introduced, things are racketed up a notch or two. A huge machine opens several dimensions and nearly kills New York City twice. Miles and Peter B. are chased by evil lab doctors who shoot stylized like lasers at them. Gwen and other Spider people repeatedly glitch before going back to their dimensions. In flashback, we watch as Kingpin’s wife and son die in a car accident.

The Spider people face off against Kingpin’s helpers in two lengthy battles. The first one takes place in Aunt May’s house, multiple objects are smashed and cars flattened. During that battle, wall chunks are ripped out, and roof shingles fly everywhere. The second battle is near the end when the Spider people are trying to get back home. Olivia Octavius (female Doc Ock) slices through trees and throws our heroes around like rag dolls. Two explosions leave everything in dust and ashes. Miles is slammed repeatedly by Kingpin in their final confrontation.

(Spoiler Warning): Perhaps the most disturbing scenes in the film are two character’s deaths. Blond Spider-Man is killed by Kingpin’s bare hands (just off-camera). He then instructs one asset to “get rid of the body.” The Prowler (who turns out to be Miles’ Uncle Aaron) almost kills Spider-Man until Miles pulls back the mask, revealing his face. Uncle Aaron sacrificially lets Miles go, only to be shot by Kingpin. Miles takes Uncle Aaron to an alleyway where the man dies in Miles’ arms.

Language: One use of h---, along with “gosh” and “jeez.”

Drugs/Alcohol: None.

Other Negative Elements: Uncle Aaron and Miles head to a restricted area underground and use spray paint to create art. Kingpin blames Spider-Man for the death of his wife and son. As mentioned, the Prowler is Miles’ Uncle Aaron; but Miles doesn’t find out until the film’s middle. The scene could be scary for younger viewers.

Conclusion: Into the Spider Verse definitely has potential as an animated film: spectacular animation, talented voice acting, and great messages. The animation is unlike any Disney or Pixar movie I’ve seen before; it’s like a comic book has come to life. Through the eyes of the Spider people, it feels so real with the crashes and gestures being named after they’ve taken place. The film is so stunning, it deserves more sequels in the future.

An A-list voice cast rounds the feature nicely too. Shameik Moore (best known for the mature 2015 film Dope) voices Miles in a convincing way. Jake Johnson (The Mummy 2017) plays Peter B. Parker so well, adding humorous one-liners and sarcasm into the mix. Masherala Ali (Green Book) shows great acting chops as the voice of Uncle Aaron. Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit 2010) shows spunk and female empowerment as Gwen Stacy. Those are only a few of the many voice actors in the film.

Into the Spider Verse teaches viewers (young and old) some pretty nice lessons too. It emphasizes the importance of familial love, no matter what stage of life you’re in. The film also shows heroism as several characters put their lives on the line for each other. It teaches us that anyone can be a superhero; you don’t need superpowers to be one.

The film’s only drawbacks are a lone profanity and the intense violence. As mentioned, the two death scenes could make sensitive viewers cry and scared. I know both scenes brought tears to my eyes. I must admit, the violence is a bit more intense than many other kids films these days.

That said, Into the Spider Verse is, hands down, the best film of 2018. Trust me, if you’re a Spidey fan, this film will tug at your heartstrings but also make you laugh out loud. I loved the movie from start to finish. It’s not Ultimate, but is one of the best Marvel movies in 2018